Module 3: Applications of gene editing in crop breeding
Gene editing offers huge potential for breeding crops that are resistant to pests, diseases and climate change, have increased yields with reduced chemical inputs into agriculture, or produce healthier foods.
Briefing session: Applications of gene editing in crop breeding
Some examples of research on gene editing at Norwich Research Park include:
- The John Innes Centre has used gene editing to develop tomatoes fortified with vitamin D, which could help millions of people with vitamin D deficiency, a growing issue linked to higher risk of cancer, dementia and many leading causes of mortality.
- We are using gene editing to map genes in wheat, and brassicas such as oilseed rape, to develop new varieties with increased resilience to climate change.
- John Innes Centre researchers have used the technology to create a new strain of Streptomyces formicae bacteria that produces high levels of superbug-targeting antibiotics.
- The Quadram Institute is working on gene edited wheat with an increased amount of slowly digested and resistant starches, which reduce the elevated blood glucose levels and insulin response to refined carbohydrates.
- The Sainsbury Laboratory has used gene editing to create mildew-resistant tomato plants which, if deployed, would dramatically reduce the need for fungicides in greenhouses.
- Tropic Biosciences are using gene editing to boost the resilience of banana varieties to the deadly Fusarium wilt disease.