LWV23122 Sustainable Blossoms - Harnessing New Genomic Techniques for Production of Novel Ornamentals (BO-68-001-071)

The emergence of New Genomic Techniques, like CRISPR/Cas gene editing, offers 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 recently announced by the European Commission. This will pave the way for using New Genomic Techniques to make agriculture and horticulture more sustainable.

The application of 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, such as powdery mildew, Fusarium wilt, viral infections, and insects. Similarly, genes linked to dwarfism—typically manipulated through chemical treatments—and those linked to overall plant quality can be precision-edited, resulting in varieties that demand less chemical intervention.

In summary, the project’s objective is 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