Genome-edited wheat trial success ahead of Bill

The first European field trial of genome-edited wheat lines have shown a significant reduction of asparagine, with no effects on yield or nitrogen content of the grain. Asparagine is essential for seed germination but it is associated with the development of Acrylamide when bread dough is baked; a potential carcinogen at high levels. 

Since research in 2002 identified that Acrylamide in high quantities is a potential carcinogen in animals, the industry has been trying to reduce its levels in food. Results from a trial by Rothamsted Research are timely as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill is in the final stages of its passage through Parliament.

Successful trial of genome-edited wheat

The aim of the field trial was to determine whether a low asparagine phenotype of wheat could be grown under field conditions and to assess its performance with respect to emergence, yield, thousand grain weight (TGW) and composition.

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

Bread may not appear to contain high levels of acrylamide when compared to other cereal or potato products, but because of its high consumption rate it is one of the big contributors to daily acrylamide intake in many countries and hence the importance of acrylamide reduction in breads.

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

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