Spray-induced delivery of sirnas for maturity timing alteration in crops
This innovative technology utilizes spray-induced delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to manipulate the timing of crop maturity. By targeting specific microRNA pathways, it allows crops to switch between early and late maturation, offering flexibility in adapting to climate changes.
Overview
The spray-induced delivery of siRNAs offers a groundbreaking approach to altering the maturity timing of crops. This technology targets two microRNA (miR) classes, miR172 and miR156, which respectively accelerate and delay plant maturation. The ability to toggle between early and late maturity provides farmers with a valuable tool for adapting crops to varying climatic conditions, thereby enhancing agricultural resilience and productivity.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes nanoparticles or high-pressure application for effective delivery of dsRNAs.
- Targets conserved ageing pathways in flowering plants, ensuring broad applicability across species.
- Enhances biological effects through simultaneous targeted methylation of genes involved in floral transition.
- Applicable to various crops such as Arabidopsis thaliana, rapeseed, tomato, and barley.
- Integrates with photoperiod pathways via action in phloem companion cells and shoot apical meristem.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it has been demonstrated in a laboratory environment. Future validation phases are planned, including formulation of siRNA particles and spray-mediated delivery to target species, leading to an in-depth phenotypic study of crop responses.
About Max-Planck-Institut for Plant Breeding Research
Max-Planck-Institut for Plant Breeding Research is a leading non-university institute of the Max Planck Society in Cologne, Germany, advancing plant science with a translational orientation toward breeding. Industry partners can access controlled-environment greenhouses and growth chambers, high-throughput phenotyping, and shared cores for genomics, imaging, and metabolomics. The institute’s location within a dense research ecosystem enables talent pipelines, joint training, and streamlined collaboration pathways with companies. Work is supported by core funding from the Max Planck Society and competitive awards from German national agencies and the European Union. Technology transfer and licensing are managed centrally by Max Planck Innovation, providing consistent IP processes and commercialization support.
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