LWV23122 Sustainable Blossoms - Harnessing New Genomic Techniques for Production of Novel Ornamentals (TS-02-227-029)

Ornamental crops include a wide range of economically significant species, but their production heavily relies on plant protection products, growth regulators, and post-harvest storage aids. This reliance on chemicals poses a challenge to the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to reduce chemical pesticide usage and risk by 50% by 2030. Breeding ornamental species for resistance against pests and diseases has become increasingly vital. Traditional breeding approaches can be improved through marker-assisted selection, but the costs hinders progress.

New Genomic Techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas gene editing, offer promising support for ornamental crop breeding, particularly in developing varieties suitable for more sustainable production with reduced chemical requirements. These techniques allow the creation of varieties with increased resistance to diseases and pests, genetic dwarfism, and improved post-harvest quality. A significant development in this area is the proposed change in gene technology regulation by the European Commission, which will pave the way for using New Genomic Techniques to make agriculture and horticulture more sustainable.

Gene editing should modify specific features in crop varieties without altering other unique characteristics. To achieve this, it is crucial to use methods where the CRISPR/Cas machinery is temporarily present in the plant to induce desired mutations, ultimately yielding transgene-free edited plants. Developing effective methods for achieving this temporary presence is a critical aspect of the project.

Gene editing has shown great potential in targeting disease susceptibility genes (S genes), resulting in reduced vulnerability to various diseases and pests. Similarly, genes linked to dwarfism and overall plant quality can be precision-edited, resulting in varieties that demand less chemical intervention.

In summary, the project aims to harness gene editing potential to create transgene-free gene edited ornamental plants with enhanced robustness, reduced reliance on chemicals, and improved sustainability, ultimately contributing to more resilient and eco-friendly ornamental crop production.