Scientists from the National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute have achieved a major breakthrough in pea genome editing. The research solved a key challenge that limited genetic modification in peas.
The study appeared in Plant Cell Reports on 24 August. Researchers successfully transformed pea cells genetically and regenerated them into complete plants. They also showed that CRISPR-Cas9 can deliver precise gene edits in peas.
Why Pea Gene Editing Was Difficult Earlier
Genome editing helps scientists improve crops by making specific DNA changes. However, peas remained difficult compared with crops like rice and wheat.
The main challenge involved growing pea cells into complete plants inside laboratories. Pea tissues often struggle with tissue culture methods. Additionally, existing editing techniques worked only on limited pea varieties.
Researchers explained that successful editing needs two steps. First, scientists must introduce CRISPR machinery into plant cells. Then, they must regenerate those edited cells into healthy plants.
The study stated, “The regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation systems were optimised.” Researchers identified dicotyledonary node (DCN) as the preferred explant for CRISPR/Cas9 editing.
How Scientists Built The New Editing Process
The research focused on creating an efficient process rather than developing a commercial pea variety. Scientists tested three plant tissues called explants.
These included embryonic axis, DCN and nodal segment tissues. Among them, DCN delivered the strongest results. It achieved 100% shoot-bud induction and produced an average of 39.7 shoots per explant.
Furthermore, researchers used plant hormones to improve growth. BAP and kinetin supported shoot formation. GA3, IAA, NAA and BAP helped shoot growth and root development.
Scientists also used Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer DNA into pea plants. They adjusted factors like bacterial concentration, infection period, vacuum infiltration and co-cultivation time.
CRISPR-Cas9 Testing Showed Wider Possibilities
Researchers tested the method across 10 pea cultivars. DCN explants showed transformation efficiency between 23.33% and 90%.
Meanwhile, embryonic-axis explants recorded efficiency between 6.66% and 93.33%. These results highlighted differences among pea varieties.
After transformation, scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the PsPDS gene. This gene plays a role in carotenoid biosynthesis.
A senior Department of Science and Technology scientist told ThePrint that pea genome editing received less research attention than rice or wheat. The scientist said difficulty in regenerating edited cells caused this gap.
India’s Growing Focus On Genome-Edited Crops
Genome editing research is also expanding across other crops in India. The Agriculture Ministry released two genome-edited rice varieties in May last year.
These varieties included DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. Scientists developed them using CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 technology.
The research attracted attention as the varieties became the first such examples globally. It also marked progress toward climate-resilient crops.
Meanwhile, Indian Agricultural Research Institute scientists are working on genome-edited mustard. The crop may arrive by 2027.
This pea research creates a stronger foundation for future crop improvement and advanced agricultural innovation.
