Shatterproof Gene Mutations Prevent Canola Yield Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Preharvest dehiscence of canola seed pods leads to significant yield loss and crop carryover, as existing methods fail to effectively prevent or reduce this process in agriculture crops like Brassica crops.
Innovation Solution
Introducing mutations into the shatterproof (SHP) genes of Brassica plants using gene repair oligonucleotides or DNA cutters like CRISPR to reduce or eliminate the activity of these genes, thereby preventing preharvest dehiscence without introducing transgenic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If shatterproof (SHP) genes are active in Brassica plants, then seed pod dehiscence occurs naturally for seed dispersal, but this causes preharvest yield loss and crop carryover into the next growing season
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by mutating the SHP genes to alter their function from promoting dehiscence to preventing it. Specifically, the invention modifies the nucleotide sequences of SHP genes (such as BnSHP1A, BnSHP1C, BnSHP2A, etc.) to reduce or eliminate their activity, thereby changing the dehiscence parameter from high to low, which prevents preharvest yield loss while maintaining crop productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful function of the SHP genes by introducing mutations that disable their dehiscence-promoting activity. By targeting specific SHP gene sequences and introducing precise mutations (such as base substitutions, deletions, or insertions), the invention extracts the detrimental effect of premature seed shattering while preserving the rest of the plant's genetic integrity and productivity
2Productivity
If mutations are introduced into SHP genes to prevent preharvest dehiscence, then yield stability improves, but the complexity of the breeding process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical breeding methods (crossing, selection, and phenotypic screening) with molecular biology techniques. By using gene editing tools to directly modify SHP gene sequences and molecular markers to track mutations, the invention substitutes complex multi-generational breeding processes with more precise and efficient molecular-level interventions, reducing overall process complexity despite the sophistication of individual steps
3Loss of substance
If existing methods are used to prevent preharvest dehiscence, then some yield loss reduction may be achieved, but they fail to effectively prevent or reduce this process in agriculture crops like Brassica crops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the plant's own genetic material and natural mutation mechanisms to achieve dehiscence prevention. By introducing mutations into the plant's endogenous SHP genes that the plant already possesses, the invention leverages the plant's own biological systems to resist preharvest dehiscence, rather than relying on external chemical treatments or less effective breeding methods, thereby achieving both reduced crop loss and high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides shatterproof (SHP) genes and plants and/or plant cells bearing one or more mutations in a shatterproof gene; as well as methods of making and using such plants. In some embodiments the plant or plant cell is resistant to preharvest dehiscence.