Pairwise’s gene editing platform empowers Mars to improve crops for supply chain
Pairwise’s Fulcrum gene editing tools have been licensed by Mars, Incorporated for use in cocoa research and development.
Through this licensing arrangement, Pairwise’s CRISPR technologies, such as the SHARCTM enzyme, are made available to Mars. With the use of trait libraries, enzymes, and gene editing tools, the Pairwise Fulcrum platform allows for precise modifications that unleash the plant’s full potential.
Compared to conventional breeding techniques, this capability greatly speeds up the development of major agricultural traits, according to the platform creators. It also enables the fine-tuning of traits, similar to setting a dimmer switch to produce the best outcomes, and the activation or deactivation of features.
Mars aims to develop this advanced plant breeding technology to improve cacao production and effectively tackle agricultural challenges. The ultimate goal is to help address the pressures cacao faces globally from climate variability, plant diseases and environmental stresses.
“At Mars, we believe CRISPR has the potential to improve crops in ways that support and strengthen global supply chains,” said Carl Jones, plant sciences director at Mars. “Our focus is to transparently and responsibly conduct CRISPR research in plant science that helps crops better adapt to climate challenges, disease pressures and resource constraints.”
“We’re pleased to provide Mars with access to our Fulcrum platform for their cacao research and development initiatives,” said Ian Miller, chief operating officer at Pairwise. “Plant breeding innovation has the potential to help address important agricultural challenges, and we look forward to supporting Mars’ research goals.”
The Pairwise Fulcrum platform includes gene editing tools, enzymes and trait libraries, enabling precise changes that unlock the plant’s inherent potential to greatly accelerate the development of impactful crop traits compared to traditional breeding methods.
