When one gene makes the difference: How partial ripening control benefits melons

Summary

Oriental melon is prized for its crisp texture and sweetness but suffers from a short shelf life due to rapid ripening and post-harvest deterioration. Traditional breeding and gene-editing approaches have shown that disabling ripening-related genes can dramatically extend storage life, yet such inte…

Source: Newswise

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Q1: What are the advancements in gene-editing techniques for extending the shelf life of melons?

A1: Recent advancements in gene editing, specifically using CRISPR/Cas9, have enabled the development of long shelf-life melons. By targeting the ethylene biosynthesis gene in melons, researchers have successfully delayed ripening and extended shelf life. This is achieved without the need for cell culture through a method called Particle Bombardment, which delivers CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins directly into shoot apical meristem tissue. This innovation holds promise for commercial melon breeding and could be applicable to other species within the Cucurbitaceae family.

Q2: How does the disruption of the ethylene biosynthesis gene affect melon ripening?

A2: Disruption of the ethylene biosynthesis gene in melons leads to a significant extension of the fruit's shelf life. This is because ethylene is a plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening. When the gene responsible for ethylene production is disabled, the ripening process is delayed, resulting in a longer shelf life for the fruit. The delayed ripening phenotype can be reversed with exogenous ethylene treatment, confirming the gene's role in ripening.

Q3: What are the potential economic impacts of using gene-editing technology in agriculture, specifically for melons?

A3: The use of gene-editing technology in agriculture, such as extending the shelf life of melons, can have significant economic impacts. It can reduce food waste by prolonging the marketability of fruits and decrease the costs associated with spoilage. This can lead to more stable prices and increased profits for farmers and retailers. Furthermore, it can enhance food security by ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce.

Q4: What are the challenges associated with conventional cell culture-based transformation methods in melon genome editing?

A4: Conventional cell culture-based transformation methods in melon genome editing face challenges such as inefficiencies in transformation rates, genotype dependence, and somaclonal variation. These challenges make it difficult to achieve consistent and reliable results across different melon varieties, which hinders the application of genome editing for commercial purposes.

Q5: How does the Particle Bombardment method improve genome editing in melons?

A5: The Particle Bombardment method improves genome editing in melons by bypassing the need for cell culture. CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins are coated onto gold particles and delivered directly into the plant tissue, allowing for efficient and DNA-free editing. This method overcomes the limitations of conventional techniques and provides a more streamlined approach to enhancing fruit traits such as shelf life.

Q6: What role does ethylene play in determining the shelf life of fruits like melons?

A6: Ethylene is a plant hormone that plays a crucial role in the ripening process of fruits, including melons. It regulates various physiological processes that lead to ripening, such as softening and color change. By controlling the production of ethylene, it is possible to delay ripening and extend the shelf life of fruits.

Q7: What are the implications of the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP-based genome editing for other Cucurbitaceae family species?

A7: The CRISPR/Cas9 RNP-based genome editing method has significant implications for other species within the Cucurbitaceae family. It offers a versatile tool for improving desirable traits, such as extended shelf life and enhanced resistance to diseases, without the limitations of traditional cell culture methods. This can lead to broader commercial applications and improved crop varieties across the family.