**3.4. CRISPR/Cas9 system-based genome-edited plants**

As the aforementioned plants are successfully genetically modified in the lab, there are actually some of them that are almost readily available in the commercial market. These plants may be new to the market but it is undeniable that they will eventually be able to monopolize the market as they have much more improved traits compared to their relative wild-type plants. As shown in **Table 2**, most of the plants such as the wheat and Ranger Russet potato are important food staples in many parts of the world and this proves that the CRISPR/Cas9 system-based genome editing for crop improvement is definitely on its way to revolutionize the agriculture industry.


exception of human beings, in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.' Europe Commission (EC) has stressed that the decision to include or exclude a technique from the scope of Directives 2001/18/EC and 2009/41/EC depends only on the interpretation of the definition of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified microorganisms and of the conditions for exemption provided for in the two directives [68]. There are regulators such as the German Consumer Protection Association, or also known as Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV) and Swedish scientists that call for the exclusion of such 'gene editing' from GMO regulation as long as such crops do not contain any 'foreign DNA' [69]. The evaluation is sophisticated because the definition of GMO under European Union (EU) law refers both to the characteristics of organisms and to the techniques used. To date, a clarifying legal opinion of the EC is still pending. Until the legal opinion is released, the legal status of living organisms as well as products deriving from NPBT

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In the United State, the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology (CFRB) determined that it is the final product of genetic engineering that potentially poses a risk to human health and the environment, not the process by which the product is made [71]. The engineered products could be channeled to and handled by regulatory net involving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) depending on what category it falls into [71]. In April 2016, a CRISPR edited, nonbrowning mushroom emerged as the first CRISPR-derived prod-

With all the studies done so far, it is undeniable that the CRISPR/Cas9 system is on its way to change the pace and course in the agriculture industry. Perfect plants that have high yield, quality and resistance toward any disease and pests will no longer be impossible with the dawn of this technology. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing for plants will also be developed to the point where it can be used to replace any defective gene with a normal allele at its natural location. Consequently, all plants will now no longer need to be in danger from any traditional diseases as long as this technique is present and approved for human consumption.

There are still many uncertainties on the usage of plant genome editing. Therefore, in-depth studies are required to ensure this technology will have zero risks while gaining maximum benefits. Besides that, the idea of genome editing might also raise ethical questions from the public; these need to be adequately addressed by researchers and scientists that are well adept in genome engineering. Educational talk or workshop on genome editing should be given to nonscientists to ensure they understand the basics and benefits of this technology. More laws and regulations will also be required for the implementation to ensure CRISPR/Cas9 system is used responsibly without slowing down its development and research. Only when the CRISPR/Cas9 system is well understood and regulated, it will be possible for the application of this technology to be maximized to its fullest potential to achieve previously envisioned

approaches is unclear [70].

uct to be approved by USDA [72].

**5. Future prospects**

ideas in plant science.

**Table 2.** List of CRISPR/Cas9 system-based genome-edited plants that are making their way to the commercial market.
