Gene-edited strawberries are on the cusp of appearing in British supermarkets, following modifications to their DNA designed to extend their harvest season. US-based company Simplot has developed eight distinct varieties of strawberries with altered genetic makeup, which are currently in the final approval stages for sale to the public.
A notice from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) indicated that the genetic alteration targets the Terminal Flower 1 (Tfl1) gene. By 'knocking out' this gene, the strawberries become 'remontant,' meaning they can flower and produce fruit over a longer period. This process utilizes CRISPR/Cas9 technology, often described as 'molecular scissors,' to make precise edits to the plant's existing DNA without introducing foreign genetic material.
Defra has confirmed that these genetic changes do not affect the fruit's nutritional composition. The development could lead to increased availability of British-grown strawberries, potentially lessening the reliance on imports during months when they are not typically in season. While the exact duration of the extended harvest for these specific varieties is not detailed, it is anticipated that the edits could facilitate year-round cultivation.
This approach differs from traditional genetic modification (GM), which involves inserting DNA from different species. Gene editing, in contrast, makes targeted alterations or deletions within a plant's natural genome. Regulatory bodies in countries such as the US, Brazil, Canada, and Argentina have indicated that gene-edited crops without foreign DNA may be exempt from GM regulations.
Alongside the strawberries, gene-edited tomatoes are also undergoing review. These 'sunshine' tomatoes have been developed to contain significant levels of vitamin D, an enhancement achieved by turning off a gene that converts vitamin D3 into cholesterol. This modification ensures the vitamin remains in the leaves and fruit, potentially offering a plant-based solution to vitamin D deficiency, particularly during autumn and winter.
Professor Cathie Martin, a lead researcher on the tomato project, emphasized that all new plant varieties undergo rigorous testing, and these crops will adhere to the same standards. The development of these gene-edited crops follows other advancements, including disease-resistant potatoes, high-fat barley, and wheat with reduced levels of a potentially cancer-linked chemical, all of which have received marketing notices from Defra. If approved by the Food Standards Agency, the gene-edited strawberries will not require specific labeling indicating their genetic modification status.