Precision Gene Editing Used to Increase Canola Yield

Three new traits for canola, which can increase crop yields and reduce harmful environmental impacts, has been developed by Cibus, a biotechnology company that has pioneered precision gene editing for agriculture. The new traits pertain to pod shatter, resistance to Sclerotinia, and weed control.

The new traits precisely edit the canola genome to reduce pod shatter, the tendency of canola seed pods to open pre-harvest that can reduce yields by as much 40 percent; build resistance to Sclerotinia, a disease called white mold, that can reduce yields by as much as 50 percent; and introduce an improved weed control system, as competition with weeds for nutrients and sunlight can reduce yield of canola.

Greg Gocal, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President of Cibus said they are currently working on important traits to improve farming of rice, corn, wheat, soybeans, and potatoes to address major inefficiencies in crops due to disease, insects, and weeds.

For more details, read the Cibus press release.