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Gene drives are selfish genes that can cause segregation distortion during gamete formation. Gene drives occur spontaneously in some plant species, such as Ab10 in maize and qHMS-7 in rice. This system might be engineered to bring desired genetic modifications in undomesticated plants employing genome editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 combined with homology-directed repair. Although gene drives have yet to be fully explored in plants, they may have significant potential in areas such as weed management, conservation of endangered species, and genetic modification of polyploids. However, in addition to opportunities, there may be certain challenges such as legal regulations, ethical issues, ecological repercussions, extensive research, and plant biological barriers which may affect the gene drive mechanisms in plant species.

Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9, Gene drive, Weed management

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8. Gene drives Opportunities and Challenges in Plants_compressed.pdf