Exciting news from the world of agriculture! Chinese scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking gene-editing method that slims down corn plants, allowing for the creation of compact, high-density varieties that resist lodging. This advancement, detailed in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, is set to revolutionize global food security.
Corn, the most-produced cereal crop worldwide, plays a vital role in feeding billions. One key strategy to boost yields is increasing planting density, but developing shorter, sturdier plants has been a challenge due to limited genetic resources. The Biotechnology Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), in collaboration with Anhui Agricultural University and South China Agricultural University, tackled this issue head-on.
By modifying the Br2 gene through targeted gene editing, researchers designed a knockout vector and identified seven transgenic lines with unique mutations in various corn varieties. Hybridization experiments revealed that all 28 hybrid offspring from elite inbred lines produced dwarf progeny, paving the way for more resilient crops.
To speed up the breeding process, the team introduced a haploid inducer-mediated genome editing system. This innovation allows edited haploid plants to become stable double-haploid lines within just two generations. Three elite inbred lines treated with this system showed significant reductions in plant height, marking a major success.
“This method allows rapid and precise modification of plant height across different genetic backgrounds,” said Wang Baobao, a researcher at CAAS and the study’s corresponding author. “It provides critical technical support for breeding corn varieties optimized for dense planting and enhanced lodging resistance.” 🌱✨
Reference(s):
China develops gene-editing method to reduce corn plant height
cgtn.com
