Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 52-60 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 57 6.3 Regulatory frameworks and compliance The commercialization of GE sugarcane is subject to stringent regulatory frameworks designed to ensure biosafety and environmental protection. Regulatory authorities require detailed molecular studies to assess transgene insertion sites, the number of transgenes, and gene expression levels before approving GE crops for commercial use. In Brazil, for example, only three insect-resistant transgenic sugarcane varieties have been officially approved for commercialization, highlighting the rigorous evaluation process (Budeguer et al., 2021). Compliance with international biosafety standards, such as those outlined by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, is crucial for the global acceptance and trade of GE sugarcane. These regulations aim to mitigate potential risks and ensure that GE crops are safe for cultivation and consumption (Verma et al., 2022). In conclusion, while genetic engineering offers promising solutions for enhancing sugarcane resistance to insect pests, it is imperative to carefully consider the environmental and ecological implications. Ongoing research, robust safety assessments, and adherence to regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure the sustainable and responsible use of GE sugarcane in agriculture. 7 Challenges and Limitations of Genetic Engineering in Sugarcane 7.1 Technical challenges in gene editing The genetic complexity of sugarcane presents significant technical challenges for gene editing. Sugarcane is a highly polyploid and aneuploid crop with an extremely large genome, which complicates the development of efficient transformation protocols. Each new genotype requires optimized tissue culture and plant generation procedures, making the process laborious and time-consuming (Budeguer et al., 2021). Additionally, the lack of a complete sequenced reference genome for sugarcane hinders molecular studies necessary for commercial release, such as determining transgene insertion sites and gene expression levels. Transgene silencing is another technical hurdle, as it occurs in a large proportion of genetically modified sugarcane plants, affecting the stability and effectiveness of the introduced traits (Arruda, 2012). Moreover, the advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, while promising, is still in its infancy for sugarcane, and challenges such as low transformation efficiency and transgene silencing remain significant obstacles (Mohan, 2016). 7.2 Public perception and acceptance Public perception and acceptance of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, including sugarcane, are critical factors influencing their adoption. Despite the potential benefits, there is widespread skepticism and resistance to GM crops due to concerns about their safety, environmental impact, and ethical considerations (Tyagi et al., 2020). Regulatory issues further complicate the commercial approval of genetically modified sugarcane, as stringent policies for risk assessment and biosafety must be met (Arruda, 2012). The presence of genome editing cassettes in the genome of edited plants also raises regulatory challenges, which can be mitigated by using transgene-free genome editing techniques (Krishna et al., 2023). However, public acceptance remains a significant barrier, and efforts to educate and engage with the public are essential to address these concerns and facilitate the adoption of genetically engineered sugarcane (Tyagi et al., 2020). 7.3 Economic considerations and market adoption Economic considerations and market adoption are crucial for the successful commercialization of genetically engineered sugarcane. The development and commercialization of transgenic sugarcane are costly and time-consuming processes, requiring substantial investment in research, development, and regulatory compliance . Despite the potential for improved yield and pest resistance, the economic viability of genetically modified sugarcane must be carefully evaluated. For instance, while transgenic sugarcane lines have shown strong insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, they often present poor agronomic characteristics and industrial traits compared to non-transformed control plants, which can affect their marketability (Wang et al., 2017). Additionally, the limited number of officially approved transgenic sugarcane varieties for commercialization highlights the challenges in achieving market adoption (Figure 2) (Budeguer et al., 2021). Therefore, economic considerations, including cost-benefit analysis and market acceptance, play a pivotal role in determining the feasibility and success of genetically engineered sugarcane.
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