Crispr-based drought tolerant wheat lines for improved water use efficiency

Overview

This research initiative focuses on developing drought-tolerant wheat lines using CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology. The project targets disruption of the OsSYT-5 orthologue in wheat, building on prior evidence that suppression of this gene in rice improved drought tolerance and grain yield. The goal is to generate transgene-free wheat lines with enhanced water use efficiency (WUE), directly addressing food security challenges in arid regions such as Saudi Arabia, where rising wheat import costs and climate-driven water scarcity threaten agricultural sustainability.

Technical specifications

• Gene editing approach: CRISPR/Cas9 system used to disrupt the OsSYT-5 orthologue in wheat
• Target outcome: Transgene-free homozygous mutant lines with improved drought tolerance and water use efficiency
• Validation methods: PCR and DNA sequencing for mutant identification, followed by greenhouse and field-based evaluation against drought and heat stresses
• Development pipeline: Vector construction and agro-based transformation in year two, generation of T0-T1 transgenic plants and identification of transgene-free homozygous lines in year three, and multi-location field evaluation in Saudi Arabia in year four
• Strategic alignment: Supports national objectives to increase yield per water unit and reduce dependence on wheat imports

Technology readiness level

The project is at an early research and development stage, with a planned four-year timeline to deliver drought-tolerant wheat lines. The approach is supported by validated precedents in rice and other crops where gene editing of related pathways has produced drought-tolerant phenotypes. Upon completion, final lines will undergo seed multiplication and multi-location evaluation across Saudi Arabia to confirm performance under real-world arid conditions.