In a groundbreaking development, a team of Chinese researchers has successfully employed gene editing technology to enhance wheat resistance to stripe rust, a devastating airborne fungal disease often dubbed the “cancer” of wheat. This innovation promises to bolster global food security and revolutionize sustainable agriculture.
Led by Professor Wang Xiaojie from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, the research team dedicated 18 years to studying the genetic vulnerabilities of wheat. Their perseverance led to the identification of a susceptibility gene named TaPsIPK1, which makes wheat plants prone to stripe rust infection. By utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing techniques to modify TaPsIPK1, they effectively strengthened the plant’s defense mechanisms against the pathogen.
Field experiments revealed that wheat cultivars with edited TaPsIPK1 genes transitioned from high susceptibility to medium or high resistance to stripe rust. Remarkably, this genetic alteration did not compromise the yield or alter the agronomic traits of the original wheat varieties, indicating significant potential for widespread agricultural application.
“Our findings represent a significant stride toward achieving green and high-quality agricultural development,” Professor Wang stated. “Gene editing allows us to enhance disease resistance in crops without affecting their productivity, which is crucial for ensuring food security.”
Building on their success, the research team plans to expand their gene editing efforts to combat other major wheat diseases, including powdery mildew and gibberellic disease. Their ongoing work aims to develop wheat varieties with synchronous resistance to multiple pathogens, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Their pioneering research was published in the prestigious journal Cell in 2022, drawing international attention to the potential of gene editing in crop improvement. As global challenges like climate change and population growth intensify, such innovations are vital for maintaining stable food supplies and supporting agricultural communities worldwide.
This advancement not only signifies a triumph in the field of agricultural biotechnology but also underscores the collaborative spirit of scientific research in addressing global issues. Stakeholders from farmers to policymakers are optimistic that these breakthroughs will lead to more resilient food systems and a healthier planet.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers use gene editing to combat wheat 'cancer'
cgtn.com
