National Agriculture and Food Research Organization

Published purpose

This proof-of-concept feasibility study aims to establish a DNA-free genome-editing system in chickpea, a vital legume crop known for its nutritional value and significant nitrogen-fixing capacity. The Project will be conducted over 12 months, focusing on the selection of target genes, design and synthesis of guide RNAs, and optimization of transformation protocols. The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and the National Research Council (NRC) will collaborate to assess the efficiency of this method across 2-4 chickpea genotypes. Given the recalcitrant nature of chickpeas, which complicates conventional transformation and gene editing, the successful execution of this study may pave the way for enhanced genome editing in legumes, improving crop resilience and agricultural productivity without introducing foreign DNA into the host genome.