Why is genome editing in crops a hot topic today, and how is it different from normal breeding?
Genome editing is transforming agriculture because it enables precise, targeted changes to plant DNA, making crop improvement much faster and more accurate than traditional breeding. Conventional breeding requires years of crossing and selection, often mixing desirable traits with unwanted ones. In contrast, CRISPR-Cas allows scientists to directly modify or disable specific genes that control traits such as yield, stress tolerance, or disease resistance. This precision is vital in tackling challenges like climate change and food security. Importantly, many countries, including India, now distinguish genome editing from transgenic genetic modification, which is accelerating its adoption.
What problems in Indian wheat can genome editing solve?
Indian wheat faces three major challenges: diseases, climate stress, and nutrition. Rust diseases particularly yellow and brown rust cause serious and recurring yield losses. Climate-related stresses such as drought and heat are also becoming more common and threaten production in key wheat belts. Genome editing can deliver varieties resistant to rusts and tolerant to heat or drought without compromising yield. It also holds potential for nutritional improvements, including enhancing micronutrients and protein composition to combat malnutrition. An additional opportunity is to reduce or modify gluten proteins, paving the way for wheat safe for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, which is prevalent in northern India.
Is genome editing more difficult in wheat than other crops?
Yes. Wheat’s genome is hexaploid, meaning it has six sets of chromosomes, making it complex to edit. To achieve a desired trait, edits must target all copies of a gene, which is technically demanding. Wheat regeneration and transformation systems also remain less efficient and highly genotype dependent. In contrast, rice, with its smaller diploid genome, is much easier to edit. For instance, the genome-edited rice variety Kamala was developed for improved yield and stress tolerance using well-established protocols. To advance wheat editing, India must invest in specialized platforms, speed breeding tailored to wheat, and strong sequencing facilities. Training scientists in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and phenotyping is equally important, alongside regulatory clarity and stronger public-private partnerships.
How many labs in India are working on wheat genome editing, and when might farmers see results?
Currently, fewer than 10 labs in India are actively working on wheat genome editing, and success rates remain modest(1–10%). Given the stages involved—from editing to field validation and regulatory approval it may take 5–7 years before farmers access genome-edited wheat varieties. The first lines are expected to feature rust resistance and stress tolerance, where genes are well characterized. Nutritional traits may follow, though they require longer validation. Testing across India’s diverse growing conditions will be essential before release.
What role is your lab playing in improving wheat for Indian farmers?
At Thapar Institute, we have developed facilities for genome editing, tissue culture, speed breeding, and phenotyping. Our work focuses on two key problems: Stripe rust resistance: This disease affects nearly 10 million hectares in northern India. By editing genes linked to host pathogen interactions, we aim to create resistant lines suited to Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE): Fertilizer use in Punjab and Haryana has surged from 37 kg/ha in 1970–71 to 241kg/ha in 2023–24, leading to diminishing returns, soil damage, and pollution. We are editing regulatory genes for NUE to develop wheat that yields well under lower nitrogen inputs. Through these efforts, we aim to support farmers with improved varieties that reduce costs, boost sustainability, and strengthen India’s food security.
