Control Premature Seed-Pod Breakage in Crop Species

Background

Oil seed crops, such as canola (Brassica), often break their seed-pods prematurely. This premature seed release can be a result of harvesting techniques or adverse weather conditions. Premature release can cause from 10 to 50 percent crop loss in canola, using current harvesting techniques.

Technology Description

UC San Diego investigators have found a way to prevent the premature release of seed-pods from the crop species canola. Scientists have discovered the genes necessary for seed-pod breakage, and devised ways to control them. These Brassica genes, when introduced into Arabidopsis mutants with seed-pod defects, can fully rescue the Arabidopsis mutants. This technique also has been proven to work in canola.

Patent Status