Which technique is employed to control traits in plants by silencing genes?

The technique employed to control traits in plants by silencing genes is gene silencing. This method involves downregulating or completely shutting off the expression of specific genes, which can alter the phenotype of the plant. Gene silencing techniques, such as RNA interference (RNAi), have become pivotal tools in plant biotechnology as they allow for precise control over gene function without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

By silencing genes, researchers can study the roles of individual genes in plant development and stress responses, as well as enhance desirable traits such as resistance to pests or environmental conditions. This targeted approach enables the development of plants with improved characteristics while minimizing unintended effects often associated with other methods.

In contrast, gene duplication involves the replication of a gene in the genome, gene transfer refers to the movement of genes from one organism to another, and gene editing entails making specific alterations to the DNA sequence itself. None of these approaches focus on the silencing of genes, which is uniquely achieved through gene silencing techniques.