Insect allies—Assessment of a viral approach to plant genome editing

The Insect Allies program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has already sparked scientific debate concerning technology assessment‐related issues, among which the most prevalent is that of dual use. Apart from the issues concerning peaceful applications, the technology also provides the blueprint for a potential bioweapon. However, the combination of a virus‐induced genetic modification of crop plants in the field using genetically modified insect vectors poses a greater risk than the hitherto existing use of genetically modified organisms. The technology's great depth of intervention allows a number of sources for hazard and a tendency towards high exposure, but it is also encumbered with notable deficits in knowledge. These issues call for a thorough technology assessment. This article aims to provide an initial characterization from a technology assessment perspective, focusing on potential sources of risk for this novel invasive environmental biotechnology at an early stage of research and development. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1488–1499. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).