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Reduction of Prussic Acid in Sorghum through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Genome Editing

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2024
End Year
2028
Project Description
This research initiative (2024–2028) is a collaborative effort led by Erick Anoka (ASARI-UM6P) and Valentine Otang Ntui (AGC-UM6P) in Morocco.
Area of Focus
Agricultural Biotechnology and Livestock Safety
Target Organisms
Sorghum
Trait(s)
Prussic acid reduction
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Developing Disease-Resistant Eggplant Varieties via CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2025
End Year
2029
Project Description
Led by Dr. Valentine Otang Ntui at the African Genome Center (AGC) within the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), this project aims to revolutionize Moroccan eggplant cultivation. By utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, researchers are targeting speci
Area of Focus
Agricultural Biotechnology & Functional Genomics.
Trait(s)
Bacterial and fungal resistance
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Developing Cochineal-Resistant Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) via CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing.

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2025
End Year
2029
Project Description
Since 2014, the wild cochineal insect has decimated over 120,000 hectares of prickly pear cactus in Morocco, causing near 100% crop loss in some regions.
Area of Focus
Plant Biotechnology & Biotic Stress Resilience
Trait(s)
Cochineal resistance
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

BioFort-Africa: Enhancing Nutritional Quality in Rice via CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2024
End Year
2028
Project Description
This project (2024–2028) is a cutting-edge research and development initiative aimed at tackling "hidden hunger" in Africa—a condition where people consume enough calories but lack essential micronutrients.
Area of Focus
Nutritional Biofortification
Target Organisms
Rice
Trait(s)
Increased nutritional quality
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Advancing Potato Heat Tolerance through CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing

Status
Completed
Start Year
2024
End Year
2024
Project Description
The project utilizes CRISPR/Cas9 technology—a precise "molecular scissors" tool—to edit the genetic blueprint of local potato varieties. Most commercial potatoes are highly sensitive to heat; temperatures above $25^\circ\text{C}$ typically lead to signifi
Area of Focus
Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security
Target Organisms
Irish Potato
Trait(s)
Tolerance to heat
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

CRISPR-Enhanced Wheat for Moroccan Climate Resilience

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2023
End Year
2026
Project Description
This project is a high-tech agricultural initiative focused on securing Morocco’s food future. By utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, the project aims to modify the DNA of native wheat varieties to make them more efficient and hardy.
Area of Focus
Yield Improvement
Trait(s)
Yield improvement (up to +20%)
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Amount (USD)
3.50Million

Enhancing Tomato Longevity and Viral Resistance via CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing

Status
Ongoing
Start Year
2024
End Year
2028
Project Description
This project is a high-impact biotechnological initiative based in Morocco and led by researchers at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), notably spearheaded by Ntui et al. (2024). Running from 2024 to 2028, the research focuses on one of the world'
Trait(s)
Increased shelf life and Viral disease resistance
Project GEd Technique
CRISPR/Cas9
Institution(s)
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Countries Active
Morocco
Funder/Donor
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Université Mohammed V logo
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Université Mohammed V

Avenue des Nations Unies, Agdal, B.P. 8007, Rabat 10000, Morocco
+212 537272755
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Université Cadi Ayyad

Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi, B.P. 511, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
+212 524434813
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) logo
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Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Benguerir 43150, Morocco
+212 525 073 100