Research

Plant Genome Engineering

We are designing and applying molecular tools that can make precise deletions, insertions and edits in plant genomes.

Current crop improvement practices use several methods to increase genetic variation in plant genomes to develop new desirable traits. 

The most recent and precise of these is genome editing that enables changes to be made to precise DNA sequences.  In this project, we demonstrated that we are able to use these tools in plants, including crop species to introduce precise changes in plant genes that result in expected changes. 

 

Impact statement.

Genome engineering technologies are transforming fundamental research in every field. In plants, they can be used to rapidly produce transgene-free plants with desirable genotypes, for example to remove genes for toxins and antinutrients, to improve nutritive value or to remove genes for disease susceptibility.

People working on the project.