Gene editing for improvement in plant and animal species

Executive Summary

Crop and animal breeding is one of the constant challenges faced by the agricultural sector when trying to achieve increases in product yield and quality. The FAO proposes that, in order to meet nutritional demand during the next 32 years, the agricultural sector must produce between 50-70% more food, forage and biofuels than a decade ago. CRISPR-based gene editing (GE) is one of the most promising new biotechnologies for achieving this goal. GE is strongly based on knowledge of crop and animal gene functioning, and can be useful for conventional selection for breeds or varieties with desirable or novel traits in a short period of time. The enormous potential of this technique can be seen through proof of concept in the cultivation of important crops such as corn, cotton, rice, potato, soybean, and in cattle, sheep and pig breeding. The objective of this project is to consolidate regional GE research and innovation capacities for the improvement of species of agricultural interest, as a contribution to the technological sovereignty, value-added production, and the productive, economic and social development of the region. 

The technological solution

• Potato varieties with improved health and nutritional and industrial quality.
• Soybean varieties suitable for monogastric consumption (pigs, poultry, fish).
• Genetic lines of animals with modified characteristics to generate products and / or by-products of interest for livestock production.

Results

Beneficiaries

Research groups and public and private genetic breeding programs in the region that will see capacities increased.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products