Genetic modification techniques in plant breeding: A comparative review of CRISPR/Cas and GM technologies

Biotechnology has revolutionized agriculture through innovations such as genetically modified (GM) technology and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. In this review, a comparative analysis of these methods that addresses the concerns regarding the oversimplification of the notion that the CRISPR-based editing approach is equivalent to traditional GM approaches is offered. Since the 1990s, despite the potential benefits for crop improvement and food security, controversies have arisen around recombinant technology and the introduction of GM products due to perceived environmental and health concerns. In contrast, the recent emergence of the CRISPR/Cas system as a precise genome editing tool has garnered relatively less public resistance. In this review, the reasons for these contrasting findings are explored to shed light on the distinct characteristics inherent to each approach. Additionally, we conduct a bibliographic analysis to examine the shift in research priorities between the two technological eras, followed by a comprehensive comparison of the two approaches, to enable a better understanding of the potential synergies that can be achieved between agricultural biotechnology and conventional techniques for enhancing modern agriculture. A nuanced understanding of these technologies is crucial for informed decision-making, responsible implementation, and addressing the concerns surrounding agricultural biotechnology.