We are developing new methodologies for plant genetic engineering, specifically focusing on tomato. Our work focuses on enabling direct transformation via pollen and seeds, bypassing current bottlenecks in tissue culture, which can be slow and laborious.
  • DatesJuly 2025 - December 2026
  • SponsorARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency)
  • Funded£500,000

Advances in sequencing technologies, molecular genetics, and gene-editing techniques are accelerating the deciphering of plant genomes and helping identify genetic factors underlying complex traits. Leveraging this information can drive crop improvement, leading to high-yielding, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient crops. However, plant genetic engineering depends on efficient transformation and regeneration through tissue culture, which remains a major bottleneck.

Tissue culture is time-consuming, requires skilled expertise and work under aseptic conditions, and lacks standardised protocols for many crops. To overcome these challenges, we are developing protocols that bypass tissue culture by directly transforming pollen and seeds, enabling more efficient generation of genetically engineered plants.

If successful, pollen or seed transformation would make plant genetic engineering faster, easier, and applicable across a broader range of species. It would move us toward a future where crop improvement is more rapid, scalable, and accessible, disrupting breeding, research, and global agriculture at its core.