Western Illinois University researchers making progress on pennycress gene editing

In Illinois, researchers at Western Illinois University are using gene editing on pennycress in an attempt to reduce seed shattering, among other traits, that will make the winter annual more viable for biodiesel feedstock, allowing soy farmers to grow an extra crop. Changing the color of flowers to yellow is also high on the gene modification agenda to help attract pollinators early in the spring rather than the white flowers pennycress currently has, leading it to typically self-pollinating.