Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of alfalfa FLOWERING LOCUS Ta1 (MsFTa1) leads to delayed flowering time with improved forage biomass yield and quality.

ABSTRACT: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family that is widely cultivated as a forage crop for its high yield, forage quality and related agricultural and economic benefits. Alfalfa is a photoperiod sensitive long-day (LD) plant that can accomplish its vegetative and reproductive phases in a short period of time. However, rapid flowering can compromise forage biomass yield and quality. Here, we attempted to delay flowering in alfalfa using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of FLOWERING LOCUS Ta1 (MsFTa1), a key floral integrator and activator gene. Four guide RNAs (gRNAs) were designed and clustered in a polycistronic tRNA-gRNA system and introduced into alfalfa by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Ninety-six putative mutant lines were identif

SUBMITTER: Wolabu TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10281603 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature