FuturaGene has announced that its new gene-edited eucalyptus, approved by Brazil’s National Biosafety Technical Commission (CTNBio), aims to reduce chemical inputs and energy consumption in industrial processing.
FuturaGene says the eucalyptus was produced using CRISPR-Cas9, a New Breeding Technique (NBT) which allows for precise, targeted edits within the eucalyptus genome. Because the process introduces no genetic material from other species, the company states that the resulting modification is functionally comparable to genetic variations that may occur naturally or through conventional breeding methods.
The edit in the new variety is designed to optimize the wood’s lignin composition. Following the regulatory approval from CTNBio - which also sets out an applicable biosafety and governance framework – FuturaGene plans to carry out controlled field trials across different growing conditions in Brazil. It says the trials will be conducted in line with ‘the highest safety and governance standards’ and in strict compliance with all regulatory requirements.
The company adds it has now obtained 11 approvals from CTNBio for genetically modified (GM) eucalyptus varieties, with traits including yield enhancement, herbicide tolerance and insect resistance, and the new approval for gene-edited eucalyptus. The varieties aim to ‘sustainably’ meet growing global demand for bio-based products while adapting commercial tree farming to the impacts of climate change and resource scarcity.
In October 2025 FuturaGene announced its submission to CTNBio regarding the latest gene-edited eucalyptus. It is reportedly made in accordance with CTNBio’s Normative Resolution No. 16 (RN 16), which contains provisions for regulatory exemption for certain types of gene editing.
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