Genetic editing promises to revolutionize cotton farming

A research project in the United States is utilizing advanced genetic editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas12a, to create more productive Upland cotton varieties, with fibers of quality similar to Pima, more nutritious seeds, and resistance to Fusarium wilt (FOV4), a disease that has caused significant losses to the crop in various regions. The goal is to develop a dual-purpose plant, aimed at both fiber production and high-value seeds, increasing economic and environmental sustainability for growers. The initiative, titled Building Better Cotton: Gene Editing to Improve Oil, Protein and Fiber Quality in Upland Cotton, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and Cotton Incorporated. It is based on findings from a previous study and now moves forward to transform this knowledge into practical applications, uniting biotechnology, genetic improvement, and field innovation. The work is led by plant geneticist Christopher Saski from the College of Agriculture, ...