Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited the advanced laboratory complex of the Sirius University of Science and Technology. During his tour, he was introduced to groundbreaking developments in plant biotechnology, specifically focusing on what scientists called “rejuvenating strawberries” and an improved “Merlot” grape variety.
The state-of-the-art laboratory complex, which first opened its doors in September 2022, serves as a hub where young researchers are actively engaged in creating new plant varieties through cutting-edge genome editing technology.
Roman Ivanov, who chairs the scientific council at Sirius University, clarified that their research is distinct from traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead of introducing foreign genetic material into plants, the scientists precisely alter the plant`s own genome by introducing targeted mutations. This innovative approach effectively emulates natural evolutionary processes but significantly accelerates them by hundreds of times, all while being purposefully directed.
Among the demonstrations for the President were “Merlot” grapes whose genome had been specifically edited to boost their natural resistance to common fungal infections. Ivanov highlighted that this modification drastically cuts down on crop losses and eliminates the necessity for extensive fungicide treatments.
Furthermore, the President was shown “edited” strawberries that are remarkable for containing twelve times the amount of quercetin. Quercetin is a well-known flavonoid celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties. Ivanov playfully referred to these enhanced strawberries as “rejuvenating.”
In response to President Putin`s inquiry about whether these specially modified plants could be grown without chemical treatments, the scientist affirmatively confirmed that the “edited” grapes, in particular, indeed require no chemical application.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth