CRISPR-Cas9 Triple Gene Edited Camelina Plant Receives Nonregulated Status

Genome-edited Camelina sativa plant lines developed by Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. using CRISPR-Cas9 for increased oil content has received nonregulated status from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)'s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS).

Yield10 submitted an "Am I Regulated?" letter to the BRS in May 2018, requesting confirmation of the regulatory status for Camelina plant lines containing combinations of genetic changes to increase oil production based on three gene traits: C3008a, C3008b, and C3009. The response from USDA-APHIS is published in a letter indicating that the plant lines do not meet the definition of a regulated article under 7 CFR Part 340. Yield10 believes that this is the first triple genome-edited plant to receive nonregulated status from USDA-APHIS.

Yield10 has conducted studies in the greenhouse and preliminary results suggest that the triple-edited Camelina lines may have the potential to increase oil content and to improve oil quality. Yield10 intends to study these plant lines in field tests planned for 2019 in the U.S. as part of its development program to increase oil and seed yield in Camelina and canola for specialty oils applications.

For more details, read the news release from Yield10 or read the BRS response.