Reduced downy mildew symptoms and pathogen load two weeks after Peronospora belbahrii fungus exposure. Left panel: Gene-edited sweet basil; Right panel: Non-gene- edited sweet basil
Invention Summary:
Rutgers University scientists have developed a gene-edited sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) line that is resistant to downy mildew by using CRISPR-editing technology.
Specifically, CRISPR-gene editing was used to edit the sweet basil plants to reduce expression of homoserine kinase (HSK) and 2-oxoglutarate-Fe(II) oxygenase (2OGO). The novel basil has been tested for resistance against the oomycete fungus Peronospora belbahrii, which causes downy mildew.
The gene-edited sweet basil plants showed significantly reduced pathogen load and absence of visual symptoms of downy mildew two weeks after pathogen inoculation.
Market Applications:
- Sweet basil cultivars resistant to downy mildew
Advantages:
- Reduces use of chemical fungicides
- Increased basil output due to reduced losses
- Little impact on environment due to no chemical runoff
- No known toxicity
- Economical
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
