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Life

Plant-killing genetic technology could wipe out superweeds

A ‘gene drive’ that spreads through plant populations could be used to wipe out pests such as superweeds, or to help save species by making them resistant to heat or disease

By Michael Le Page

13 March 2024

Herbicide-resistant pigweed is a growing problem for farmers

Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

A gene drive – a bit of DNA that cheats evolution and can spread even if harmful – has been successfully tested in a plant for the first time. The approach could be used to wipe out invasive plants and superweeds without harming other species, so could therefore reduce the use of herbicides. It could also help save species by spreading genes that make them resistant to diseases or more able to cope with global warming.

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