CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Ms1 enables the rapid generation of male-sterile hexaploid wheat lines for use in hybrid seed production

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful tool for generating genetic diversity in crops. Recently, a novel platform for commercial hybrid seed production was described. This hybridisation platform utilises nuclear male sterility to force outcrossing, and has been applied to maize and rice. The aim of this study was to use the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate targeted mutations in the wheat (Triticum aestivum) male fertility gene Ms1. Three gRNAs targeting Ms1 were assessed. Targeted frameshift mutations produced through NHEJ were detected via NGS in transgenic T0 plants.