CRISPR gets juicy: DNA-free editing breakthrough could extend raspberry shelf-life

Researchers at the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences at Cranfield University in the UK published the first peer-reviewed study showing successful CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in the red raspberry. The results could pave the way for faster variety development and fewer postharvest losses.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Genome Editing, outlines a method for editing single plant cells from sterile raspberry microplants. The goal is to allow future cultivars to resist grey mold and other challenges, the research team says.

“This is the first time CRISPR gene editing has been validated in red raspberry in a peer-reviewed publication,” said Ryan Creeth, the PhD candidate who led the work alongside Zoltan Kevei, lecturer in plant molecular genetics at Cranfield University, and Andrew Thompson, professor of molecular plant science at Cranfield University.

Faster breeding, without GMO labels

DNA-free CRISPR technology enables scientists to make precise changes to an organism’s genome without inserting any foreign DNA. The CRISPR system uses a complex of RNA and protein molecules to locate a specific gene sequence and make a double-strand break. The organism (in this case, the raspberry plant) will then naturally repair the cut, often resulting in a small change or “edit.” 

One of the most significant benefits of this technology is that, because there’s no foreign DNA involved, the resulting plants are genetically indistinguishable from those bred through traditional breeding methods or genetic selection. 

This is important because, in the case of raspberries, CRISPR not only allows the introduction of specific traits in a fraction of the time but also enables the fruit to retain its non-GMO status.

One gene targeted in the study, NPR1, has been shown to boost resistance to grey mold in tomatoes. The fungus is a major cause of raspberry spoilage, which is why researchers suggest that editing this gene could lead to longer shelf life and less shrinkage at retail.

“Precision breeding techniques are essential for tackling food waste, improving food sustainability and nutrition, and lowering the cost of food,” says Creeth.

From the lab to the field: Next steps

Traditional raspberry breeding can take over a decade due to the complexity of cross-pollination and the time-consuming process of field selection. The DNA-free CRISPR approach could shorten this timeline to about twelve months, potentially enabling quicker turnaround from lab to field trials.

However, one key challenge remains: growing fully-fledged raspberry plants from the edited single cells. While this process is routine in crops like rice or tomatoes, it can be more complex and time-consuming in raspberries.

“More research is required, particularly with the regeneration of gene-edited raspberry plants,” Creeth says. “But it is a promising start for one of the nation’s favorite soft fruits.”

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