Genetic editing for disease-resistant solanaceae and cucurbitaceae
A cutting-edge genetic editing solution provides broad-spectrum disease resistance in Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops. Through targeted susceptibility gene knockouts, this approach aims to improve disease tolerance without compromising yield, offering commercial viability.
Overview
This innovative genetic editing solution addresses the challenge of disease resistance in Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits. By employing targeted susceptibility gene (S gene) knockouts, this approach enhances tolerance to a wide array of bacterial and fungal pathogens. One of the key advantages of this method is its potential to overcome the usual agronomic performance penalties, such as yield loss, associated with such genetic edits. The ultimate goal is to produce commercially viable, disease-resistant crop varieties without foreign DNA or off-target effects.
Technical specifications
- Target Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits.
- Methodology: Utilizes simple SDN1 editing for S gene knockouts.
- Validation Process: Includes edit characterization, confirmation of no off-targets, USDA exemption, and initial field trials.
- Expected Outcomes: Development of Cas-free genome-edited homozygous inbred and hybrid lines with confirmed on-target edits and no safety concerns.
- Data Collection: Disease tolerance and yield component traits will be evaluated in both greenhouse and field trial settings.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 5, indicating that the technology has been validated in relevant environments and is ready for further development and commercialization partnerships.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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