A Protocol for High-efficiency Transformation and Genome Editing in Elite Wheat Cultivars

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing offers precise genetic modification in plants.
• Improving elite wheat cultivars is hindered by low transformation efficiency and reproducibility issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-efficiency CRISPR-Cas9 transformation protocol for elite wheat cultivars.
• To overcome bottlenecks in gene editing for simply inherited traits in wheat.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the JD633-GRF4-GIF1 CRISPR vector for targeted gene editing.
• Developed and optimized a transformation protocol for elite wheat varieties.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-efficiency transformation in elite wheat cultivars.
• Reduced the regeneration time for transformants to less than 90 days.
• Enabled reproducible gene editing in previously recalcitrant elite wheat.

Conclusions:

• The described protocol significantly enhances the efficiency and speed of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in elite wheat.
• This advancement facilitates the genetic improvement of wheat for desirable traits.