The search for the perfect berry has been ongoing for centuries, and now researchers are looking to genetics to find the answer. CRISPR-based genome editing is rapidly becoming a favorite tool for plant breeders and researchers. By identifying genes that determine which berries are the best in terms of taste, nutrition, and other qualities, researchers can help farmers produce more delicious, nutritious, and seedless fruits. Pairwise and North Carolina State University are collaborating to work on caneberry transformation.
Jack Wang, Assistant Professor in the Forest Biotech Group at NCSU’sDepartment of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources, and Rodolphe Barrangou, the T. R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor in Probiotics Research, co-pilot this collaboration with Pairwise. Dr. Barrangou will contribute his expertise on CRISPR systems, and the Forest Biotech Group will draw on its experience developing protoplast systems for four different tree species.
“Protoplast technology has a lot of promise. Pairwise is excited to be working with such experienced collaborators as NCSU’s Forest Biotech Group to develop these methods for caneberries", said Matthew Willmann, Associate Director, Delivery Technology at Pairwise and project lead.
