EU-SAGE Launches Interactive Database of Genome-Edited Crops

The European Sustainable Agriculture through Genome Editing network (EU-SAGE) has published an interactive database for genome-edited crops. The database shows that genome editing is used in a wide variety of crops to improve diverse characteristics, many of which can contribute to more sustainable agriculture.

The EU-SAGE database represents state-of-the-art scientific evidence of worldwide genome editing applications in crops for agricultural production. It contains currently contains more than 500 entries, and the database will be frequently updated with the latest scientific studies. Different elements, including plant species and traits, can be filtered in the database, which will help address specific questions and support conclusions relevant to future policy discussions about this plant breeding innovation.

Below are some of the takeaways from the database:

• Genome editing applications were identified in more than 60 different crops with the vast majority in rice, tomato, maize, soybeans, and wheat.
• The traits of the improved crops are diverse and relevant for farmers (e.g., agronomic value) as well as consumers (e.g., nutrition).
• Most of the genome editing applications are crops with targeted, small genetic changes similar to genetic changes introduced in crops with conventional breeding methods.

For more details, read the EU-SAGE news release. The database is available here.