Gene-edited Mustard

August 21, 2023

The utilization of oilseeds extends beyond oil extraction, with their protein-rich meal serving as a vital ingredient in livestock, poultry, and aqua feed. Rapeseed-mustard, a significant oilseed in India, contributes 42.6% to vegetable oil production and 30.3% to meal production. However, the high glucosinolate content in mustard seeds imparts a strong flavor and limits its acceptability.

Efforts have been invested in breeding Canola-quality mustard to lower glucosinolate levels. Scientists have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to modify the glucosinolate transporter genes in Indian mustard, leading to low-seed high-leaf glucosinolate plants. These plants exhibit resistance to pests and pathogens without compromising defense mechanisms. These genetically edited mustard lines, distinct from genetically modified crops, hold promise in enhancing domestic oilseed production and reducing reliance on oil imports.

How does the meal from oilseeds play a role in various animal feeds?

The residual meal left after oil extraction from oilseeds is protein-rich and is used in livestock, poultry, and aqua feed, contributing to the nutritional requirements of these animals.

Why is the glucosinolate content significant in mustard seeds?

Glucosinolates are compounds present in mustard seeds responsible for their characteristic pungency. While this imparts a strong flavor to the oil and meal, high glucosinolate levels are unpalatable to livestock and can lead to health issues.

How have scientists aimed to improve the palatability of rapeseed meal?

Scientists have focused on breeding rapeseed-mustard lines with lower glucosinolate content, akin to Canola-quality. This has involved editing genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create mustard lines with reduced glucosinolates in both oil and meal.

What challenges have hindered the large-scale cultivation of low-glucosinolate mustard lines?

Despite successful breeding efforts, the vulnerability of these low-glucosinolate mustard lines to pests and diseases has impeded their large-scale cultivation.

How does the editing of glucosinolate transporter genes impact mustard plants’ defense mechanisms?

Editing glucosinolate transporter genes in mustard plants leads to low-seed high-leaf glucosinolate plants. While this improves resistance to pests and diseases, it also compromises the defense mechanisms of the plant as a whole.

How do genetically edited mustard lines differ from genetically modified (GM) crops?

Genetically edited mustard lines are achieved through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, focusing on specific gene sequences to modify traits. Unlike GM crops, they do not involve introducing foreign genes. They are transgene-free and are considered genome-edited (GE) plants, not subject to the same stringent regulations as GM crops in India.

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