Gene drive based on the CRISPR/Cas-9 gene editing system is a powerful technology that promotes the inheritance of the gene drive tool itself via sexual reproduction and can therefore spread quickly through a population. It holds great potential for public health and humanitarian purposes, such as reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases like malaria. Here, we discuss another potential application of CRISPR-based gene drive, namely the control of pest species to increase crop production. We argue that gene drive-based pest control strategies should receive more attention from policymakers and the public given their enormous potential impact on the environment, their easy accessibility, and the current dearth of regulations.
https://www.geneconvenevi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EMBO-Reports-4.png300300Academic Web Pages/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/GC-color-logo-for-header-3277-x-827-1030x260.pngAcademic Web Pages2017-01-13 00:00:002020-04-22 16:36:31Agricultural pest control with CRISPR-based gene drive: time for public debate: Should we use gene drive for pest control?