Editorial: Leeway to operate with plant genetic resources

Editorial on the Research Topic Leeway to Operate With Plant Genetic Resources Different legal frameworks are applicable to the use of genetic resources (GR). These can broadly be categorized into (1) access and benefit-sharing (ABS), (2) biosafety aspects related to the technologies for improving the genetic material, and (3) intellectual property (IP) systems including plant variety rights (PVR) and patents specific to the plant innovation sector. With scientific and technical progress in research and breeding, as well as expanding internationalization, legal frameworks have become increasingly complex in the past few decades. In this context, the Research Topic “Leeway to operate with plant genetic resources” addresses the latest and most pertinent legalissues related to the use of GR in plant research and breeding.The contributions are summarized here and put into the larger societal and legal context that modern-day plant geneticists are facing.