The importance of dwarfing rootstocks in orchard production cannot be overstated. Rootstocks have long been used to propagate true-to-type trees, reduce juvenile periods, and control tree architecture. In particular, dwarfing rootstocks have revolutionized orchard production by increasing plant precocity, enabling high-density planting, and reducing both harvesting time and costs. Historically, orchards using dwarfing rootstocks have seen at least a two-fold increase in yield.
Previous studies of high-performing dwarfing rootstocks have uncovered gene mutations associated with these dwarfing traits. Since most fruit trees are naturally vigorous and lack compatible rootstocks, our goal is to develop dwarfing rootstocks for crops like avocado and citrus by introducing these mutations into their genomes using CRISPR-based gene-editing techniques.
Gene-editing of tree species relies heavily on plant tissue culture (PTC) techniques, which present significant challenges due to the recalcitrant nature of trees to transformation. To overcome these challenges, we have conducted extensive research in PTC methods, and we are currently using somatic embryogenesis to generate prototype dwarfing rootstocks for avocado and citrus species.
Chief Investigators
Project team
- Dr. Sudipta Das Bhowmik
- Maiko Kato
- Georgie Stephan
- Nathan Kimber
Partner Investigator
- Dr Toshi Foster (PFR)
Project partner
Project funding
