Genetically Engineered Mustard Shows Strong Resistance to Glyphosate

Researchers from China have successfully developed glyphosate-resistant tumorous stem mustard, the crop used to produce Chinese pickled mustard, by modifying two key genes in Brassica juncea to create lines that can survive common herbicides without affecting plant growth.

The research team introduced targeted amino acid substitutions in two EPSPS genes and identified the triple-mutant BjuA010725^TIAVPS that displayed exceptional glyphosate resistance. The transgenic B. juncea showed significantly higher survival rates compared to wild-type plants after a 0.2% glyphosate treatment at the four-leaf stage. Physiological analyses further revealed that the transgenic plants maintained stable metabolic activity, including elevated chlorophyll content and nitrogen levels, unlike wild-type plants that experienced significant stress responses.

In the field trials, the engineered mustard achieved 65% survival after glyphosate treatment, compared to 0% in wild-type plants. No significant differences were reported in bolting time and tumorous stem size between the transgenic lines and wild-type plants. The findings of the study provide a potential solution to major yield and quality losses caused by inefficient weed control and management.

For more information, read the abstract from Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.