Preface

As the global debate and controversy continue to rage around genetically modified crops (GM crops), and various reasons are proffered for public concerns about these crops, the science is stepping up to the plate to help address some of these concerns. The book contains nine chapters that speak to the development and utility of these crops. In particular, it discusses the root and tuber crops, cassava (*Manihot esculenta* Crantz), sweet potato (*Ipomoer batatas*), and yams (*Dioscorea* spp.), as well as ginger and oilseed crops including *Jatropha*. The book also discusses in detail the use of plants to develop pharmaceuticals. Moreover, it examines the biosafety regulation of these crops, including regulatory frameworks form Australia and India, and differences in perceptions between the West and the rest of the world to strategies for removing selectable marker genes.

Chapter 1 outlines the biology of candidate oilseed crops and the genetic modification and genome editing approaches used for overall improvement of oils and their profiles. Furthermore, these approaches are geared towards addressing the evergrowing demand for oil-based products in human diets as well as health, pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications. The improved yields and healthier profiles also help address this growing demand without necessarily increasing the area/land under cultivation. This is a welcome development given that globally the amount of arable land is decreasing, while the demand to feed an ever-growing population is increasing. This demand also speaks to newer ways of farming with less water used per unit area. The chapter also refers to the utility of *Jatropha* as a resource for biofuels. Its diverse attributes make it an attractive crop for genetic improvement and industrial application as well. The range and choice of oilseed crops discussed in this chapter are representative of the desired product range and various applications.

Chapter 2 speaks on the latest developments in molecular breeding and gene manipulation for the three species of cassava (*Manihot esculenta* Crantz), sweet potato (*Ipomoer batatas*), and yams (*Dioscorea* spp.). The authors also delve into the future prospects of increasing efficiencies and broadening the repertoire of new and existing selectable marker genes. The chapter also covers the applications and potential benefits of genetic modification in breeding selected outcrossing root and tuber crops, thus circumventing the challenges faced by breeders using conventional breeding approaches.

Chapter 3 deals with the development of recombinant proteins in plants. This is a rapidly growing area recognized for its product safety, cost-effectiveness, scalability, diversity, and numerous ways to rapidly produce recombinant proteins. Plant systems have significant advantages and out-compete both animal and yeast recombinant protein production systems. They are amenable to large-scale production of biomolecules such as antibodies and therapeutic proteins. Molecular pharming with transgenic plant systems has added advantages over other production systems that are fraught with contamination challenges. These systems are equally adept at posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation, and the product can be stored in user-friendly forms such as seeds and leaves, among other forms of tissue.

Chapter 4 is on generating cisgenic plants using original or sequences from related species to generate marker-free plants, which is fast becoming a reality. The chapter also provides a rich background to the four mechanisms that govern site-specific recombination, the *in vitro* assays that are used for each, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. This chapter also serves as a quick reference guide for teachers, regulators, skeptics, and students alike. Whether these plants escape the rigorous regulatory assessment used on GM crops or whether they are also going to be subjected to stiff regulation remains to be seen. As more and more examples and case-by-case examples are generated, perhaps that dawn is nearer than currently envisaged. All sides continue to watch this space with bated breath.

Chapter 5 is an exhaustive treatise on the topic of ginger, discussing breeding and genetics, crop selection, propagation, marketing, challenges, opportunities, and future prospects. Being fully aware of the criteria for breeding and crop selection as an initial step to rendering ginger amenable to genetic manipulation is a great achievement. This is a comprehensive reference guide for teachers, researchers, students of ginger, farmers, and traders alike, which makes it a tremendous resource.

Chapter 6 presents case studies of biotechnology applications and progress made in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda to address biotic, abiotic constraints, and malnutrition that smallholder farmers face every day on the continent. The case examples are long-term studies of more than twenty years.

Chapter 7 is on the proposed revision of the national gene technology scheme (NGTS) for Australia, which includes the regulation of gene editing (GE) technologies. The chapter comes with a recommendation that an education campaign should be launched to ensure wider distribution and understanding by the general public, including school children. Indeed, this call goes beyond the borders of Australia as other countries could learn from the Australian example and benefit from the lessons learned and key issues that must be considered when dealing with such matters.

Chapter 8 deals with the GM regulatory framework for India, including the development, use, import, and export (transboundary movement) of such crops. The chapter outlines how the parent ministry, the Ministry of Environment & Forests, is involved in capacity building and supervision of the various committees under its purview, highlighting fruitful areas of engagement for other countries to glean from.

The final Chapter 9 deals with unpacking the trajectory of the controversy between perceptions held by people in the West and the rest of the world and the consequent knock-on effect it has on continents like Africa and the rest of the world. Some of these perceptions arise from myths so rife that politicians, decision makers, and indeed citizens from these countries embrace them as fact. The author provides an in-depth analysis of why these myths are taken as fact and concludes by highlighting the fact that these mistakes must be taken as lessons learnt in order to engage more fruitfully as countries begin to address newer technologies such as genome editing.

> **Idah Sithole Niang** Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Section 1

Transformation Methodology and Biotechnology Applications
