Breeding program 1: THC-Free Cultivars
Precision Plants' Groundbreaking Gene Editing Discovery: Leading the Path to Low-THC Hemp in the UK
Hemp cultivation in the UK is governed by strict regulations regarding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels.
Crops must contain less than 0.2% THC to be considered legal however, fluctuations in environmental conditions can cause THC levels to rise unexpectedly posing challenges for farmers trying to stay within the legal limits.
Meeting the 0.2% THC threshold reliably has proven extremely difficult.
Conventional breeding approaches take many years and offer no guarantees; this is why Precision Plants has turned to gene editing as a precise, accelerated solution for developing hemp varieties optimised for low, stable THC-Free hemp production.
By using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit key genes involved in THC synthesis, Precision Plants can reliably obtain edited hemp lines staying well below 0.2% THC. This promises to transform the equation for hemp farmers in the UK seeking productive, compliant and profitable crops.
The Obstacles Holding Back UK Hemp
A key challenge faced by UK hemp growers is the impact of environmental factors on THC production.
THC levels in hemp are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, sunlight intensity, soil conditions and other variables; even slight fluctuations can push THC over the legal 0.2% limit resulting in "hot crops" that must be destroyed.
This unpredictability makes it extremely difficult for farmers to reliably grow compliant hemp.
Farmers face major losses if weather patterns or growing conditions alter THC levels beyond their control.
The lack of genetics optimised for UK climates further compounds these difficulties.
Conventional breeding efforts to develop low, stable THC-Free varieties have largely struggled.
Hemp genetics tend to be highly heterogeneous, with complex polygenic control of THC production.
Isolating and combining traits to breed optimised regional varieties without unintended effects would require multi-generational programs spanning years.
Key Hurdles
- Environmental variability impacting THC accumulation
- Unreliable seed genetics unsuited for UK regions
- Long timelines for conventional breeding of optimised regional varieties
Inside Precision Plants' Gene Editing Program
Precision Plants decided to utilise the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system for its ability to make multiple edits at once.
By targeting multiple genes in the THC biosynthesis pathway, they could significantly reduce THC levels while minimising off-target effects.
The lab workflow starts with selecting candidate genes known to play key roles in THC production. These include genes encoding enzymes like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase.
The genes are then edited using CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce disruptive mutations that block or reduce enzyme activity.
The process involves designing guide RNAs to target specific gene sequences and delivering them alongside the Cas9 enzyme into plant cells. The plant cells are then regenerated into full edited plants.
The key THC-related genes to be targeted include:
- THCA synthase - direct catalyst for THCA production
- CBDA synthase - competes for substrate with THCA synthase
- Transcription factors - regulate expression of THCA synthase
By leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 multiplexing and optimising edits to these high-impact genes, Precision Plants aims to develop hemp lines with ultra-low, stable THC content.
Early Successes in Proof-of-Concept Trials
Proof of concept to gene edit has been achieved on non-hemp plants.
The Next Phase: Knocking out the THC.
With successful gene editing now demonstrated, Precision Plants is ready to take its gene editing program to the next level.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Farmers
The development of reliable low-THC varieties specifically adapted to local conditions has the potential to unlock immense new opportunities for UK farmers interested in hemp production; It would enable them to confidently cultivate hemp at commercial scales without the constant risk of crops exceeding the strict 0.2% THC legal threshold.
Additionally, access to optimised seeds is expected to significantly increase yields and profitability by minimising the effects of environmental stresses on growth and development - Precision Plants' breeds are designed to reach their full production potential.
Propelling the UK's Leadership in the Emerging Market
The global market for hemp is expanding rapidly as demand increases for CBD, food products, textiles and other applications. However, unreliable genetics and excessive THC levels have hindered growth in production capacity.
By overcoming these key obstacles through gene editing, Precision Plants is poised to propel the UK into a leading position in this burgeoning industry. Its innovative solutions have the potential to catalyse the establishment of a thriving domestic hemp production sector.
If successful, the UK could serve as a model for unlocking the immense economic possibilities of industrial hemp globally using precision gene editing technology.
In Summary
It's clear that precision gene editing holds tremendous potential to transform hemp cultivation in the UK.
Precision Plants' pioneering research will unlock major opportunities for UK farmers.
Reimagining the Future of UK Hemp
By targeting key genes in the THC biosynthesis pathway, Precision Plants has shown that gene editing allows for precise, predictable control over this critical crop trait.
As the world leader in genome editing, the UK is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this technology and cement itself as a global production powerhouse.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Precision Plants' research validating the immense possibilities of gene-edited hemp, there are exciting times ahead.
The unique precision, efficiency and multiplexing capacity of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing makes it a truly disruptive technology for agriculture.
As gene-edited hemp transitions from proof-of-concept to commercial implementation, it could catalyse tremendous growth opportunities for UK farmers and breeders.
The future looks bright for establishing the UK as a world leader in environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced hemp production.