{"id":13631,"date":"2026-06-20T12:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T12:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/do-not-regulate-genome-edited-crops-iita-woman-scientist\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T21:37:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T21:37:49","slug":"do-not-regulate-genome-edited-crops-iita-woman-scientist","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/do-not-regulate-genome-edited-crops-iita-woman-scientist\/","title":{"rendered":"Do not regulate genome-edited crops \u2013 IITA woman scientist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"International<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 February was the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. IITA<\/u> joined the rest of the world to celebrate the contribution of our women scientists in ensuring a food and nutrition-secure world. Women account for half of the world\u2019s population and we cannot make representative and long-lasting changes in agriculture without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As United Nations Secretary-General, Ant\u00f3nio Guterres explains, \u201cTo rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential. That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let\u2019s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IITA recognizes the importance of both science and gender equality and makes a particular effort to empower female scientists to participate in the achievement of internationally agreed development goals. Leena Tripathi<\/u> is one such woman scientist. As a principal scientist and leader of IITA\u2019s transgenic and genome editing research, based in Nairobi, Kenya, Tripathi has proved that women can provide leadership in the use of cutting-edge research tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Do
Dr Leena Triphati on the banana field<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a video, Tripathi talks about the work she and her team are doing to improve disease resistance in crops, specifically banana.
\u201cUsing genome editing, we can silence the gene that causes susceptibility to streak virus in banana.\u201d When the gene is silenced, it means the banana cannot contact the disease; this leads to better yields and improved farmer incomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Tripathi is not thinking about the farmer only, but the consumer as well. \u201cConsumers should expect safe and tasty banana,\u201d she says, adding, \u201cWith genome editing, we are not adding anything to the banana\u2014just silencing the susceptibility gene.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researcher also calls upon regulators to facilitate the adoption of genome-edited crops in Africa by fostering a favorable policy environment\u2014not one that stifles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tripathi is one of 36 internationally recruited women scientists working with IITA in various hubs across Africa. As an equal opportunity employer, IITA is proud to be associated with women scientists who work diligently to ensure Africa\u2019s food security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n