Genome-editing techniques are promising tools in plant breeding. To facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the use of genome editing, EU-SAGE developed an interactive, publicly accessible online database of genome-edited crop plants as described in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
The aim of the database is to inform interested stakeholder communities in a transparent manner about the latest evidence about the use of genome editing in crop plants. Different elements including the plant species, traits, techniques, and applications can be filtered in this database.
Regarding the methodology, a literature search in the bibliographic databases and web pages of governmental agencies was conducted using predefined queries in English. Identifying research articles in other languages was not possible due to language barriers. Patents were not screened.
Peer-reviewed articles were screened for relevance and were included in the database based on pre-defined criteria. The main criterium is that the research article should describe a research study of any crop plant in which a trait has been introduced that is relevant from an agricultural and/or food/feed perspective. The database does neither give information on the stage of development of the crop plant, nor on the existence of the intention to develop the described crop plants to be marketed.
This database will be regularly updated. Please contact us via the following webpage in case you would like to inform us about a new scientific study of crops developed for market-oriented agricultural production as a result of genome editing

Sdn Type

Displaying 78 results

Traits related to biotic stress tolerance

Resistance against leaf chewing insects: leaf-chewing insects cause yield loss and reduce seed quality in soybeans
(Zhang et al., 2022)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Huazhong Agricultural University
Henan Agricultural University, China
Confered resistance to ear rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides.
( Liu et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement
Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab, China
Visual detection of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), one of the important quarantine pathogens in China. This novel method is specific, rapid, sensitive and does not require special instruments and technical expertise.
( Duan et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
China Agricultural University
Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, China
Alexandria University, Egypt
Detection of Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a common mycotoxin found in agricultural products. FB1 is highly toxic, which can cause oxidative stress response and has been listed as a class 2B carcinogen. The method wx is highly specific and sensitive for FB1, has a rather simple, convenient and fast workflow.
( Qiao et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
Fungal resistance: increased resistance to southern leaf blight (SLB), caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus (anamorph Bipolaris maydis). SLB is a major foliar disease which causes significant yield losses in maize worldwide.
(Chen et al., 2023)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Northwest A&
F University, China
Corteva AgriscienceTM
USDA-ARS
North Carolina State University, USA
Sensitive detection of two fungal pathogens (Diaporthe aspalathi and Diaporthe caulivora) that cause soybean stem canker. The method requires minimal equipment as well as training and shows potential for on-site screening.
( Sun et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine
Shenyang Agricultural University
Huangpu Customs Technology Center
Technical Center of Hangzhou Customs
Dalian University, China
Oomycete resistance: increased resistance against soybean root rot disease caused by Phytophthora sojae.
(Liu et al., 2023)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Nanjing Agricultural University, China
Fungal resistance: Increased resistance to Phytophthora sojae, a pathogen severely impairing soybean production.
(Yu et al., 2021)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Northeast Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science
Jiamusi Branch Academy of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Visual detection of Fusarium temperatum, the causal agent of maize stalk rot disease which reduces grain yield and threatens food safety and quality.
This simple detection platform allows high-throughput testing with potential for applications in field detection.
( Li et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Jilin University
Jilin Agricultural University
Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, China
Viral resistance: Increased resistance to a potyvirus sugarcane mosaic virus, which causes dwarf mosaic disease in maize, sugarcane and sorghum.
(Xie et al., 2024)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
China Agricultural University
Longping Agriculture Science Co. Ltd.
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yunnan Agricultural University, China
Resistance to Phytophthora sojae, which severely impairs soybean production.
( Yu et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Northeast Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Jilin Academy of Agricultural Science
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Jiamusi Branch Academy of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Rapid detection of toxigenic Fusarium verticillioides, a phytopathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium ear and stalk rot and poses a threat to maize yields. This accurate and portable detection equipment has great potential for detection of the pathogen, even in areas lacking proper lab equipment.
( Liang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Institute of Food Science and Technology
North Minzu University
School of Food Science and Engineering, China
Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Belgium

Traits related to abiotic stress tolerance

Improved drought tolerance and larger grain yield under drought stress.
( Feng et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China
Maize Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University, China
Drought resistance.
( Zhang et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Jilin Agricultural University, China
Lower water loss rate under drought conditions.
( Wang et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Gansu Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Enhanced salinity stress tolerance.
( Wang et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Northeast Normal University
Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Linyi University
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Traits related to improved food/feed quality

