Date: 13th April 2022
Time: 13:00
Title: Expanding the Crop Genome Editing Toolbox
Location: Lecture room 1088, Viikki Info Centre, Viikinkaari 1 and remotely via Zoom
Host: Alan Schulman
Abstract: Crop genome editing tools are enabling faster research progress in many fields as well as providing opportunities for speeding up development of improved crop varieties. In many cases, successful genome editing requires efficient crop transformation to deliver editing components. I will describe one approach to obtaining high transformation efficiencies and overcoming the genotype dependence of crop transformation systems. I will then focus on ways to boost editing efficiencies in crops, therefore expanding the genome editing toolbox to allow a wider range of editing outcomes. Finally I will touch on the challenges of developing appropriate regulation for this rapidly developing technology.
Wendy’s group works on the genetic modification and genome editing of crop plants, with a focus on developing new and improved technologies for use in crop species. Her group makes extensive use of CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing techniques in a range of crops including the cereals, wheat and barley, as well as Brassica crops.