This cellular biotechnology platform specializes in micropropagation techniques (somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, axillary budding, etc.), genetic transformation, and genome editing of tropical perennial and annual crops.

It aims to support programs for the selection and dissemination of elite plant material and to support research programs focused on functional genomics, trait engineering, and rapid selection of improved genotypes, particularly for perennial crops such as oil palm, coffee, and banana.
It has a fully equipped in vitro culture laboratory, including sterile laminar flow hoods, climate chambers for in vitro plant growth, and phytotrons for weaning, acclimatization, early plant phenotyping, and stress testing of the different lines produced in the laboratory.

The platform uses stable transformation techniques via A. Tumefasciens and A. Rhizogenes to functionally validate target genes. Genome editing is performed using CRISPR/Cas9 with full technical support for target gene identification, plasmid cloning, seedling regeneration after transformation, and genotyping of edited lines.

Finally, the platform has a multidisciplinary team of experts in cellular and molecular biology as well as plant physiology.
It collaborates with research groups at the national and international level.
It actively participates in the development of new methods of transformation/GE and cell regeneration and in strengthening scientific and academic knowledge for the improvement of perennial crops.

In connection with the EDITROP network, of which the platform is a part (see external service opposite), the IRD is recruiting an Assistant Engineer in genetic transformation and rice genome editing: https://emploi-recrutement.ird.fr/offre-de-emploi/emploi-assistant-ingenieur-en-transformation-genetique-et-edition-du-genome-du-riz-f-h_668.aspx (to apply) and see here for the job’s description in english.