Gene Editing Supplement

Experts from Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China have identified a rice enzyme that helps plants break down two widely used herbicides. The study focuses on CYP709B2, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that plays a central role in the detoxification and catabolism of herbicides isoproturon and atrazine.

CIMMYT Reports High-Efficiency Genome Editing in Pearl Millet

Scientists from CIMMYT and Corteva Agriscience successfully devised an effective method to improve pearl millet using genetic transformation and CRISPR-based editing. This breakthrough is expected to help improve traits vital for food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

Experts Use CRISPR-Cas12i3 to Improve Elite Corn Line

Researchers from the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences reported the use of CRISPR-Cas12i3 to speed up the improvement of Jing 724, a foundational maize variety previously known for being hard to modify due to some genetic restrictions. Their findings are published as a pre-proof in aBiotech.

Floral Dip-Based Gene Editing Boosts Indica Rice Resistance to Tungro

In a significant breakthrough for rice farmers, researchers from the Department of Agriculture–Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) have successfully used a novel floral dip-based gene editing technique to boost resistance to the devastating tungro virus in NSIC Rc 402, a widely grown Indica rice variety. Tungro, a viral disease transmitted by leafhoppers, poses a persistent threat to food security, resulting in annual crop losses that can reach up to 30%—equivalent to approximately 456,000 tons of rough rice. The new method offers a simpler, faster, and more practical solution compared to traditional tissue culture methods, which are often inefficient for Indica rice strains.

Research and Tools

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