NOVEMBER 2017 GERMINATION.CA 59 executive officer of Yield10 Bioscience. Yield10 Bioscience and Metabolix Oilseeds, Inc. devel- oped the genome-edited camelina line. Researchers used the CRISPR genome editing tool to inactivate an enzyme designed to increase seed oil content in camelina, a trait Yield10 has designated as C3008. There are three copies of this gene in the camelina genome and complete editing of all copies was achieved. This trait may have further applications when used in combination with other traits that the company is developing that are expected to increase seed oil content, including C3007.  Yield10 Bioscience has research underway aimed at using genome editing and other approaches based on utiliz- ing plant DNA exclusively to increase seed yield and oil content in camelina, canola and soybean crops. The UC Davis experiment, in partnership with the Tegemeo Institute for Agriculture and Policy Development in Kenya, took place between 2013 and 2015. About 1,200 farmers in western Kenya’s mid-altitude regions received 250-gram trial seed packets and infor- mation on hybrid seeds bred by a local company, Western Seed Company, for mid-altitude conditions. Farmers had the option to purchase full bags to be delivered to their homes at a cost of about 2,000 Kenyan shillings per acre (about $20). The study was randomized, so different farmers received different treatments. Some farmers received only the seed trial packets and the option to purchase. Some farmers received soil testing and a 50kg bag of high-quality fertilizer to test how they would use the recommendations. Some farm- ers received both, and the control group received no treatment at all. “This study provides strong evidence that a local seed company can increase smallholder productivity by developing varieties fine-tuned to niche agro-ecological environments that are often overlooked by larger seed companies,” said Carter. UNITED STATES YIELD10 BIOSCIENCE has received unregulated status from USDA-APHIS's Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) for its genome-edited Camelina sativa plant line, developed using CRISPR genome editing technology for increased oil content. “Obtaining non-regulated status from USDA- APHIS for our [product] represents an important milestone for our team,” said Kristi Snell, chief science officer of Yield10 Bioscience. “This des- ignation highlights the versatile options we have for developing commercial crops with novel gene traits discovered in our T3 Technology platform.” “This timely decision by USDA-APHIS pro- vides us with confidence that we have estab- lished a robust internal process for developing non-regulated plant lines incorporating novel crop yield traits,” added Oliver Peoples, chief • Multi-purpose • Re-Useable • Waterproof Glues Used • Sift Resistance Built In • Rugged 100lb. Tag Stock Construction • Easy To Use: Fold-In Flaps, Fold-Down & Tuck-In 2802 Hedberg Drive, Hopkins, MN 55305-3405 Ph (952) 545-7124 Fax (952) 545-0196 With Spear, It’s In The Bag. Seed/Grain & Special Safety Envelopes For Sampling and Storage. Call or Send For Free Sample Kit & Prices Gummed and Ungummed Coin Envelopes Available HAVE YOUR BEST CROP EVER THE CHANCE TO BE ITS BEST WE GIVE A CROP... Use the latest in purity, germination, vigour, 1000 kernel weight, and seed health tests combined with the seed knowledge and heart we put into our work. FULLY ACCREDITED SEED LAB NO. 1215 • EMPLOYEE OWNED & OPERATED 1-866-980-8324 office@seedcheck.net www.seedcheck.net Like us on