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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
Trait(s)
Increased nutritional quality
Project GEd Technique
Countries Active

CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Knockout of the OsbHLH024 Transcription Factor Improves Salt Stress Resistance in Rice

Status
Completed
Start Year
2022
End Year
2022
Project Description
This project aimed to improve salt stress resistance in rice (Oryza sativa) by knocking out the OsbHLH024 transcription factor using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
Area of Focus
Saudi Arab, Egypt
Target Organisms
Trait(s)
Salt tolerance
Project GEd Technique
Institution(s)
Countries Active

Disease resistance (bacterial blight), yield, stress tolerance, nutritional composition

Priority Organism
Member State
Socioeconomic Justification
Strategic crop for urban diets and import substitution — improved rice reduces import bill and raises incomes.
GEd Potential
High
Existing R&D
INERA GEd rice work (CRISPR, greenhouse trials) noted in national programmes.
Actual Annual Production (tonnes)
1

Rice — Bacterial Blight Resistance

Start Year
2003
Project Description
Bacterial blight resistance in rice refers to the plant's ability to withstand infections caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, a major bacterial pathogen. Resistant rice varieties carry specific genes that prevent disease development, reducing yield l
Area of Focus
Research and trials focus on major rice-growing zones
Target Organisms
Trait(s)
resistance to bacterial leaf blight
Project GEd Technique
Countries Active
Amount (USD)
86000.00Million