Precision bred organism release notice (reference: PBR/26/006)
Published 18 June 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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Information provided to the Secretary of State alongside a notice of intention to release a precision bred plant under schedule 1 of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025.
1. Name and address of the person proposing to release the precision bred plant
Elsoms, Pinchbeck Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1QG, United Kingdom
2. Description of others assisting in the release of the precision bred plant
The release will be conducted at Elsoms Trials Site.
3. General description of the precision bred plant
a) Genus and species
Brassica oleracea var. capitata (“White Cabbage”)
b) Intended alterations to characteristics of the plant
Targeted mutations were introduced to assess the role of these genes in disease resistance.
c) Types of genetic changes introduced to cause these alterations
Incorrect repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) led to indels being introduced at two target sites, which are expected to result in early termination of encoded proteins. Different combinations of these genetic changes will be assessed to evaluate the role of this gene in disease resistance.
d) Techniques of modern biotechnology used to make these genetic changes
gRNAs and Cas9 proteins were combined to create RNPs, which were delivered into protoplasts isolated from young White cabbage leaves via PEG-mediated transfection. Calli developed from these protoplasts, and shoots were induced. Leaf tissue from regenerated plants was used for mutant identification through Next Generation Sequencing (Illumina). DNA was extracted from small leaf samples to assess mutations in the target genes, and mutated plants were chosen for inbreeding.
4. Confirmation: preventing marketing
The person with overall responsibility for the release must confirm they will put in place any necessary appropriate measures to prevent material from the precision bred plant being marketed until such time as a precision bred confirmation is issued in respect of the plant.
Confirmed
5. Confirmation: meeting precision breeding criteria
The person with overall responsibility for the release must confirm they have assessed that all plants covered by the release notice meet the criteria for a precision bred organism as set out in section 1 (2) of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.
Confirmed