Precision breeding release notice (reference: PBR/26/011)
Published 3 November 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
Phytoform, Lawes Open Innovation Hub, West Common, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ
2. Description of others assisting in the release of the precision bred plant
Glasshouses and controlled environment cabinets at Rothamsted Research.
3. General description of the precision bred plant
a) Genus and species
Solanum Lycopersicum
b) Intended alterations to characteristics of the plant
Elimination of the abscission zone of the pedicel of tomato fruit
c) Types of genetic changes introduced to cause these alterations
Single targeted deletions were introduced to one gene, resulting in each allele of the targeted gene becoming functionally inactive.
The types of genetic changes that were introduced are the result of incorrect repair by non-homologous end joining.
This resulted in elimination of the abscission zone of the pedicel.
d) Techniques of modern biotechnology used to make these genetic changes
Protoplasts were isolated from tomato seedlings and transfected with a site directed nuclease (SDN) enzyme and synthetic gRNA.
The SDN and gRNA crossed the cell membrane by altering its permeability. The alteration of membrane permeability was caused by application of chemicals.
Inside the cell these components hybridize to specific target sites in the genome, dictated by the gRNA sequence.
Incorrect repair by non-homologous end joining led to indels at target sites, which resulted in the targeted genes to become functionally inactive.
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