Precision Genome Editing Tools for Non-Transgenic Trait Development

Innovative trait development tools in plant breeding will be crucial for doubling global agricultural productivity by 2050. The Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS™) is a tool that can deliver precise, non-transgenic and globally acceptable traits. RTDS employs Gene Repair OligoNucleobases (GRONs) to make defined spelling changes in genomic DNA. We report that RTDS can significantly improve the outcome of double strand break activity by reliably inducing precise and targeted nucleotide spelling changes closely aligned to the cut site. Our work demonstrates the significance of gene editing to rapidly, precisely and reliably improve crop performance to develop any trait in commercially relevant crop varieties.