Pairwise Introduces Groundbreaking Seedless Blackberry Using Innovative CRISPR Technology

Pairwise, a company based in Durham, N.C., has made a groundbreaking achievement in the world of agriculture by developing the first seedless blackberry. Using their proprietary Fulcrum™ Platform, which includes innovative CRISPR tools for plant application, Pairwise has successfully eliminated the hard pits in blackberry fruit, creating a seedless variety for the first time in any caneberry.

Ryan Bartlett, Pairwise’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed excitement over this achievement, highlighting the potential impact on the blackberry market and the possibility of extending this technology to other fruits like cherries. The seedless blackberry offers consumers a nutritious and convenient option without the hassle of seeds, addressing a common dislike among berry buyers.

In addition to the seedless trait, Pairwise has also edited the blackberry variety to be thornless and more compact, benefiting both harvesters and growers. The thornless and compact traits improve fruit harvesting efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce food waste, contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Tom Adams, Pairwise’s CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing consumers with high-quality, healthy food options through innovative genomics technologies. With a focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, Pairwise is leading the way in creating new, nutritious products with improved flavor and convenience.

Backed by leading investors and a team of experts in agriculture and technology, Pairwise is at the forefront of CRISPR technology application in food and agriculture. Their success in developing the seedless blackberry marks a significant milestone in the industry, paving the way for future innovations in crop development and sustainable agriculture practices.