Gene Editing Unlocks Potential for Larger, Tastier Tomatoes and Eggplants

Overview

• Scientists from Johns Hopkins University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified genes that control fruit size in tomatoes and eggplants through genome mapping and gene editing.
• The study utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modify specific gene duplicates, or paralogs, resulting in larger, more viable fruits without compromising their commercial potential.
• The research is part of a broader effort to map the complete genomes of 22 crops in the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, to enhance agricultural traits globally.
• One breakthrough involved editing the SaetSCPL25-like gene in African eggplants to increase fruit size, a discovery that was successfully applied to tomatoes as well.
• This approach, termed 'pan-genetics,' highlights the benefits of cross-species genetic studies, aiming to improve crop diversity, yield, and resilience worldwide.