Genome Editing and Precision Breeding Take Centre Stage at Stellenbosch
Internationally recognised plant biotechnologist Prof Fredy Altpeter from the University of Florida recently visited the Institute for Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (IPBB) at Stellenbosch University for several days of scientific engagement focused on genome editing, precision breeding and the future of sugarcane biotechnology.
During his visit, Prof Altpeter was welcomed by Dr Christell van der Vyver, in collaboration with Dr Hennie Groenewald from Biosafety South Africa and Dr Sandy Snyman, representing the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association (SASTA), whose travel support helped make this important scientific exchange possible.
Prof Altpeter engaged with researchers and postgraduate students from the IPBB and the Department of Genetics and presented a departmental seminar on advances in plant genome editing. These interactions provided valuable opportunities for scientific exchange and discussions around the application of emerging genome-editing technologies to crop improvement.
A highlight of the visit was the “Precision Breeding in Complex Genomes: Molecular Tools, Challenges and Opportunities” workshop, held at STIAS on 13 August. Prof. Altpeter shared insights from his extensive research experience and published work on the latest genome-editing technologies, mutation detection and genotyping strategies for complex genomes, and metabolic engineering of high-biomass crops. The workshop brought together researchers and postgraduate students to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with applying precision-breeding approaches to complex crop genomes. Scientists from across the Western Cape, including Stellenbosch University, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as well as students from as far afield as North-West University, attended the workshop. Participants also explored and discussed ways to strengthen the South African bio innovation ecosystem to ensure that this type of research and development can be effectively translated into products and technologies for the market.
Prof Altpeter travelled to Durban afterwards to engage with scientists from the SA Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) and Sugar Milling Research Institute (SMRI) and to deliver a plenary address at the SASTA Congress as part of their centenary celebrations.
Written by Dr Christell van der vyver
