CRISPR-Combo technology accelerates perennial crop regeneration

Researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the University of Maryland, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have developed a new gene-editing system called ‘CRISPR-Combo’ to accelerate plant regeneration.

While gene editing can introduce new traits, scientists often struggle to grow a complete plant from edited cells, a bottleneck that is particularly difficult with perennial crops. The CRISPR-Combo system addresses this by simultaneously editing a target gene and activating the plant’s own natural ‘morphogenic’ genes, which control cell division and the development of roots and shoots.

Unlike previous methods that rely on adding extra genetic material or hormones, this approach uses the CRISPR tool to increase the activity of the plant’s existing growth-promoting genes. This method shows promise for improving the breeding cycles of high-value perennial crops such as citrus, strawberry, poplar, and potatoes, which have historically been resistant to laboratory transformation.