American scientists have developed a chestnut with a wheat gene in the US
Chestnut Kernel
United States
Published Jan 10, 2023
Tridge summary
The introduction of the wheat gene should protect chestnut trees from a deadly fungus disease, the seedlings have been tested and are ready for planting
Original content
The American chestnut tree (Castenea dentata), which produces edible fruit, has been virtually wiped out in its natural range in the United States from Georgia to Maine. The reason is an outbreak of a fungal disease (pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica), which occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. For twenty years, researchers from American science organizations have been working at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Research Station to develop a biotechnology-based solution that will return this critical ecosystem tree back to nature. Tested, verified and ready to plant seedlings are awaiting the decision of the regulatory authorities. The genetic modification is the addition of a wheat gene known as oxalate oxidase. A fungal pathogen produces oxalic acid to break down wild chestnuts' defenses. Genetically modified trees fight back by producing the added enzyme oxalate oxidase, a natural enzyme that breaks down oxalic acid. The ...
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