Unlocking the Potential: Genetic Engineering Harnesses Apple Trees' Secret "Weeping" for Increased Fruit Production
Plant geneticists have discovered a unique mutation in apple trees that causes them to exhibit a "weeping" architecture, where branches grow in a downward trajectory. This breakthrough could revolutionize apple orchards by boosting fruit productivity and saving labor costs. By studying the genetic basis behind this growth pattern, researchers identified a rare gene mutation in the MdLAZY1A gene. Although the mutation is not common, scientists can potentially use CRISPR/Cas-9 gene-editing technology to cultivate apple tree varieties with weeping-like growth. This research has significant implications for the apple industry, offering the potential for increased productivity and efficiency in orchards.