In 2020, the transgenic (genetically modified) wheat “HB4” was approved for commercial cultivation in Argentina for the first time. This was a historic event in wheat genetic improvement. “HB4” is a drought-resistant variety and is very important as a countermeasure to climate change in agriculture. Until now, wheat’s genetic improvement had lagged behind other crops such as corn and soybeans. However, with the 2020 approval, wheat improvement technologies have become more realistic, and future developments are highly anticipated. In 2024, we will delve into past genetic improvement efforts, current technical challenges, and future possibilities.
The History and Background of Genetically Modified Wheat
The efforts to improve wheat varieties began in the early 20th century with the advancement of genetics. However, compared to other major crops, the introduction of genetically modified technologies in wheat has struggled. One of the technical hurdles is the low success rate of creating genetically modified organisms, which is attributed to the difficulty of the tissue culture technology that forms the foundation. Additionally, the polyploidy (the number of chromosomes) among varieties presents another challenge in breeding wheat using genetic modification. Furthermore, ethical hurdles also play a role. For example, consumer concerns and strict government regulations are among the factors. Especially since wheat is consumed worldwide as a staple food, there is high consumer interest, and the spread of genetically modified varieties has been slow. However, the commercialization of “HB4” in Argentina could be a turning point in this history. If similar developments are seen in other countries, the breeding of wheat through genetic modification may accelerate.
Technical Challenges in Wheat Genetic Improvement
Wheat is a difficult crop to genetically improve, mainly due to the high technical hurdles in gene introduction. For example, tissue culture-based regeneration in wheat is more challenging than in other crops, requiring specific conditions for success. The optimal culture method varies depending on the wheat variety, and there are still species and varieties for which culture methods have not been established. Furthermore, the success rate of gene introduction is not high, and modified genes do not always work effectively in all varieties. For this reason, scientists have undergone many trials and errors. For example, they have analyzed the genes of wheat varieties that can undergo tissue culture and identified genes crucial for tissue culture. These genes have been introduced into difficult-to-culture varieties through crossbreeding and other methods, advancing the breeding of varieties optimized for culture and gene introduction. In recent years, the application of genome editing technology has progressed, allowing more precise and efficient wheat improvement.
Consumer Acceptance and Regulatory Challenges
While technical advances have been made, consumer concerns and international regulations remain significant challenges. Concerns about transgenic (genetically modified) crops stem from fears about food safety and environmental impact. As a result, the market introduction of genetically modified wheat is currently difficult. While regulatory authorities take a cautious stance, a flexible approach based on scientific evidence is needed. Additionally, to deepen consumer understanding, educational efforts through accurate information provision are essential. This will help dispel misunderstandings about genetically modified crops, allowing more people to understand their benefits. At the same time, it is important to consider systems that allow consumers to avoid genetically modified crops if they choose not to accept them.
Advances in Genome Editing Technology and the Future of Wheat Improvement
Recent technological innovations, particularly genome editing technology, have attracted attention. This technology allows for precise editing of specific genes, unlike traditional genetic modification technology. More specifically, genetic modification technology introduces new genes to function within the crop, while genome editing modifies parts of the crop’s existing genes to enhance or alter their original functions for improvement. Genome editing merely induces pinpoint mutations that occur naturally during crossbreeding, making it difficult to acquire as drastic a function as genetic modification, but it is expected to be a stable breeding tool. With genome editing, even crops with complex genomes like wheat can be efficiently and safely improved.
The immediate breeding need is to respond to climate change. Using modern technology, it is possible to develop varieties adapted to climate change, and wheat varieties that can withstand droughts and high temperatures caused by abnormal weather are expected to emerge. This will strengthen food security and mark a step toward the realization of sustainable agriculture. With continued research, improved wheat varieties may soon be introduced to agricultural fields.
Potential and Future Expectations of Wheat Genetic Improvement
Wheat genetic improvement is a very important theme for the future of agriculture. Particularly as climate change progresses, developing more resilient crops is an urgent task. By effectively utilizing genome editing technology and transgenic technology, the realization of sustainable agriculture is within sight. However, consumer understanding and cooperation with regulatory authorities are essential for this to happen. In addition to technological advancements, social acceptance and policy development are also key challenges. Research on wheat improvement will continue, and we look forward to the day when new varieties will appear on our tables.
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