Insect allies—Assessment of a viral approach to plant genome editing

Abstract

Abstract The Insect Allies program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has already sparked scientific debate concerning technology assessment-related issues, among which the most prevalent is that of dual use. Apart from the issues concerning peaceful applications, the technology also provides the blueprint for a potential bioweapon. However, the combination of a virus-induced genetic modification of crop plants in the field using genetically modified insect vectors poses a greater risk than the hitherto existing use of genetically modified organisms. The technology's great depth of intervention allows a number of sources for hazard and a tendency towards high exposure, but it is also encumbered with notable deficits in knowledge. These issues call for a thorough technology assessment. This article aims to provide an initial characterization from a technology assessment perspective, focusing on potential sources of risk for this novel invasive environmental biotechnology at an early stage of research and development. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1488–1499. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). KEY POINTS In comparison to the hitherto existing use of genetically modified organisms, the high depth of intervention of the Horizontal Environmental Genetic Alteration Agents (HEGAA) enables a number of sources for hazard and a tendency towards high exposure. At the current stage of development, the most critical aspect is the compromised reliability of the HEGAA approach, mainly due to its complex design with three different species. Although some alternative approaches are advantageous, it remains an open question whether modified HEGAA can become a manageable technology for rapid and large-scale interventions for peaceful applications with acceptable risk potential.

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