Invention:
This innovation is a method of genetically editing molecular mechanisms of economically important fruit crop plants, such as tomatoes, to create reproductively heat-tolerant crops. This new method involves manipulation of pollen tubes to improve the response of plants to various climate stressors.
Background:
Since early 2020, the U.S. Southwest has been experiencing one of the most severe long-term droughts of the past 1,200 years. Multiple seasons of record low precipitation and near-record high temperatures were the main triggers of the drought. Climate projections to the year 2100 suggest that increases are expected in the incidence of drought and elevated growing-season temperatures. These fluctuating temperatures have begun to start affecting crop yield in certain parts of the world and currently there is little genetic technology to reinforce the strength of these crops, rather, most genetic technology is used for disease resistance. Pollen tubes are vital to a plant’s success in growth but are often victimized by high heat and other abiotic stress. This new method works to increase pollen tube integrity for an increase in crop yield in tomatoes and other fruits.
Applications:
- Method of gene editing to increase fruit crop heat resistance during high temperatures
Advantages:
- Better heat-resistance
- Can potentially be applied to other crop areas
- Can promote growth in areas of 35-37 degrees Celsius
- Increase of overall seed and fruit yield
- A solution to future global food production issues