Ph.D. student Ryan Creeth got right down to science with an innovative new method for isolating single cells—specifically protoplasts. He made this advance by employing raspberry microplants developed in sterile tissue culture. This new methodology was developed by Dr. Zoltan Kevei and Prof. Andrew Thompson. Their work represents a Hodges Hero moment, a major breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology.
This led to the first-ever peer-reviewed publication validating CRISPR gene editing in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The research published this week in Frontiers in Genome Editing unveils a pioneering, DNA-free CRISPR genome editing approach. This approach would be most effectively implemented in raspberry protoplasts through RNP-mediated transfection. This genetic strategy has the ability to generate literally better performing strains of top raspberry cultivars in as little as 12 months.
In this context, raspberry genome editing could greatly speed up the variety improvement process. Traditional plant breeding relies on cross-pollination with selected plants and random gene shuffling. This is a lengthy process of often a decade or more of field selection before producing anything. By comparison, the new CRISPR gene editing method could make this process much more efficient, providing faster answers to improve raspberry traits.
These genomic-based selections of elite raspberry cultivars are now ready for propagation and on-farm trialing. This is exciting progress, especially considering that raspberries are one of the nation’s most favorite soft fruits.
Ryan Creeth, who oversees USDA’s precision breeding portfolio, noted the significance of these precise breeding approaches. He stated, “Precision breeding techniques are essential for tackling food waste, improving food sustainability and nutrition, and lowering the cost of food.”
Gene editing has at this point been shown effective in nearly every major crop, including tomatoes. By changing the expression of targeted genes, such as NPR1, scientists have increased their ability to resist gray mold.
“It’s really important that we fully utilize cutting-edge techniques like DNA-free gene editing in a wider variety of crop species to successfully transfer research from academia into the real world. More research is required, particularly with the regeneration of gene edited raspberry plants. But it is a promising start for one of the nation’s favorite soft fruits.” – Ryan Creeth
Researchers around the world—including at the U.S. This study marks a major breakthrough for raspberry production. More research and breeding will increase profit from raspberries. These advances are projected to be drivers of more widespread agricultural sustainability initiatives.
As researchers continue to explore the potential of gene editing in agriculture, this study provides a pivotal step forward for raspberry cultivation. With further investigation and development, it is expected that these advancements will not only enhance raspberry production but also contribute to broader agricultural sustainability efforts.