Location: Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research
Project Number: 8044-22000-047-004-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 15, 2021
End Date: Sep 14, 2024
Objective:
Complete fundamental research towards the development of a gene drive for the management of Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy). Investigating the feasibility and risks associated with this novel technology, which will allow for a risk-benefit analysis for the management of non-native, invasive plant species using a gene drive approach.
Approach:
(i) Develop an efficient transformation system for tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) by optimizing methods for tansy culture, regeneration, and selection using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-gene introduction,
(ii) Identify targets in genes essential for female fertility that are unique to tansy and absent in Tanacetum native to North America, and
(iii) Deliver information to stakeholders on the risks and benefits of gene drive control for non-native, invasive plant species.
