Short project description

The master project focuses on leveraging advanced gene-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, to develop wheat varieties with enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens that threaten global wheat production. Wheat is a staple crop that is highly susceptible to a variety of diseases, such as rusts, fusarium head blight, and powdery mildew, which can lead to significant crop losses and affect food security.

This project aims to identify and modify key genes within the wheat genome that control immune responses to these pathogens. By using gene-editing tools, we can precisely alter these genes to improve the plant's defense mechanisms without introducing foreign DNA, making the approach more acceptable in terms of regulatory guidelines.

Ultimately, this project seeks to contribute to sustainable agriculture by creating wheat varieties that are less dependent on chemical pesticides and more resilient to environmental stressors, promoting food security in the face of growing global challenges such as climate change and increasing pathogen resistance.