Rethinking gene editing impact in plant breeding as measured by genetic gain

Abstract

Gene editing (GEd) has transformed the ability to precisely modify plant genomes, offering new opportunities for plant breeding over the past decade. Despite rapid advances in GEd technology, its measurable impact on realised genetic gain in plant breeding programmes remains unknown. This gap reflects a mismatch between editing capability and the biological, operational, and regulatory realities of plant breeding, rather than evidence of technology‑related limitations or poor field performance of gene‑edited crops. We discuss key constraints of GEd, including genotype-dependent transformation, the multigenic nature of most agronomic traits in crops, integration into plant breeding pipelines, and regulatory and societal considerations. Framing GEd within a systems-level plant breeding framework that integrates selection strategies, speed breeding, advanced editing methods, and access to diverse germplasm provides a realistic pathway to accelerate genetic gain.