Genome-edited drought-resistant tomatoes for sustainable agriculture
A CRISPR-based solution enhancing drought resistance in tomatoes by modifying the ROP9 gene to improve water use efficiency (WUE) without compromising yield. This innovation supports sustainable agriculture and efficient food production in water-scarce regions.
Overview
This innovation leverages CRISPR genome editing to enhance drought resistance in tomatoes by targeting the ROP9 gene. The modification significantly increases the water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato plants, allowing for reduced water consumption without compromising fruit yield or quality. This advancement supports sustainable agriculture practices, particularly in regions facing water scarcity, by aligning with global efforts toward more efficient food production systems.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes CRISPR technology to precisely edit the ROP9 gene in tomatoes, part of the Rho GTPase family crucial for plant stress responses.
- Increases water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato plants, reducing overall water requirements.
- Maintains fruit quality and yield, ensuring no compromise in productivity.
Process Overview:
- Develop tissue culture and transformation-regeneration protocols for new genotypes.
- Construct genome editing vectors with specific gRNAs targeting ROP9.
- Transform genetic material with editing constructs.
- Select and harden transformed plants.
- Verify successful editing in regenerated plants.
- Collect T1 seeds and select edited non-transgenic plants.
- Conduct phenotypic analysis to confirm desired traits.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating that the genome editing has been validated in a relevant environment with ongoing field trials planned to further validate the solution's effectiveness in real-world conditions.
About BetterSeeds
BetterSeeds is an agricultural biotechnology company that provides a comprehensive gene-editing platform designed to democratize access to advanced plant breeding technologies. The company’s integrated framework combines gene-editing tools, specialized delivery systems, and non-transgenic trait modules. By utilizing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, BetterSeeds enables seed companies that lack the infrastructure to build in-house gene-editing stacks to develop new crop varieties with enhanced properties, including resistance to climate stressors and adaptability to mechanized harvesting.
The company serves the broader seed industry by offering a scalable, affordable alternative to traditional, high-cost R&D models historically dominated by a few major players. By facilitating the development of elite traits without the introduction of foreign genes, BetterSeeds helps its partners accelerate breeding programs and transition from initial pilots to repeatable, commercial deployments. The company’s approach is supported by a portfolio of subsidiaries that demonstrate the versatility of its platform across various high-value specialty crops.
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