Control Premature Seed-Pod Breakage in Crop Species

Technology Description: Oil seed crops such as canola (Brassica) often break their seed-pods prematurely. This premature seed release can be a result of harvesting techniques or adverse weather conditions. Premature release can cause from 10-50% crop loss in canola, using current harvesting techniques.

UCSD investigators have found a way to prevent the premature release of seed-pods from the crop species canola. Scientists have discovered the genes necessary for seed-pod breakage, and devised ways to control them. These Brassica genes, when introduced into Arabidopsis mutants with seed-pod defects, can fully rescue the Arabidopsis mutants. This technique also has been proven to work in canola.

Case Number: SD2004-178
Inquiries To:  invent@ucsd.edu