High oleic acid, low linoleic content.
( al Amin et al., 2019 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Jilin Agricultural University, China
Increased phosphorus and anthocyanin content.
( Zhang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Shenyang Agricultural University
Ministry of Education, China
Aromatic maize.
( Wang et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Shandong Normal University
Bellagen Biotechnology Co. Ltd
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Reduced amount of saturated fatty acids (FA) in soybean seeds for nutrititional improvement. FA are linked to cardiovascular diseases.
( Ma et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Zhejiang University, China
La Trobe University, Australia
Improved fatty acid content: high oleic acid, decreased linoleic acid content to improve nutritional characteristics, increase shelf-life and frying stability.
(Zhang et al., 2023)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Jilin Agricultural University, China
Increased soya bean isoflavone content and resistance to soya bean mosaic virus. Isoflavonoids play a critical role in plant-environment interactions and are beneficial to human health.
( Zhang et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Nanjing Agricultural University
Anhui Academy of Agricultural Science
Guangzhou University, China
High levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in soybean seed oil. High MUFA content in vegetable oils can lead to significant health benefits and improve the oxidative stability, which are essential for both food usage and biodiesel (and other renewable resource) synthesis.
( Li et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Northeast Agricultural University, China
Enhanced soybean aroma and functional marker for improving soybean flavor.
( Qian et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China
Zhejiang University of Technology
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Conversion of a normal maize hybrid into a waxy version, a specialty that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values and thus has high economic value.
( Qi et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Anhui Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, China
Generation of seed lipoxygenase-free soybean. Lipoxygenases are responsible for an unpleasant beany flavor by the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, restricting human consumption.
( Wang et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, China
Sweeter kernels due to the accumulation of sugar rather than starch and waxy with an altered amylose/amylopectin ratio.
( Dong et al., 2019 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement
Anhui Agricultural University, China
Reduced phytic acid (PA) synthesis in seeds, PA is an anti-nutritional compound.
( Liang et al., 2013 )
SDN1
TALENs
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Increased phosphorus content and improved fruit quality.
( Zhang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Shenyang Agricultural University
Ministry of Education, China
Reduced phytic acid (PA) synthesis in seeds, PA is an anti-nutritional compound.
( Liang et al., 2013 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Reducing polyunsaturated fatty acids content and increased content of monounsaturated fatty acids. High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in natural soybean oil renders the oil susceptible to the development of unpalatable flavors and trans fatty acids.
( Fu et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Waxy phenotype, abolition of amylose.
( Qi et al., 2018 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Fine-tuning sugar content. Consumer preference varies along regional, cultural, and age lines, thus the solution is to create a continuum of phenotypic “taste” changes
( Xing et al., 2020 )

BE
Chinese Academy of Sciences
China Agricultural University, China

Traits related to increased plant yield and growth

Semi-dwarf phenotype with increased lodging resistance.
( Zhang et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Late flowering. Photoperiod sensitivity limits geographical range of cultivation.
( Cai et al., 2017 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Overexpression causes strongly promoted stem elongation, lower expression resulted in dwarf phenotype.
( Mu et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Bigger seeds and increased yield.
( Xie et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Anhui Agricultural University
Anhui Agricultural University
Bellagen Biotechnology Co. Ltd
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Southern University of Science and Technology
Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, China
Increased density by early-flowering phenotype under long-day conditions.
( Li et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Shandong Agricultural University
South China Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, China
Reduction of soybean plant height and shortening of the internodes. The height of the soybean plant is a key trait that significantly impacts the yield.
( Cheng et al., 2019 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Guangzhou University
Chinese Academy of Sciences
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Control flowering time, an important determinant for soybean yield and adaptation.
( Li et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Sciences
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Guangzhou University
Agronomy College of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University
Nanjing Agricultural University
Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Increased tassel branch number (TBN), one of the important agronomic traits that contribute to the efficiency of seed production.
( Guan et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Enlarged grain phenotype.
( Wang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Hebi Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Henan Agricultural University, China
Increased bending strength. Stalk lodging, which is generally determined by stalk strength, results in considerable yield loss and has become a primary threat to maize yield under high-density planting.
( Zhang et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
China Agricultural University, China
Iowa State University, USA
Improved pod shattering resistance. Pod shattering has been a negatively selected trait in soybean domestication and breeding as it can lead to devastating yield loss of soybean.
( Zhang et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University
Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, China
Shorter flowering time and increased yield.
( Cheng et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Jilin Normal University
Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Altered plant architecture to increase yield: more compact plant architecture.
(Kong et al., 2023)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Nanjing Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, China
Increasing the number of seeds per pod (NSPP), an important yield determinant.
( Cai et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
South China Agricultural University, China
Increased nodule numbers. Soybean is a globally important crop for oil production and protein for human diet.
( Bai et al., 2019 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Nanchang University, China
Shortened flowering time and maturity, determining their favourable latitudinal zone for cultivation.
( Gao et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Syngenta Seed Technology China Co., China
Compact architecture with a smaller petiole angle than wild-type plants.
( Zhang et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture
Xiamen University, China
Promoting nodulation: up-regulation of expression levels of genes involved in nodulation. Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic nodules strongly up regulate yield.
(Wang et al., 2022)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Beijing Institute of Technology
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Regulate shade avoidance. Soybean displays the classic shade avoidance syndrome (SAS), which leads to yield reduction and lodging under density farming conditions.
( Lyu et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Jilin Agricultural University
Shandong Agricultural University
Northeast Agricultural University, China
Altered plant architecture to inrease yield: increased node number on the main stem and branch number.
(Bao et al., 2019)
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Huazhong Agricultural University, China
Duy Tan University, Vietnam
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Japan
Enhanced photosynthesis and increases seed yield.
( Hu et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Nanjing Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Henan Institute of Science and Technology, China
Enhanced performance of soybean under dense conditions.
( Ji et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Southern University of Science and Technology, China
Dwarf phenotype, which can aid in obtaining more compact, densely planted soybean varieties to boost productivity.
( Xiang et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Wuhan Polytechnic University
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Control flowering time, an important determinant for soybean yield and adaptation.
( Wang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Guangzhou University
Yunnan Agricultural University
Nanjing Agricultural University
Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Breeding of Hebei, China
Improved high-density yield and drought/osmotic stress tolerance.
( Chen et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Texas Tech University, USA

