New field trial request for the BREEDIT project
Researchers from the VIB-UGent VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology have submitted an application for a new field trial involving multiplex genome-edited maize under the BREEDIT project. BREEDIT focuses on enhancing plant growth, increasing yield, and improving drought resistance through multiplex genome editing.
For this specific trial, minor genome edits have been introduced in genes that negatively influence growth. By modifying these genes, the plants are expected to grow better, produce more biomass and more seeds.
“These field trials play a crucial role in our research to advance sustainable agriculture. Our goal is to contribute to the development of plants that are better adapted to the challenges of climate change and that achieve higher yields on smaller land areas . This aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal,” said Hilde Nelissen, principal investigator and group leader at the VIB-UGent VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology.
The field trial will be performed in collaboration with the agricultural research institute ILVO. It will allow the researchers to do scientific observations that have much more value than in controlled greenhouse conditions.