Researchers Develop Transgene-free Edited Banana

Researchers from KU Leuven and the University of Liège developed a transgene-free edited banana using an Agrobacterium-mediated base editing approach. The study, published in New Phytologist, combines embryogenesis and chlorsulfuron selection to develop the edited plants.

Gene editing tools like CRISPR have transformed crop breeding by enabling a more efficient improvement of traits. However, the integration of foreign DNA faces major regulatory and technical hurdles, especially for sterile and vegetatively propagated crops, such as banana. In this study, the researchers have developed a new strategy that targets the ALS gene, allowing the selection of edited plants without integrating foreign DNA.

The study developed a successful transgene-free gene editing approach in triploid banana by targeting MaALS genes to confer chlorsulfuron resistance. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the majority of edited lines were transgene-free and non-chimeric. The study found that the plantlets were reproduced with edits at two target sites, demonstrating the method's potential for multiple-site editing.

For more information, read the study from New Phytologist.