Scientists from sweetener company PureCircle have managed to map the genetic make-up of the stevia plant for the first time, providing a better understanding of how stevia derives its characteristic sweetness.
The findings – from researchers associated with the PureCircle Stevia Institute and crop researchers KeyGene – provides a better understanding of key enzyme groups used by the stevia plant to produce the steviol glycosides that contribute to the sweetness of the stevia leaf.
The research identified several million potentially new genetic markets, which could help accelerate traditional production of the stevia plant. It may allow PureCircle to optimise levels of the best-tasting steviol glycosides, including improvements in the level of well-known minor glycosides such as Reb D and Reb M.
PureCircle’s Avetik Markosyan, who is head of group research and development for the company, said: “PureCircle is committed to strengthening the understanding of the stevia leaf. These findings provide strategic enhancements to our breeding and agronomy programmes, as well as tremendous utility for scientists, farmers and developers working with stevia as a non-GMO ingredient.”
Arjen van Tunen, CEO of crop research company KeyGene, added: “Having a single high-quality reference genome is generally considered a major step forward for newly domesticated crops, such as stevia. We have surpassed this benchmark with three independent reference genomes for stevia. This comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the stevia genome will directly translate to high–value, improved stevia varieties.”
The new data have been integrated into CropPedia, a comprehensive bioinformatics platform developed by KeyGene to allow datasets relating to the genome, transcriptome and metabolome of stevia to be visualised and analysed.
PureCircle predicts the breakthrough will allow it to create improved stevia varieties using traditional breeding practices.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024