The increasing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is driving a profound transformation in plant genetic engineering. On the one hand, AI could enhance the precision and efficiency of CRISPR gene editing. On the other hand, AI-driven genetic engineering is susceptible to well-known limitations of AI, such as the black box effect, hallucinations and data errors, raising significant concerns about the safety of engineered plants.
The report ‘When chatbots breed new varieties’ by Benno Vogel summarises the state of the art in relation to plant breeding. How should scientists and regulators deal with the emerging new challenges?
