Our laboratory develops advanced technologies to accelerate genetic improvement and strengthen agricultural resilience in the Southern Cone. We integrate multi‑species cellular platforms, next‑generation gene‑editing systems, bioinformatics, and field validation to deliver high‑impact innovations for fruit crops and strategic species.

 

1. Multi‑species Cellular Platforms

We maintain and expand cellular systems that enable transformation, regeneration, and gene editing across diverse crops.

• Somatic embryogenesis: grapevine, rice, wheat

• Organogenesis: peach, cherry, plum, tomato, blueberry

• Protoplast systems: grapevine, rice, potato

These platforms are essential for regenerating edited plants and scaling technologies toward commercial varieties.

 

2. Gene‑editing Systems and CRISPR Vectors

We design and implement next‑generation CRISPR tools tailored for recalcitrant species.

• Modified T‑DNA vectors with geminiviral modules

• Multi‑gRNA constructs for multiplex editing

• INIA’s CRISPR toolkit, including plasmids deposited in international repositories (pVK‑U, pVH‑U, pGEF‑U)

These systems enable efficient editing in grapevine, cherry, potato, and other fruit crops.

 We have deposited our vectors at Addgene for distribution to the research community:. Addgene: Humberto Prieto Lab Materials

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3. Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Gene Discovery

We use advanced computational tools to identify candidate genes and design precise editing strategies.

• CRISPR Search for gRNA evaluation

• Genome browsers and BLAST for fruit‑tree genomes

• Artificial microRNA designer

• Draft genomes for Prunus avium, P. persica, Vitis vinifera, Solanum tuberosum, Vaccinium corymbosum, among others

This genomic foundation supports trait discovery and targeted editing.

 

4. Edited Prototypes and Field Validation

We develop and evaluate edited plants with traits of agronomic relevance.

• Powdery mildew–resistant grapevine (DEL1, MLO3, OCP3)

• Botrytis‑resistant grapevine (OCP3, GRXS13)

• Non‑browning potato (StPPO2)

• Drought‑tolerant rice (OsDST)

Hundreds of edited grapevine plants have been delivered for productive validation with industry partners such as Concha y Toro.

 

5. Applied Biotechnology for Genetic Improvement

Through long‑term collaboration with Biofrutales and SOFOFA Hub, we integrate scientific innovation with industry needs.

• Development of new varieties and edited prototypes

• Technology transfer to nurseries and fruit companies

• Public–private coordination for scaling and adoption of gene‑editing technologies

This ecosystem accelerates the transition from laboratory innovation to commercial impact.

 

6. Regulatory Support and Deployment

Recent SAG resolutions have recognized several INIA‑Biofrutales edited grapevine lines as non‑transgenic, enabling their commercial deployment. This milestone positions Chile as a regional leader in agricultural gene editing and opens a pathway for future edited crops.

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