Traits related to industrial utilization

Generating male sterility lines (MLS). Using MLS in hybrid seed production for monoclinous crops reduces costs and ensures high purity of the varieties because it does not produce pollen and has exserted stigmas.
( Fang et al., 2022 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
University of Science and Technology Beijing
Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd., China
Improved pollen viability.
( Lv et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Mianyang Normal University
South China Agricultural University, China
Generating male sterility lines (MLS). Using MLS in hybrid seed production for monoclinous crops reduces costs and ensures high purity of the varieties because it does not produce pollen and has exserted stigmas.
( Li et al., 2017 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Generation of male sterility lines. Heterosis, the breeding result in which heterozygous hybrid progeny are superior to both homozygous parents, depends on the selection and application of male-sterile lines (MSL). Using MSL can reduce the production cost of hybrid seeds and improve its quality.
( Chen et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Sciences
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jilin Agricultural University
Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Generating male sterility lines (MLS). Using MLS in hybrid seed production for monoclinous crops reduces costs and ensures high purity of the varieties because it does not produce pollen and has exserted stigmas.
( Xie et al., 2018 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
University of Science and Technology
Beijing, China
Beijing Solidwill Sci-Tech Co. Ltd, China
Haploid induction.
( Li et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
China Agricultural University
Longping Agriculture Science Co. Ltd., China
Confer male and female sterility to prevent the risk of trasgene flow from transgenic plants to their wild relatives.
( Wu et al., 2024 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Sciences
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jilin Agricultural University
Zhejiang Lab, China
Pollen Self-Elimination, which prevents pollen transgene dispersal.
( Wang et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)
Northwest A&
F University
Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab
Henan Jinyuan Seed Industry Co., China
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico
Generation of male sterile (MS) lines. MS is a useful tool to harness hybrid vigor for hybrid seed production.
( Chen et al., 2018 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
China Agricultural University, China
Enhanced haploid induction. Double haploid breeding based on in vivo haploid induction has been extensively used in maize breeding. The production of haploids depends on haploid inducers.
( Zhong et al., 2019 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
China Agricultural University, China
Induction of haploid plants for the development of good inbred lines for efficient and fast breeding.
( Liu et al., 2021 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Generating male sterility lines (MLS). Using MLS in hybrid seed production for monoclinous crops reduces costs and ensures high purity of the varieties because it does not produce pollen and has exserted stigmas.
( Niu et al., 2022 )

CRISPR/Cas
Sichuan Agricultural University
Chengdu Agricultural College
Sichuan Institute of Atomic Energy, China
Control photoperiodic flowering to allow adaptation of cultivars. Flowering time is a critical characteristic to determine the geographic distribution and regional adaptability of soybean.
( Wang et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Traits related to herbicide tolerance

Sulfonylurea
( Li et al., 2019 )

BE
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Qingdao Agricultural University
Anhui Agricultural University, China
Resistance to herbicides that inhibit 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), acetolactate synthase (ALS), or acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) activity.
( Qiao et al., 2022 )

PE
China Agricultural University
Henan University, China
Herbicide resistance: acetolactate synthase (ALS)
(Jiang et al., 2020)

PE
China Agricultural University
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Henan University, China
Herbicide tolerance: resistance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides.
(Wei et al., 2023)

BE
Nankai University
China Agricultural University, China

Traits related to product color/flavour

Reduced citrate content. Citrate is a common primary metabolite which often characterizes fruit flavour.
( Fu et al., 2023 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Zhejiang University, China
University of Florida, USA
The New Zealand Institute for Plant &
Food Research Limited (Plant &
Food Research) Mt Albert
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Brown seed-coat color.
( Jia et al., 2020 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Southern University of Science and Technology
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
South China Agricultural University, China
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
University of Missouri, USA
Albino phenotype.
( Wang et al., 2018 )
SDN1
CRISPR/Cas
Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China