Agrosavfe N.v.

Kws Saat Se * Co. Kgaa

Vib Vzw

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Biotalys Nv

Erik Jongedijk

Peter Verheesen

Chris De Jonghe

Markus Niessen

Hinrich Harling

Susana Martin-Ortigosa

Corinna Streitner

Nadine Schumann

The present invention relates to methods and hybrids for the targeted modification of a nucleic acid-target region in a plant target structure using CRISPR/Cas systems. The invention specifically relates to methods and hybrids for directly obtaining a plant or plant material which comprises an editing of a nucleic acid introduced in a targeted manner into a meristematic cell. The hybrids can be introduced in a transient and/or stable manner. The invention also relates to novel plant-optimized introduction strategies. The invention further relates to a method for carrying out an in vitro screening assay in order to first check the suitable gRNA candidates in vitro with respect to their efficiency.

Methods and hybrids for targeted nucleic acid editing in plants using CRISPR/Cas systems

Described is the specific delivery of agrochemicals to plants. More specifically, a targeting agent has at least one binding domain that specifically binds to a binding site on an intact living plant. Such binding domains include a peptide having 4 framework regions and 3 complementary determining regions, or fragment(s) thereof, wherein the binding domains bind or retain a carrier onto a plant. Described are binding domains that specifically bind trichomes, stomata, cuticle, lenticels, thorns, spines, root hairs, or wax layer. Further described are methods for delivering agrochemicals to a plant, for depositing agrochemicals on a plant, and for retaining the agrochemicals on a plant, using targeting agents comprising the binding domains, and to methods for protecting a plant against stress or controlling plant growth. Also, described are methods for manufacturing a specifically targeting agrochemical carrier.

Specific delivery of agrochemicals

Described is an antigen-binding protein, preferably comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises four framework regions and three complementarity-determining regions, wherein the antigen-binding protein is capable of binding a chitinous polysaccharide, and uses thereof.

Chitinous polysaccharide antigen-binding proteins

Described is a composition for seed treatment comprising a plant seed-binding protein, preferably an antigen-binding plant seed-binding protein. In one embodiment, the seed-binding protein is binding a polysaccharide, preferably pectin. Further described is the use of a plant seed-binding protein to bind a plant-enhancing agent to a plant seed, and to a method for treating plant seeds.

Compositions for seed treatment

Described is the specific delivery of agrochemicals to plants. More specifically, a targeting agent has at least one binding domain that specifically binds to a binding site on an intact living plant. Such binding domains include a peptide having 4 framework regions and 3 complementarity-determining regions, or fragment thereof, wherein the binding domains bind or retain a carrier onto a plant. Described are binding domains that specifically bind trichomes, stomata, cuticle, lenticels, thorns, spines, root hairs, or wax layer. Further described is a method for delivering agrochemicals to a plant, for depositing agrochemicals on a plant, and for retaining the agrochemicals on a plant, using targeting agents comprising the binding domains, and to a method for protecting a plant against stress or controlling plant growth. Also, described is a method for manufacturing a specifically targeting agrochemical carrier.

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Lokeren, Belgium

Erik Jongedijk