Few topics are as divisive and controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The same level of contention also characterises new genomic techniques (NGTS), often referred to as the new generation of GMOs.
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[Nathalie] Verbruggen embraces a balanced but optimistic position.“If the uses are guided by sustainability goals, NGTs can become powerful tools to support agriculture and biodiversity,” she told Euronews.
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“We talk about reducing fertilisers by making crops less dependent on nitrogen or phosphorus and making them more resilient to diseases and pests,” she stated.
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“The types of characteristics that we would like our plants or animals to have in the face of climate change… are what are known as genetically complex traits,” [Michael Antoniou] explained.
“It’s not like one gene or two genes give you robust drought tolerance or saline tolerance or heat stress tolerance,” he said.
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Antoniou stressed that gene-editing tools can be less precise than believed, potentially leading to unpredictable effects on the environment.
