By Blake Jackson
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed rice plants resistant to bacterial blight, a destructive disease that threatens crop yields and food security in parts of Asia and Africa, according to Brian Consiglio at the University of Missouri.
The research, led by Bing Yang, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, could advance efforts to develop crops with stronger defenses against diseases and environmental stresses.
“Bacterial blight can wreak havoc on rice crops, reducing both yield and quality, which creates serious challenges for farmers who depend on the staple grain,” Yang said. “Our lab investigates how bacterial blight interacts with rice at the genetic level — knowledge that helps us identify ways to strengthen the plant’s natural defenses.”
Before the technology can benefit farmers, researchers must transfer the findings from a laboratory rice line into commercially cultivated varieties. Additional testing, regulatory approvals, and partnerships with industry will also be necessary before the plants can be commercialized. The process could take several years.
Yang said the approach may also have applications for other crops, including corn and soybeans.
“Our recent breakthrough paves the way to explore genetic solutions to a range of challenges that farmers face across Missouri and nationwide, from devastating plant diseases to drought and extreme temperatures,” Yang, an investigator in the Bond Life Sciences Center, said.
“By developing crops that are better equipped to withstand these stresses, we can help farmers protect yields, strengthen agricultural resilience and prepare for an increasingly challenging growing environment.”
The breakthrough relies on OpenCRISPR-1, an artificial intelligence-designed gene-editing tool developed by California-based biotechnology company Profluent.
Gene editing enables researchers to make targeted changes to DNA to modify traits associated with disease susceptibility.
Although OpenCRISPR-1 had previously been demonstrated in animal cells, Yang’s team adapted the technology for rice plants.
“Unlike proprietary gene-editing tools that may require licensing agreements for commercial use, OpenCRISPR-1 is open source and free for research and commercialization of crop genome editing,” Yang said.
“That accessibility gives researchers and companies greater flexibility to explore new genetic solutions and develop crop varieties with valuable agricultural traits.”
The research could support future crop improvement efforts by expanding access to gene-editing technology and helping scientists develop plants better equipped to withstand agricultural challenges.
Photo Credit: braiden-wade
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Education, General