With support from USDA, we are working to develop gene-editing and transformation (gene transfer) systems in North American hop varieties to aid breeding for key traits, such as disease resistance, flavor quality, and flowering. Part of this work is to customize regeneration (cell to plant differentiation) for individual high value clones, such as for Cascade as shown below. Of the different cytokinins (shoot-inducing hormones) tested in Cascade, high levels of BAP were most effective at inducing new shoots in tissue culture.
Presentations
Development of Gene Editing Methods to Retain Access to Foreign Markets for American Hops
Hop Research Council Annual Meeting, Oregon State University, Corvallis. August 2024.
C. Willig
Potential for CRISPR/gene-editing in hop breeding
Master Brewers National Meeting, Seattle, WA, October 2023
Strauss, SH and C Willing
Gene editing as a powerful tool to advance hop research and agriculture
Hop Research Council Meeting, August 2023, Boise, ID
Chris Willig
Toward Gene Editing in Hop: Application of a Cutting-Edge Tool for Accelerating Breeding and Improving Traits
Hop Research Council Meeting, January 2023, Santa Rosa, CA
Chris Willig
“Gene Editing for Brewers”
Master Brewers Podcast, October 2022
Professors Steve Strauss and Tom Shellhammer, Oregon State University
Genetic modification methods: Basics and application to hops
Brewing Summit 2022 (ASBC and Master Brewers joint meeting), Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, August 2022
Steve Strauss, Chris Willig, Michele Wiseman, David Gent, John Henning, and Tom Shellhammer
Gene Editing in Hops: Methods, Possibilities, and Progress
Poster presented at: Brewing Summit 2022 (ASBC and Master Brewers joint meeting), Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, August 2022
Christopher J. Willig, Michele S. Wiseman, John A. Henning, David H. Gent, Tom Shellhammer, and Steven H. Strauss