Revolutionary Israeli Technique Promises to Enhance Tomato Flavor and Strength

Researchers from Tel Aviv University are making strides in agriculture with a new genetic editing method that could change how we grow crops, especially tomatoes. This exciting development lets scientists tweak various traits in plants, like taste and shape. They believe this technology can help us create better crop varieties.

Professor Eilon Shani, who led the study, emphasized that this innovation addresses the urgent need for improved agriculture as the global population continues to rise. Genetic editing, including techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, plays a major role in developing plant varieties that can withstand harsh conditions. Unfortunately, until this breakthrough, editing options were limited.

The team’s new approach allows them to study thousands of genes effectively. This is crucial because crops often have "genetic redundancy." This means that many genes can fulfill the same role, making it hard to see changes when only one is altered. To tackle this, the researchers developed a special algorithm that can edit multiple genes at once.

Their initial tests were promising when they edited the model plant Arabidopsis. Now, they’ve successfully adapted their method for tomatoes. They created 10 CRISPR libraries with around 15,000 unique units specifically for tomatoes, targeting different gene families. Over 1,300 tomato plants underwent modifications, and the team measured changes in traits like sweetness, size, and resistance to pests.

One interesting aspect of their process is its complexity. Unlike traditional methods that start from seeds, they regenerate plants from leaf segments. This technique can be intricate, but it allows for precise genetic changes.

A highlight of the research was identifying which specific edits led to desirable results. This means better prospects for improving crops without relying on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Israeli agri-tech company NetaGenomiX is set to commercialize this technology to help farmers produce more resilient crops that can thrive in changing climates.

With food security being a priority, researchers like Amichai Berman from the team believe their findings open new avenues in agriculture. Future studies aim to introduce even more beneficial traits in crops like tomatoes and rice.

This research not only showcases the potential of genetic editing in agriculture but raises hopes for more sustainable farming practices that can meet the demands of our growing world.

For further insights on agricultural advancements, check out Nature Communications.

Source link