A simple, genome-editable technology for inducing steeper, deeper root growth in crops
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Ctr for Plant Sciences
Abstract
This project builds directly on a BBSRC grant and PhD project that resulted in the discovery of a single, dominant point mutation in a gene regulating root growth angle causing more vertical lateral roots in the model plant Arabidopsis. This mutation is in a region of the gene that is conserved across many plant species and has the potential to be used to alter root architectures of many important crops. Root traits have a direct bearing on crop productivity via water and nutrient uptake making them an ideal high-value target for breeding/ biotechnological approaches to crop improvement. It is known that steeper roots improve water and nitrogen uptake in crop species, potentially increasing yields from lower input farming and under sub-optimal climate and soil conditions. This project will translate our findings into wheat as a proof of concept study in crops. Obtaining this proof of concept will provide vital data for patent filing and subsequent commercial exploitation.
Organisations
Publications
Roychoudhry S
(2022)
Auxin in Root Development.
in Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology
Kumar R
(2019)
Peg Biology: Deciphering the Molecular Regulations Involved During Peanut Peg Development.
in Frontiers in plant science
Shorinola O
(2019)
Genetic Screening for Mutants with Altered Seminal Root Numbers in Hexaploid Wheat Using a High-Throughput Root Phenotyping Platform
in G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics
Roychoudhry S
(2022)
The Analysis of Gravitropic Setpoint Angle Control in Plants.
in Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Description | This award supported the commercialisation of technology to manipulate root growth angle. Licensing options have been taken up by multinational biotech companies. |
Exploitation Route | Patent licensing |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
Description | The technology developed in this award is being evaluated under licence by a multi-national ag-biotech company. |
First Year Of Impact | 2001 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
Impact Types | Economic |
Title | PLANTS HAVING A MODIFIED LAZY PROTEIN |
Description | The invention relates to genetically altered plants with improved traits, in particular steeper root growth. The invention also relates to methods for making such plants and methods for modulating root growth, in particular methods that employ gene editing techniques. |
IP Reference | WO2021064402 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2021 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | Commercial, in confidence at present |