Author(s): Aubrilin Johnson
Mentor(s): Yu-Ya Liang
Institution UVU
Gene editing and RNA analysis/sequencing have become efficient tools in modern plant breeding, allowing more precise gene modifications of crops and deepening our understanding of how gene expression of plants differs when under stress conditions. This project aims to develop and refine gene gun methods specific to tomato tissue culture and combine them with RNA analysis to enhance drought tolerance in tomato plants. This research project has three main phases/steps. Phase one involved growing select tomato accessions under drought conditions and conducting RNA extraction, after multiple failed attempts, these samples will soon be sent out for sequencing. In phase two (where we are currently), we will focus on understanding tissue culture techniques and creating an efficient gene gun transformation method for tomato plants by comparing the strategies of previous studies. This phase serves as a crucial step towards creating a transgenic tomato line, capable of withstanding drought conditions, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices here in Utah.