In Colorado, wheat growers have found a reliable ally in the CoAXium Wheat Production System, which offers them peace of mind when combating unwanted grassy weeds with herbicides. Nearly two million acres of CoAXium wheat is grown in the United States annually. This innovative herbicide-resistant trait, developed by researchers at Colorado State University, has become a cornerstone of the university’s agricultural technology portfolio, generating significant revenue and advancing agricultural practices.
Franck Dayan, professor of agricultural biology, envisions a new approach: expanding CoAXium’s potential reach by increasing the wheat’s ability to metabolize herbicides more efficiently. By doing so, he aims to strengthen the wheat plants and maximize the effectiveness of the CoAXium trait. Through this innovation, the crop can better break down herbicides, allowing better management of the weeds while protecting wheat from injury. This advancement promises a larger safety margin for crops not only in the High Plains Region of the western United States but also throughout the nation and eventually worldwide.
Rather than solely targeting specific genes, Dayan’s research focuses on regulating transcription factors—proteins that play a pivotal role in gene expression by binding to DNA sequences. By controlling these factors, researchers can increase the plant’s ability to metabolize herbicides, which is crucial during key growth stages like seed germination and flowering and when responding to environmental stresses such as drought or weed overgrowth.
With the support of the Colorado Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program and the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation, Dayan is ready to take this research further, examining how to create an even stronger trait. Utilizing cutting-edge CRISPR technology for modifications offers a cost-effective strategy that ensures the final product will not be labeled as a genetically modified organism (GMO).
“The goal of this project is to test whether we can enhance the plant’s herbicide metabolism,” Dayan explains. “Once verified, it will move into product development with breeders, facilitating a product that farmers can readily adopt.”
This research is rooted in a commitment to serve Colorado wheat growers, driving the project’s focus and purpose. The development of a new trait would initiate a new patent family, extending the CoAXium trait’s lifespan and reinforcing its value.
As the success of this trait resonates both in the U.S. and beyond, it generates revenue that supports ongoing research aimed at solving agricultural challenges. “This process compels you to concentrate on the potential impact of commercialization and the real-world applications that this research could inspire,” Dayan says, envisioning a future where innovations like CoAXium transform farming for the better.
Dayan was one of five grant recipients of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program. Advanced Industries funds are provided to CSU through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade with the goal of accelerating commercialization of innovations with high potential for creating economic impact in the state of Colorado.
Learn more about the grant program at csustrata.org/technology-transfer/ai-poc-grant and see all 2024 winners at csustrata.org/news-article/five-csu-researchers-awarded-more-than-half-a-million-in-funding.
This story is part of a series of features highlighting the winners of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program. Check out our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for future stories in the series.