Gene Editing Unlocks Potential for Larger, Tastier Tomatoes and Eggplants

Researchers map nightshade genomes, discovering key genetic traits that could revolutionize crop breeding and food production.

Scientists from Johns Hopkins University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified genes that control fruit size in tomatoes and eggplants through genome mapping and gene editing.
The study utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modify specific gene duplicates, or paralogs, resulting in larger, more viable fruits without compromising their commercial potential.
The research is part of a broader effort to map the complete genomes of 22 crops in the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, to enhance agricultural traits globally.
One breakthrough involved editing the SaetSCPL25-like gene in African eggplants to increase fruit size, a discovery that was successfully applied to tomatoes as well.
This approach, termed 'pan-genetics,' highlights the benefits of cross-species genetic studies, aiming to improve crop diversity, yield, and resilience worldwide.