CRISPR Precise Mutation Breeding: Next-Generation Crop Improvement
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR/Cas9 is a groundbreaking gene-editing tool, often described as precise “genetic scissors.” It enables highly targeted changes to a plant’s DNA – cutting or fine-tuning genes with remarkable accuracy.
Why is CRISPR different from GMOs?
Unlike traditional GMO methods, CRISPR does not require the introduction of foreign genes. Instead, it creates natural-like variations that could also occur through conventional breeding. This means CRISPR-edited plants are virtually indistinguishable from traditionally bred varieties – except for the intended improvement.
With CRISPR, plant breeders can achieve in just a few years what previously took decades. For example, developing a new trait in potato through conventional breeding can take 15–20 years, while CRISPR may achieve the same result in only a year. This speed and precision open vast opportunities to solve farming challenges faster than ever before.
Our breakthrough: Disease-resistant lettuce
At AgriBiotix, we are harnessing CRISPR to develop crops with improved traits – focusing especially on disease resistance and climate resilience. Together with our research partners, we recently achieved a world-first: a CRISPR-edited iceberg lettuce with significantly increased resistance to white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).
This devastating fungal disease routinely destroys 20–30% of lettuce crops, and in severe outbreaks up to 70% of yield can be lost. Our gene-edited lettuce carries a small, targeted mutation that makes it far more tolerant to infection. Greenhouse trials confirmed its enhanced resistance compared to conventional lettuce.
Even more impressive, it took only about one year to develop this new variety with CRISPR. The result is a healthier “super-lettuce” that can reduce the need for chemical fungicides while protecting yields. Importantly, aside from its improved disease resistance, the plant remains genetically identical to its parent variety – with no foreign genes added. This is a clear example of how gene editing can deliver innovative solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Read more here: (Link to publication, or article)
Expanding CRISPR to other crops
Looking ahead, we are extending our CRISPR breeding approach to additional crops. Ongoing projects aim to enhance disease resistance, stress tolerance, and other valuable traits.
By partnering with AgriBiotix, producers and research collaborators gain access to state-of-the-art gene-editing expertise – accelerating the development of crop varieties tailored to their needs.
Regulatory landscape in Norway and the EU
It is important to note that in Norway and the EU, current regulations still classify gene-edited crops as GMOs. This means commercial release of CRISPR-edited plants faces regulatory hurdles. In practice, our CRISPR-edited lines are, for now, available only for research, development, and controlled trials.
We actively support efforts to modernize these regulations – because, as our lettuce case shows, gene editing can produce safe, environmentally friendly crops that simply carry beneficial genetic tweaks.
Shaping the future of agriculture
At AgriBiotix, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of this field. Once regulations ease, we will be ready to deliver improved, gene-edited seed lines of various crops to farmers. By investing in CRISPR technology today, we ensure that our company and partners stay ahead of the curve in crop innovation – driving a future of agriculture that is both high-yielding and sustainable.