USDA APHIS Clears Danforth Center's Genome-Edited Semi-Dwarf Teff

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has concluded that the genome-edited semi-dwarf teff developed by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is not subject to biotechnology regulation under USDA's SECURE Rule.

The new semi-dwarf teff was developed by researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center's Institute for International Crop Improvement (IICI), together with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research to improve teff productivity using new plant breeding techniques. The reduced height of the genome-edited teff lines is expected to provide resistance to lodging (falling over) that results in yield losses of up to 25%.

Teff, a grain native to Ethiopia where it is a staple food for millions, is estimated to provide up to two-thirds of the protein and dietary fiber consumed in the country. Teff is also an important source of income for many small-scale farmers in Ethiopia and has recently gained popularity worldwide due to its many health benefits and culinary versatility.

“We are greatly encouraged by this USDA decision as it establishes an important precedent for future teff plant breeding innovations to tackle productivity constraints, such as pod shattering, small grain size, weed control, and climate change,” said Donald MacKenzie, PhD, executive director of IICI.

For more details, read the news release from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.