Editorial: Genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) plants for achieving sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Agriculture stands at a critical crossroads. Escalating challenges from climate change, population growth, resource constraints, and complex biotic and abiotic stresses demand crop improvement strategies that are faster, more precise, and more sustainable than conventional breeding alone. Genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GEd) technologies have emerged as powerful complementary tools to enhance resilience, productivity, nutritional quality, and environmental compatibility (Chen et al., 2024;Ahmadikhah et al., 2025;Bahmankar et al., 2026). The eleven articles in this Research Topic illustrate the rapid evolution of plant biotechnology-from foundational genome-editing platforms to functional trait validation, accelerated breeding, biosafety assessment, and responsible deployment. This Editorial synthesizes key themes, highlights synergies, and charts pathways toward sustainable agricultural systems.Plant genetic engineering has advanced from random transgene integration to precise modification of endogenous genes. Ahmadikhah et al. (2025) trace the progression from RNAi and early nucleases (ZFNs, TALENs) to versatile CRISPR/Cas systems, noted for their simplicity, efficiency, and reduced off-target effects. Yu et al. (2025) show that heterologous gene expression can outperform endogenous counterparts, underscoring the importance of smart gene selection. These advances support complex trait modifications for multi-stress tolerance and quality (Chen et al., 2024), proving especially powerful in polyploid species (Li and Iqbal, 2024).Genome editing has become indispensable for functional genomics and rapid cultivar development. Jayakody et al. ( 2024 2024) exemplify both the power and complexity of this approach: knockout of StNRL1 enhanced late blight resistance but increased susceptibility to early blight, highlighting defense trade-offs and the need for multi-omics integration. 2024) provide biosafety insights, showing that transgenic maize and glyphosate influence rhizosphere microbial communities in ways modulated by genotype and management.Successful adoption requires effective co-existence with conventional and organic systems. As Caradus (2025) emphasizes, coexistence is achievable through science-based stewardship, including appropriate isolation distances, temporal and physical barriers, and robust supply chain segregation. Countries with extensive organic and GM cultivation demonstrate that transparent governance and farmer communication minimize adventitious presence while preserving market choice. Advances in detection, traceability, and transgene-free editing (Ahmed et al., 2024) support proportionate oversight that balances innovation with safety. Public acceptance depends on transparent risk communication, stakeholder engagement, and equitable access-particularly for smallholder farmers.This Research Topic opens exciting horizons: enhanced editing efficiency in complex genomes, strategic stacking of beneficial alleles, integration with synthetic biology and AI-driven design, and accelerated use of crop wild relatives for climate resilience. Challenges remain, including mitigation of pleiotropic effects, long-term ecological stability, regulatory harmonization, and equitable scaling. Overcoming these requires deepened interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained investment in contained trials, post-release monitoring, and knowledge-sharing platforms.The studies in this Research Topic demonstrate that GM and GEd technologies have matured into indispensable pillars of sustainable agriculture. By integrating precision editing, accelerated breeding, functional genomics, and rigorous biosafety assessment, we can develop crops that are more resilient, productive, and environmentally harmonious. Realizing these potential demands adaptive regulation, transparent stakeholder engagement, equitable access, and global collaboration. As pressures on food systems intensify, these innovations offer genuine hope for nourishing a growing population while safeguarding planetary boundaries. The future lies not in choosing between technologies, but in responsibly harnessing them to build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems for generations to come.