CRISPR Improves Resistance to Bacterial Blight in Rice

Scientists from the University of Missouri and Nanjing Agricultural University used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the SWEET14 gene in rice plants and enhance resistance to bacterial blight. The results of the study are published in The Crop Journal.

One of the major threats in rice production is bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae (Xoo). Developing rice varieties with resistance to bacterial blight is vital in advancing rice breeding programs and providing support to smallholder farmers. Thus, scientists have identified a key factor in Xoo's ability to infect rice: a protein called transcription activator-like effectors (TALes). TALes target specific genes in rice, including SWEET14, which is essential for the plant's health.

With the use of CRISPR-Cas9 system, the researchers have been able to edit SWEET14 gene in rice plants. This led to rice plants that are less susceptible to Xoo attack. By targeting the TALe binding site, they've effectively "disarmed" the bacteria's ability to attack the plant. No off-target effects were detected at predicted sites. Similarly, no evident impact on major agronomic characteristics of rice were observed.