Researchers have proposed using attenuated viruses to increase plant resistance to extreme and unstable climate conditions. Led by the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants (IBMCP), linked to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the study was published in the journal Nature Reviews Bioengineering. The article presents an alternative to the use of agrochemicals. And it may offer a faster solution than traditional genetic improvement methods.
The study, part of the "Future of Food" series, advocates the use of viral vectors to introduce specific genes into plants. This technique could speed up harvests, improve drought tolerance and develop crops with superior agronomic traits. In addition, the technology could be used to produce dietary supplements that benefit human health.
According to Fabio Pasin, a researcher at CSIC and lead author of the study, viral vectors can be used to edit the genome of plants through CRISPR-Cas components. This would allow for heritable improvements in agronomic traits, such as the length and weight of wheat grains or the color of fruits such as tomatoes. Another advantage would be the temporary use of the vectors, which offers an attractive alternative to the use of agrochemicals.
The study highlights a paradox. While humans, domestic animals, and livestock already benefit from vaccines and gene therapies based on recombinant viruses, this practice has not yet been applied to agricultural crops. Even with the release of recombinant viruses into the environment to control diseases in wild animals, such as rabies, the agricultural use of these vectors has not yet been authorized.
Despite scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of the technology under experimental conditions, regulatory barriers remain a challenge. For Pasin, one of the obstacles to large-scale application is the lack of an equivalent in the agricultural market. He argues that the process could be accelerated if the viral vectors were initially applied to crops intended for animal feed, textile fibers or biofuels.
At CSIC, researchers are optimizing technological platforms to accelerate the validation of agricultural applications based on viral vectors. They are also exploring the compatibility of synthetic biology with industrial-scale production. One of the priorities is to develop this technology to improve agronomic characteristics of crops such as tomatoes.
In conclusion, the use of attenuated viral vectors in plants represents a promising opportunity for sustainable agriculture. However, its advancement depends on adequate regulations and greater acceptance of biological solutions in the agricultural sector.
More information can be found at doi.org/10.1038/s44222-024-00197-y
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