New technique for making GMO Crops

A new technique for modifying genetic material in plants is currently being tested. This study was published in the journal PNAS and reported on via sciencedaily.com. The study used a technique created at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) called “in planta gene targeting” (IPGT). The study was conducted at KIT. An enzyme was used to cut the plant DNA and to add new genetic material to the desired gene loci. The plants natural mechanisms were used to repair the plant DNA creating a “patch” with the new DNA installed. Professor Holger Puchta of KIT believes this technique is better than the ones currently used. Puchta believes that IPGT is applicable to all plants. Not all GMO techniques are applicable to all plants. The tests were conducted using the Thale cress blossom.