When CRISPR, the gene manipulation tool, is used on crops’ DNA, it can become a powerful way to program plants’ response to pathogen attacks. And that, without pests and other poisons that are a threat for the environment. By making crops and plants stronger, we can protect our planet and provide a durable solution to the scarcity of food for all its inhabitants. Sanushka Naidoo thinks that this is a key element for a sustainable future and, as an expert in the field, she knows that the technology is already available. Given the current situation, the real question is: should we go on and manipulate the nature around us or shouldn’t we rather use only natural tools and smart solutions? Naidoo is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria and the President of the South African Genetics Society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx