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GRAPE: Geminivirus-Based Directed Evolution Platform Strengthens Crop Disease Resistance

Researchers led by Gao Caixia and Qiu Jinlong developed GRAPE (Geminivirus Replicon-Assisted in Planta Directed Evolution), a platform that links mutated gene variants to engineered geminivirus replicons so they rapidly replicate inside plant cells. The system enables fast selection and enrichment of gene versions that improve disease resistance and can produce genetic resources for breeders. While promising for reducing disease-driven crop losses, GRAPE will require field validation and does not remove broader threats like extreme weather or pollinator declines.

03:56 AM, 11/26/2025Science

A research team led by Professors Gao Caixia and Qiu Jinlong at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new in planta directed-evolution platform called GRAPE (Geminivirus Replicon-Assisted in Planta Directed Evolution) to accelerate the discovery of gene variants that improve plant disease resistance. The work is described in a paper published in the journal Science.

How GRAPE works

GRAPE introduces mutations into target genes and links those mutated variants to engineered geminivirus replicons. Geminiviruses are single-stranded DNA viruses that replicate rapidly within plant cells; the researchers harnessed that rapid replication by packaging variant genes into artificial geminivirus replicons they developed. Once inside plant tissues, the linked gene variants replicate along with the replicons, enabling rapid in planta amplification and selection of beneficial alleles.

Why this matters

By combining rapid in planta replication with selection cycles, GRAPE allows researchers to enrich gene versions that confer stronger immunity to pathogens. The team describes the resulting outputs as "valuable genetic resources" that breeders can use to develop disease-resistant crop varieties. Because the platform is adaptable to different gene targets, it could be applied across multiple crops and disease challenges.

Opportunities and limitations

GRAPE offers a faster route to identify and amplify useful genetic variants compared with some traditional breeding and laboratory-based methods, potentially helping reduce disease-driven crop losses and contributing to food-supply resilience. However, the approach will still require careful field validation, regulatory review, and integration with breeding programs before commercial deployment. Importantly, improving disease resistance does not eliminate other major agricultural threats such as extreme weather, water stress, soil degradation, or declines in pollinator populations.

Researchers say GRAPE can generate "valuable genetic resources" for breeding disease-resistant crops.

Overall, the platform represents a promising biotechnology advance that could complement existing strategies for building more resilient crops, provided further testing and responsible implementation.

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