By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 7: In a landmark development for agricultural biotechnology, Sarawak-based TIZA AI has revolutionised crop yield potential by enhancing tobacco growth rates using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology guided by AI (artificial intelligence).
This breakthrough, utilising a technique called comparative genomic cross-matching, highlights the power of AI in optimising crop traits to meet the demands of sustainable agriculture and biofuel production, with a special emphasis on Sarawak.
According to a press release, TIZA AI chief executive officer Franklin Lingga, who led the research team in the algorithm’s development remotely while conducting renewable energy research in Europe, applied comparative genomic cross-matching with high-quality genetic data from the high-yield plant chervil.
By aligning and analysing genetic markers between chervil and tobacco, TIZA AI’s model identified key genes linked to rapid cell division, nutrient absorption, and photosynthetic efficiency.
These findings enabled the creation of precisely targeted gRNA sequences for CRISPR-Cas9 editing in tobacco, resulting in improved growth characteristics and increased biomass yield.
“Our AI-driven CRISPR technology is redefining possibilities in agriculture by identifying precise genetic modifications that can increase crop productivity.
“This advancement is specifically designed with Sarawak in mind, aiming to boost the region’s agricultural capacity and biofuel potential,” Lingga said.
The success of TIZA AI’s AI-CRISPR approach in tobacco demonstrates a scalable model for sustainable agriculture. The team’s next goal is to apply these genetic advancements to one of the most important bio-oil-producing plants, with plans to revolutionise biofuel production and bolster Sarawak’s biofuel industry by enhancing crop yields and growth efficiency.
TIZA AI’s ongoing research marks the dawn of a new era in agriculture, where data-driven gene editing supports Sarawak’s vision for economic growth, food security, and sustainable energy. — DayakDaily
