Brazil Embrapa develops non-GM gene-edited sugarcane

According to an article published by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), scientists from Embrapa Agroenergy developed gene-edited sugarcanes that are considered non-transgenic (through DNA-free genome editing), according to the Normative Resolution 16 (RN 16) by the Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) published on Dec 9, 2021.

Cana Flex I and Cana Flex II were created using the CRISPR technique, being considered non-transgenic (DNA-Free), according to resolution (RN nº 16) of the National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio).

The Cana Flex I and II varieties show, respectively, greater cell wall digestibility and higher sucrose concentration in plant tissues. They respond to one of the biggest challenges in the sector: increasing the access of enzymes to sugars trapped in cells, which facilitate the manufacture of ethanol (first and second generation) and the extraction of other bioproducts.

“Once we identified this characteristic of sugar accumulation in the model plant, we transferred this knowledge to the sugarcane crop, which is the target of our research. An increase of around 15% in sucrose was observed in the sugarcane stalk, and in other sugars such as glucose and fructose, also present in the plant, both in the juice and in the fresh plant tissue,” explained Embrapa researcher Hugo Molinari.

The team also observed a 200% increase in sugar in the cane leaves. “We also carried out tests to see if the gene affected improving saccharification, which is the conversion of cellulose into industrial sugar, and we observed an increase of around 12%,” the researcher added.

As advantages of Cana Flex II, Molinari cites the increase in the efficiency of bioethanol production, the discovery of a variety more suitable for industrial processing, obtaining bagasse with greater digestibility for use in animal feed, and the addition of value to the production chain. of sugarcane as a whole.

“In 2020-2021, the estimated total sugar production in the world was 188 million tons, with Brazil responsible for 39 million tons, equivalent to 21% of world production,” Molinari said.

Another point highlighted by the researcher is the contribution of sugarcane cultivation to a cleaner energy matrix. “Today, we know that more than 45% of the Brazilian energy matrix is renewable and that sugarcane contributes a share of more than 30% to these renewable sources,” he stated.

According to the scientist, although transgenics continues to be an important strategy for solving numerous problems in agriculture and adding value to species, genomic editing performed with techniques such as CRISPR allows for a more precise, faster manipulation of DNA. and economic when compared to transgenics.

“CRISPR technology has allowed for a democratization of the use of biotechnology in agriculture, not only from the point of view of more companies and institutions participating in the development of products that reach the market but also allowing more species of interest to be benefited,” explained Molinari. According to him, the estimated cost of developing a transgenic plant is nearly US$136 million, and between 30% and 60% of this amount is destined for the deregulation stages.

According to Deputy Head of Research and Development at Embrapa Agroenergia, Bruno Laviola, the new sugarcane cultivars using the CRISPR technique is an action at the frontier of knowledge. “These cultivars are just the beginning and pave the way for the development and delivery of other cultivars to the productive sector with characteristics that will directly impact sugarcane productivity and reduce production costs,” he announced.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)