Genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9 system, can achieve
transgene-free gene modifications and is expected to generate a wide range
of plants. However, the public perception against GMOs suggests that people
will initially be hesitant to accept these plants.

Tetsuya Ishii and Motoko Araki from Hokkaido University in Japan explored
the bottlenecks of consumer acceptance of transgene-free food crops
developed through genome editing and made recommendations. People should not
pursue a zero-risk bias regarding such crops. Developers should also aim to
produce cultivars with traits that would satisfy consumer needs, aside from
those for farmers only.

Moreover, developers must also investigate off-target mutations in resultant
plants and initially refrain from multiplex genome editing. In terms of
regulation, the government should consider their status and establish
appropriate regulations. The government should also promote communication
between the public and developers.

If people are knowledgeable of the benefits of genome-edited plants and
trust in the regulations, then transgene-free crops could gradually be
integrated into our society.



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