Genome Editing

Genome Editing -
a precise and fast new breeding method

Genome editing is a new breeding method (NBM) that enables more precise and faster development of crop varieties by targeted changes to the plant’s DNA.

What makes genome editing more precise and faster compared to traditional breeding?

By altering the genome directly, it is possible for breeders to edit only the targeted traits without transferring unwanted characteristics. As a result, genome editing can accelerate the development of new plant varieties by about 20-30%. This increased speed is particularly important in responding to current challenges such as climate change, emerging pests and plant diseases.

Genome editing approaches and their development

Genome editing includes a range of approaches based on guided enzymes (nucleases) that cut DNA at specific locations. This allows targeted deletions, replacements or insertions within the genome.

What is the most commonly used genome editing method?

While genome editing technologies have been developed since the 1980s, their use in plant breeding has expanded over the past two decades. Earlier approaches include Meganucleases, Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN) and Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs).

Today, CRISPR/Cas is the most widely used genome editing method in plant breeding. Since its first application in 2013, it has become the leading approach due to its simplicity, efficiency, versatility and speed.

How can genome editing support plant breeding?

In this video, Dr. Felix Büchting, Speaker of the KWS Executive Board, and Dr. Thomas Ehrhardt, Head of Global Research & Services at KWS, explain how climate change, limited agricultural land and a growing global population are creating major challenges for agriculture. They show how genome editing can help develop crops with useful traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance and more stable yields — with greater precision and efficiency.

Innovations in plant breeding

KWS Infographic explaining satellite based dry matter monitoring

New breeding methods and genome editing in agriculture

Innovation is critical to help plant breeding keep pace with future challenges, such as growing world population and changing climate. Read more about the goals of genome editing and the current regulatory framework.

CRISPR/Cas as a method of genome editing

CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas protein) is based on the natural immune system of bacteria. As defence against viruses, certain bacteria are able to capture DNA from viruses and use it to create DNA segments – allowing them to directly target similar viruses in consequent attacks, cutting their DNA apart.

Researchers can use the same principle in genome editing. First step is the identification of target genes, i.e., target DNA sequence in the plant – for example, those genes that determine the plant’s susceptibility to pathogens. Guide RNA is built according to the targeted DNA sequence. Within the nucleus of the plant cell, it finds the correct location and carries Cas, the cutting enzyme, with it. The Cas cuts the targeted DNA strand, creating a double-strand break. The Cas protein can be used in combination with the cell’s natural DNA repair processes to activate or repress genes or enable specific nucleotides to be changed into different nucleotides.

There are different forms of applications of genome editing. The three types of Site-Directed Nucleases can be induced with CRISPR/Cas: SDN-1 (deletions or point mutations), SDN-2 (targeted changes of a few nucleotides) or SDN-3 (targeted insertion of genes or gene sequences, including transgenic insertions).

Glossary on genome editing

To the glossary

Applications of genome editing in plant breeding

Many successful examples show that genome editing can be used to develop crop varieties with beneficial traits that support sustainable agriculture and global food security.

What crop traits can be improved through genome editing?

Genome editing enables the development of crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases, as well as enhanced efficiency in the use of water and nutrients. These improvements can help reduce the need for agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, crop protection products and irrigation.

In addition, genome editing can support the development of crops that are better adapted to changing climate conditions, both locally and globally. This includes traits that make plants more tolerant to environmental stressors such as heat or drought.

By increasing efficiency and resilience, genome editing can help reduce the need for agricultural land and inputs, lowering the overall environmental impact of farming and contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

How do we use genome editing at KWS?

At KWS, we use a combination of plant breeding methods from a broad toolbox, from traditional crossbreeding to modern approaches such as genome editing. We have been using genome editing in our research activities since 2015.

With the EU’s new regulatory framework for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) formally adopted in June 2026, genome editing can, under defined conditions, also be used in the breeding of commercial crop varieties in Europe. This means that, once the new rules are fully implemented, genome editing will become one of the breeding methods we can apply alongside others in our breeding programmes. However, before the new rules can be applied in practice, a two‑year implementation period must first be completed. During this period, the details of the procedures and requirements of the new legal framework will be worked out.

How is genome editing applied at KWS?

Our breeding work focuses on developing crop varieties that support sustainable agriculture and help farmers achieve stable and reliable yields. We focus on traits such as improved resistance to major fungal, viral and insect pressures, more stable yields under changing climate conditions, enhanced nutrient use efficiency, and improvements in crop quality.

These traits help farmers achieve more stable yields, use inputs more efficiently, and respond to changing environmental conditions.

Insect resistance in oilseed rape

KWS World of Farming

Dr. Manny Saluja, Advanced Scientist on Genome Editing at KWS with a colleague regarding a computer screen

„We are committed to tackling agricultural challenges through innovative approaches. With the speed and precision of genome editing, we empower the development of climate-resilient crops, providing solutions for sustainable agriculture.“

Dr. Manny Saluja, Advanced Scientist, Genome Editing, KWS

FAQ about genome editing in plant breeding

What is the difference between genome editing, new breeding methods (NMBs), and new genomic techniques (NGTs)?

New breeding methods (NBMs) is a broad umbrella term. It refers to a range of modern approaches used in plant breeding, including genome editing.

New genomic techniques (NGTs) is the term used in the European Union’s regulatory context. It includes genome editing and other techniques that enable precise changes to genetic material.

Genome editing is a specific group of methods, enabling targeted changes to a plant’s DNA. It is part of both NBMs and NGTs.

How is genome editing different from conventional plant breeding?

Conventional breeding relies on random mutations and repeated crossing over many years.

Genome editing makes this process more precise by enabling targeted changes to specific traits in the DNA. This can help reduce development time by 20-30%.

In practice, plant breeders use a combination of tools and approaches.

Is genome editing the same as genetic modification (GMOs)?

No. In most applications, genome editing does not involve adding foreign DNA. The changes introduced are small and can also occur naturally or through conventional breeding, but are made in a targeted way.

GMOs contain DNA from other, non-crossable species.

What is CRISPR/Cas?

CRISPR/Cas is the most widely used genome editing method today.

It works like a molecular guidance system and scissors, enabling scientists to cut DNA at a precise location and trigger the plant’s natural repair processes.

How is genome editing used at KWS?

At KWS, genome editing complements other breeding methods. Our focus is on traits such as disease resistance, yield stability, and input efficiency.

An overview of our breeding methods

Crossing & selection

Parental plants bearing the desired characteristics are cross-bred with each other. The grains of the largest and most productive plants are sown again.

Line breeding

Here you crossbreed two parent lines that complement each other as much as possible in desired properties. The best plants are selected and crossed again.

Hybrid breeding

In hybrid breeding, two genetically different parent lines are crossbred.

Cell and tissue culture

Complete cells are regenerated from individual cells of a plant using nutrient media in the laboratory.

Markers

With the help of molecular markers, properties in plants are checked.

Phenotyping

Here, the characteristics of a breeding plant in the field are examined. Modern technologies for automated analysis are used.

Genetic engineering

Here, individual genes or gene segments on the DNA are deliberately introduced into the genome of a crop.

Genetic research

Here, the holistic structure and biological function of the plant genome are explored.

Genome editing

The term genome editing includes a number of methods. With the help of these, individual components of the DNA can be targeted and precisely changed.