Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, scientists develop and study gene-edited barley that resists pre-harvest sprouting.

After a spell of unexpected rain, before the harvest season, a farmer may be faced with the unpredictable problem of untimely sprouting of barley.

Sprouted barley fetches considerably lower market prices and poses an economic burden on farmers and corporations that are at the mercy of nature to survive in the agriculture industry. The aggravation of climate change has not made this situation any better either.

The problem of pre-harvest sprouting, thus, has kept agricultural researchers occupied for a long time. Pre-harvest sprouting can be avoided by prolonged grain dormancy through genetic manipulation. However, such dormancy can interfere with malt production and can also cause non-uniform germination upon sowing. Balancing these issues is, therefore, necessary for high-quality barley production.

The researchers are ecstatic to have hit gold in their plant biotechnology endeavor. Dr. [Hiroshi] Hisano exclaims, “We could successfully produce mutant barley that was resistant to pre-harvest sprouting, using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.” 

Overall, this study serves as a milestone for present and future crop improvement research, using efficient gene manipulation like that offered by CRISPR/Cas9. 

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