Australia Begins Extensive Testing of Genetically Modified Wheat
Preparatory work for extensive testing of genetically modified wheat has commenced in Australia. The local firm, InterGrain, is cultivating hundreds of wheat varieties that, according to projections, could be up to 10% more productive than traditional varieties. This boost in productivity is achievable in a short period due to the advancements in New Genomic Techniques (NGT).
Gene Editing Boosts Efficiency
Gene editing, a novel technique, has the potential to produce healthier and more resilient plants with higher yields and reduced needs for water, fertilizers, and chemicals. Unlike traditional genetic modifications (GMOs), gene editing does not introduce foreign DNA into the crops. Instead, it modifies the existing, natural genome, making it less risky and more akin to conventional plant breeding in the eyes of many regulatory bodies and scientists. This technique also allows for the alteration of multiple genes, providing a broader scope of modifications.
High-Yield Wheat Varieties in Australia
InterGrain, an Australian seed producer, imported several thousand wheat seeds from the American agricultural company Inari earlier this year, including hundreds of new genetic varieties. These seeds are currently growing in a test greenhouse in southeastern Queensland. The seeds from these plants will be used to grow more plants at over 45 trial sites across the country during the 2025 growing season. These new varieties are expected to significantly improve wheat yields by up to 10% and should be available on the market around 2028.
Accelerated Breeding with AI and CRISPR
Inari uses artificial intelligence to map numerous potential genetic changes and applies CRISPR-Cas, a tool that can locate and modify selected DNA segments, to alter multiple genes simultaneously. This approach enables the selection of desired traits, making gene editing potentially 10-15 times faster than traditional plant breeding.
Global Implications and Regulatory Steps
Gene-edited crops are already available, though most have focused on specific nutritional improvements or disease resistance rather than broader productivity enhancements per unit of water or fertilizer. As one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, Australia’s next step is to establish regulatory processes that allow for the sale of genetically modified crops in its export markets. Regulatory bodies in the USA and Japan have already decided that gene-edited crops will be regulated similarly to traditionally bred crops, simplifying their approval process.
The European Union is moving in a similar direction, and China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of wheat, recently approved the planting of disease-resistant genetically modified wheat. Inari is also collaborating with seed companies to introduce high-yield genetically modified soybeans to the US market, although the exact yield improvements have not been disclosed.
The advancements in NGT and gene editing represent a significant leap forward in agricultural productivity, particularly for staple crops like wheat. These innovations could help meet the growing global food demand while reducing environmental impacts. However, the acceptance and regulation of genetically modified wheat remain crucial for its widespread adoption.
