Plant synthetic biology is reshaping the way we think about engineering plants, offering a fresh perspective on how we can harness plant genomes to create innovative and beneficial solutions for agriculture and beyond. Traditionally, plant engineering has faced skepticism from the public and regulators, often viewed as harmful to human health, farmers, and the environment. However, a new paradigm is emerging—one where plant synthetic biology is becoming accepted as a force for good.
“We’re at a turning point,” says Evan Groover, a researcher from UC Berkeley and a National Association for Plant Breeding Borlaug Scholar. “This discipline allows us to use plant engineering to reduce agricultural emissions, lower the inputs farmers need, and create healthier, more delicious, and visually appealing food. It’s an uncharted domain of plant engineering, and it’s incredibly exciting to explore.”
At UC Berkeley, Groover is developing cutting-edge CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tools that are poised to revolutionize agriculture. These tools include a range of CRISPR enzymes, each with unique capabilities. “My work focuses on testing these new CRISPR molecules and understanding how to use them effectively. Using functional genomic analyses, we probe genomes to pinpoint the best targets for editing. This can lead to traditional improvements like drought tolerance or pest resistance, but it also opens the door to entirely new traits—ones that have never existed in nature.”
Democratizing Gene Editing
A critical mission of this work is to ensure that CRISPR technology is accessible to everyone. “Gene editing has traditionally been dominated by large, well-funded companies,” he explains. “What sets CRISPR apart is its low cost, ease of use, and applicability even in crops with limited genomic information. This makes it a powerful tool for empowering farmers, breeders, and agronomists around the world.”
By democratizing CRISPR, the aim is to create a global community capable of leveraging this technology. “My goal is to disseminate both the tools and the knowledge needed to perform CRISPR, ensuring that scientists and farmers everywhere can benefit from it. The potential is enormous, but it’s up to us to make it accessible.”
As a Borlaug Scholar who attended the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) meeting in St. Louis in 2024, Groover is keenly aware of the need to integrate gene editing with traditional plant breeding. “Breeding is where the rubber meets the road. Even the most brilliant CRISPR edits could fail if they don’t align with the needs and practices of breeders.”
Registration has opened for the 2025 NAPB meeting in Kona, Hawaii. For more info visit the conference website.
