Researchers at Cranfield University have launched a groundbreaking project to dramatically speed up crop genetic engineering, initially focusing on tomato plants.
The initiative aims to replace the slow, labor-intensive process of tissue culture with innovative techniques that directly modify seeds and pollen.
Current genetic engineering techniques for crops such as tomatoes rely heavily on tissue culture. This is a labor-intensive process that requires infertility and professional skills.
Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols and regenerative resistance of certain species progresses further.
The new project will avoid tissue culture by directly converting tomato seeds and pollen. By using magnetic nanoparticles to introduce DNA modifications to pollen and applying treatments to increase the metabolic activity of the seeds, researchers want to create a faster, more streamlined approach to plant genetic engineering.
To monitor the effectiveness of these technologies, scientists utilize two “reporter” genes. These genes do not affect plant growth, but act as markers to confirm the success of genetic integration into the tomato genome.
If successful, the developed method could significantly increase crop yields, improve resistance to disease and environmental stress, and allow for the simultaneous introduction of multiple genetic changes.
Potential uses range from crops that have difficulty regenerating tissue cultures such as legumes and can accelerate the reproduction of perennial species, such as trees.
Furthermore, these technologies allow plant engineering to produce high value compounds and biomaterials, offering new possibilities for the biopharmaceutical sector.
This project – Fast Truck Crop Improvement: Unbreakable from Tissue Culture – received nearly £500,000 from Advanced Research + Inventional Institutions (ARIA) under the programmable plant opportunity space.
The funding program supports new approaches to tackling global issues such as food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation.
“The scientists in plant science are very different,” said Dr. Sofia Kolmpetri, ARIA R&D creator, ARIA R&D, who leads the project.
“We want to create a future where advanced genetic tools are scalable, efficient and widely accessible, giving researchers and breeders the ability to improve crops around the world. Ultimately, it will lead to improved food security and sustainability.”
The project is scheduled to run for 18 months.
