Biotech Updates

Gene Editing to Produce Bacterial Blight Resistant Cassava

October 9, 2024

Cassava-growing regions have been affected by the devastating effects of cassava bacterial blight (CBB), a destructive bacterial disease resulting in severe yield losses to cassava production. The study, published in Molecular Plant Pathology, provides a research foundation for breeding cassava varieties resistant to bacterial blight.

Cassava is a staple root crop that is vital for millions of people, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known as a key source of carbohydrates and exhibits strong tolerance to drought and low-fertility environments. However, the production of cassava is severely affected by various stressors, such as green mites, whiteflies, cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and CBB.

The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to produce mutations resulting in a significant reduction in MeSWEET10a expression after infection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) 11, the bacterial pathogen that causes CBB. These edited plants showed reduced disease symptoms, smaller lesions, and less bacterial growth while maintaining their normal growth, development, and yield characteristics under greenhouse conditions.

For more information, read the article from Molecular Plant Pathology.


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