First field trial of genome-edited wheat a success, ahead of Precision Breeding Bill

The first European field trial of genome-edited wheat has shown a significant reduction of asparagine, with no effects on yield or nitrogen content of the grain.

The results, by Rothamsted Research are timely, as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill moves to the final stages of its passage through Parliament (passed March 2023).  

Why is asparagine important?

Asparagine is essential for seed germination, however it is also associated with the development of Acrylamide – a potential carcinogen – when processed at high temperatures, such as in bread baking and toasting.

Since this discovery in 2002, the industry has been looking for ways to reduce its levels in food. The aim of the field trial was to determine whether a low asparagine phenotype of wheat was maintained when grown under field conditions, and to assess its performance with respect to emergence, yield, thousand grain weight (TGW) and composition.

Although bread is not the only carb to contain acrylamide – indeed its levels are lower than other cereal or potato products – its high consumption rate makes it one of the largest contributors to daily acrylamide intake.

The results

The trial was a success, with a 44-45% reduction in the free asparagine concentration of wheat compared with Cadenza.

Prof Nigel Halford, who led the research, said: “The study showed that gene editing to reduce asparagine concentration in the wheat grain works just as well in the field as under glass.

“This is important because the availability of low acrylamide wheat could enable food businesses to comply with evolving regulations on the presence of acrylamide in food without costly changes to production lines or reductions in product quality. It could also have a significant impact on dietary acrylamide intake for consumers.

“However, GE plants will only be developed for commercial use if the right regulatory framework is in place and breeders are confident that they will get a return on their investment in GE varieties.”

Precision Breeding Bill in final stages

The results of the trial are timely as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, which will make provision for the release and marketing of GE crops, is in the final stages of its passage through Parliament.

The Bill will now go to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments on Monday 6th March.

The paper 

Field assessment of genome-edited, low asparagine wheat: Europe’s first CRISPR wheat field trial, Sarah Raffan, Joseph Oddy, Andrew Mead, Gary Barker, Tanya Curtis, Sarah Usher, Christopher Burt, Nigel G. Halford, 09 February 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.14026

Rothamsted Research

More about Advanced Breeding.