A Simple and Low-Tech Heat-Shock Method to Increase Genome Editing Efficiency in Plants.

CRISPR/Cas is now the standard technique to generate novel plant genotypes. However, optimizing the efficiency of the system continues to be an aspect of research and development. One of the improvements for increasing mutagenesis efficiency in different species is the application of heat stress.

The heat is on: a simple method to increase genome editing efficiency in plants.

Background: Precision genome mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas has become the standard method to generate mutant plant lines. Several improvements have been made to increase mutagenesis efficiency, either through vector optimisation or the application of heat stress.

Results: Here, we present a simplified heat stress assay that can be completed in six days using commonly-available laboratory equipment.