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CRISPR-Edited Cacao Plants Show 42% Disease Resistance

10/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Penn State University researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to develop cacao plants resistant to black pod disease.
Edited plants show a 42% reduction in disease lesions compared with non-edited plants.
The edits eliminate foreign DNA, easing regulatory concerns and improving consumer acceptance.
Future studies will test tropical performance and more genetic changes, maintaining USDA non-GMO status for the $135 billion industry.

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Story summary

Penn State University researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to develop cacao plants resistant to black pod disease.
Edited plants show a 42% reduction in disease lesions compared with non-edited plants.
The edits eliminate foreign DNA, easing regulatory concerns and improving consumer acceptance.
Future studies will test tropical performance and more genetic changes, maintaining USDA non-GMO status for the $135 billion industry.