Gene-edited strawberries reach final UK approval stage
Scientists using CRISPR/Cas9 have edited the strawberry Tfl1 gene to create remontant plants that flower repeatedly and extend the harvest season; eight such varieties are under review and have reached Defra's final approval stage before public sale. If the Food Standards Agency approves them, the varieties could increase domestic availability outside the traditional summer window and reduce reliance on imports. The notice says the DNA change does not alter fruit composition or nutrition. Related gene-edited crops, including vitamin D tomatoes and disease-resistant potatoes, are also under regulatory review in the UK.
Gene-edited strawberries could extend harvest and reduce winter imports
Context
Defra published a marketing notice about the edited strawberries. The edits knock out the Tfl1 gene and make plants remontant. If regulators approve, the fruit could be sold in shops and may change import patterns.
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