Osncsv gene editing for enhanced rice seed vigor and salt tolerance
CRISPR/Cas9-based disruption of the rice OsNCSV gene to improve seed germination and seedling establishment under salt stress, enabling higher-yield rice varieties for saline-alkali soils through direct-seeding cultivation.
Overview
This research program targets the rice gene OsNCSV, which has been identified as a negative regulator of seed vigor under salt stress. By disrupting this gene using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, the team aims to develop new rice varieties with enhanced seed germination, stronger seedling establishment, and improved salt tolerance during the critical germination stage. The ultimate goal is to enable reliable direct-seeding rice cultivation in saline-alkali soils, where conventional varieties suffer significant yield losses due to poor seed vigor under salinity conditions.
Technical specifications
Key features and findings:
- Gene target: OsNCSV encodes an unknown expressed protein that negatively regulates rice seed vigor under salt stress
- Editing approach: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout to generate loss-of-function mutants
- Validated performance gains in osncsv mutants under 200 mM NaCl stress (50 full seeds, 10-day germination assay, n=3):
- Germination potential (GP) increased by approximately 44.4%
- Seedling potential (SP) increased by approximately 35.0%
- Germination index (GI) improved by 6.93
- Application pathway: Introduction of OsNCSV mutations into commercial rice varieties such as Huaidao No. 5, followed by field evaluation under normal and saline-alkali soil conditions using direct-seeding methods
- Validation scope: Comparative assessment of seed vigor and yield characteristics across mutant lines over a two-year study period
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept has been established in a laboratory background, with two CRISPR/Cas9 mutants already constructed and validated for improved seed vigor and salt tolerance during germination. The next phase involves translating these findings into commercial rice varieties and conducting field-level validation in saline-alkali soils through direct-seeding trials. A two-year study is planned to confirm agronomic performance and yield benefits under realistic cultivation conditions. The research team is actively seeking partnership support to advance this work toward breeding-ready materials.
About Nanjing Agricultural University
Nanjing Agricultural University is a public research university with an agricultural focus in Nanjing, advancing national and regional priorities through integrated basic-to-applied research and field training. Industry engages through experimental farms, field stations, controlled-environment facilities, and pilot processing spaces for prototyping and scale‑up. An industry liaison team supports sponsored research, testing services, and joint labs, while regional demonstration sites speed on‑farm trials across the Yangtze River Delta. Research is supported by national and provincial programs, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology. A technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation.
delivered to your inbox.