Crispr-based striga resistance in sorghum via dmr6 gene knockout

Overview

Striga is a parasitic plant that attacks cereal crops including sorghum, causing major yield losses across sub-Saharan Africa. This research targets the sorghum dmr6 gene, identified as a susceptibility factor that enables Striga to establish compatible interactions with its host. By knocking out dmr6 using CRISPR gene editing, the project aims to produce sorghum varieties with inherent resistance to Striga and potentially other pathogens. The approach addresses a critical food security challenge by reducing dependence on chemical control methods that are often inaccessible to smallholder farmers.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Genome-wide association study across 273 sorghum genotypes identified dmr6 at locus S6_54417370b as significantly associated with Striga resistance
• Histological analysis confirmed necrotic responses at the Striga-sorghum interface, characteristic of resistance reactions
• CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts of dmr6 will be created in sorghum and evaluated using rhizotron assays
• Rhizotrons are root observation chambers enabling controlled Striga infection and quantitative measurement of parasite attachment, size, and biomass
• Peroxiredoxin1 (Prx1), associated with hypersensitive reactions, was also identified at locus S6_1389246
• Prior evidence shows dmr6 mutations confer broad-spectrum pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis and tomato

Technology readiness level

The research is at an advanced validation stage. Genome-wide association studies and histological characterization have confirmed dmr6's role in mediating Striga-sorghum interactions. The team is now creating CRISPR knockouts and will evaluate resistance through rhizotron assays over an 18-month period. This work builds on well-established laboratory protocols and prior validation in other crop species, positioning the technology toward development of field-ready sorghum lines.