Gene drivers are technology in which several genetically engineered individuals are engineered to intentionally push new genes across an entire population of a species in the wild. 

The gene drive mechanism ensures that new genes are inherited by all offspring in subsequent generations (as opposed to the expected half of the offspring in normal inheritance). The release of gene drive organisms is designed to alter the genetic makeup of an entire wild population or to wipe out a population or species. 

Gene drives are proposed for pest and disease control in agriculture. However, the most advanced research to date will alter genes in insects, specifically to prevent mosquitoes from breeding effectively, thereby reducing the size of certain mosquito populations. 

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others, the Target Malaria research group aims to use gene drive mosquitoes to reduce the population of Anopheles gambia mosquitoes that transmit the malaria-causing parasite.

In agriculture, practices are discussed so that agricultural pests such as a type of fruit fly (spotted winged drosophila) and hogweed (Palmer amaranth) cannot effectively reproduce by altering genes to ensure their eventual extinction. 

The researchers are also designing a type of gene drive mechanism for mammals and have outlined a hypothetical gene drive system aimed at maintaining a desired trait through a herd or population of livestock.

Related reports indicate that each of the two key patents on gene drives refer to approximately 186-46 agricultural uses, including brand names of 310 herbicides, 500 pesticides, 600 agricultural pest insects, nematodes, mites, moths, and others.

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