Scientists unlock gene-editing techniques to extend raspberry shelf life and reduce waste

Researchers at Cranfield University, UK, have developed a novel method for gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 to modify raspberries’ DNA, aiming to improve their sustainability and reduce food waste. The technique could potentially increase the shelf life of raspberries, benefiting consumers and the environment.

The researchers note that this is the “first time” CRISPR gene editing has been validated in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) in a peer-reviewed publication. The findings are published in Frontiers in Genome Editing.

The process begins by isolating single cells, protoplasts, from raspberry leaf tissue grown in sterile culture. These cells are then edited using CRISPR, a powerful tool for precise DNA alterations. 

DNA-free advances

The research follows the guidelines of the new Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act (2023), which permits non-transgenic DNA changes in crop species, notes the study.

This means that the edited raspberries are not genetically modified organisms (GMOs) but products of natural genetic variation. This allows them to be cultivated and consumed in England without regulatory hurdles.

“Precision breeding techniques are essential for tackling food waste, improving food sustainability and nutrition, and lowering the cost of food,” says Ryan Creeth, the PhD student who developed the new method alongside co-authors Dr. Zoltan Kevei and Prof. Andrew Thompson.

“It’s really important that we fully utilize cutting-edge techniques like DNA-free gene editing in a wider variety of crop species to successfully transfer research from academia into the real world.”

Promising benefits for sustainability 

The potential benefits of the technique are vast. By creating raspberries with longer shelf lives, the industry could significantly reduce waste, making the fruit more sustainable.

The researchers note that these techniques could also lead to raspberry fruits that are “sweeter, larger, and seedless” or enable higher crop yields and greater resilience to heatwaves arising from climate change.

These traits would benefit consumers and improve crop yields, contributing to food security in the face of growing environmental challenges.

New era of crop breeding?

Traditional plant breeding relies on cross-pollination and random gene shuffling, and it often takes years, if not decades, to produce viable varieties. 

In contrast, CRISPR gene editing allows for faster, more precise modifications. The new method developed by the scientists could enable the creation of improved raspberry cultivars “in approximately 12 months, ready for propagation and on-farm trialing,” notes the study.

The team acknowledges that the study requires further investigation as a promising step toward more sustainable fruit production.

“More research is required, particularly with the regeneration of gene-edited raspberry plants. But it is a promising start for one of the nation’s favorite soft fruits,” Creeth concludes.