Sex determination genes as a toolbox for F1 hybrid seed production and yield increase

Introduction

The food security on the planet is still a challenge. Experts predict that we will need to double food production in order to feed a population projected to reach 9.2 billion by 2050. Crop improvement should not only focus on species such as maize, wheat, and soybean. Many other crops contribute to food security.

Importance of Cucurbitaceae

The Cucurbitaceae family is positioned at the forefront of plant families for the number of species used as human food and for cultural, medicinal, and botanical significance. According to FAO estimates, despite a large growing area, improving the yield of many Cucurbitaceae crops could significantly add to food security.

Challenges in F1 Hybrid Seed Production

F1 hybrid cultivars have made a significant contribution to the world's food supply. Yet, one of the continuing challenges of plant breeding is still to master the production of F1 hybrid seeds in many crops. The production of F1 hybrid seeds requires controlled pollination to ensure that the seed descent is indeed resulting from a crossing and not from self-fertilization.

Sexual Morphs in Cucurbitaceae

Most cultivated Cucurbitaceae species are monoecious or andromonoecious. The use of these two sexual morphs for F1 hybrid production requires:

1. Hand emasculation
2. Hand pollination of the female parental line

Furthermore, monoecious and andromonoecious sexual morphs are usually hurdles for yield improvement and yield stability.

Objectives of the HybridSeed Project

The HybridSeed project aims to engineer plant prototypes with the goal to:

1. Reduce the cost of F1 hybrid seed production
2. Improve yields of F1 hybrid plants
3. Simplify the itinerary of the crops, from the seed companies to the producers

HybridSeed technology is built on the knowledge of the genes controlling the development of unisexual and hermaphrodite flowers and their use to engineer sexual types that do not exist in nature, or are more stable than those currently existing. The produced plant prototypes will be grown in conditions approaching seed companies and producer conditions and evaluated for yield and yield stability.