Scientists predicted that cacao trees may be extinct by 2050 due to factors including climate change, pests and fungal infections. To save chocolate, "the food of the gods", researchers within the chocolate industry is trying to use the innovative CRISPR genome editing technology to save these delicate plants.
Genome editing for cacao is an effective way to build tougher cacao plants and help them survive the climate change. In fact, genetically modified chocolate is already on the market. Despite so, a chocolate deficit is still in our near future due to the increasing demand for it.
Recently, the candy company, Mars, invested $1 billion into their "Sustainability Generation" R&D project and is teaming up with scientists to use the most effective genome editing tool, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, for editing and breeding stronger cacao plants. As part of their "Cocoa Sustainability Approach", Mars has already sequenced the cocoa genome and share their results to the public in 2013. With their new plan for making super chocolate, hopefully, we could avoid the predicted chocolate deficit from occurring.
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