Introduction
In Alberta, canola is more than just a crop—it is a vital part of the province’s economy. Grown by over 14,000 farmers on 6.6 million acres of land, it contributes over $4 billion annually to the provincial economy. Yet, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, canola production is becoming increasingly vulnerable. In conversations with local farmers like Christine Mckee and her son Joey Mckee, who grows over 1,800 acres of canola in Southern Alberta, we heard firsthand how climate change is threatening the livelihood of farmers by affecting the amount plants yield. Motivated by their growing concern for water scarcity, our iGEM team chose to pursue RhizoRetention—a bacterial-mediated RNA interference to reduce canola’s stress response to drought. By engineering a naturally occurring soil bacterium (Arthrobacter globiformis) to produce siRNA that target drought-associated genes, RhizoRetention offers a promising, field-adaptable solution to protect Alberta’s most valuable crop against uncertain climate.
(Integrated) Human Practices
As a part of our Integrated Human Practices efforts, we sought out diverse perspectives through surveys to seek the opinion of the general public, using their thoughts to shape and refine the path our project was headed. Additionally, we also connected with professionals in the agricultural field to share our progress, gather feedback, and engage in dialogue that challenged and expanded our thinking.
Project Brainstorming
In the first few weeks of project brainstorming, our team branched off into three groups to divide focus on the top three projects that culminated from the project pitch. Our first project idea, RhizoRetention, was developed with the idea of implementing a solution that maximizes a plant’s water retention to minimize water costs in the agricultural fields. For our second project, the second group focused on a solution to decrease the side effects of hypertension using beta glucan from oat. For the last project, the third group aimed to combat c-difficile infection in hospital settings by developing an indirect immunofluorescence detection method for Clostridioides difficile on surfaces.
Tech Futures Challenge
Early in our project journey, we took part in the MindFuel Tech Futures Challenge (TFC), an event that encourages young innovators to explore local issues through synthetic biology. This experience provided an essential step for our iGEM team, offering mentorship from highly regarded professionals, resources and a platform to showcase the three project pitches our team created. We explored multiple directions by creating and presenting video pitches for two potential projects. With the help of our TFC mentors, the videos were shaped with their insight and knowledge lent to us through feedback. During this event we received feedback from the judging community that helped us critically assess each project’s viability and relevance.
Following the pitch of one of our projects, RhizoRetention, we received thoughtful and constructive feedback from the judges and our mentors, who helped us identify both strengths and areas for improvement. Reviewers asked whether canola might have different stomata specialized for gas exchange versus water regulation, and how this could influence plant respiration under drought conditions. They also recommended exploring other pathways regulated by abscisic acid (ABA), as well as understanding any potential side effects when manipulating drought-response genes. Additionally, we were encouraged to investigate whether ABA production could be naturally triggered by drought stress and how this might interact with our RNAi strategy. This feedback has guided us to further refine our testing framework and to include a more comprehensive analysis of stress-response pathways in canola.
The feedback on our second project, BetaBalance, was not as positive but nonetheless still an excellent idea. The judges expressed curiosity about the origin, suggesting that a more personal or relatable story behind our project would enhance its impact. Furthermore, they also proposed that while our scientific content was clear and grounded in academic sources, the frequent use of terms like “qBGC1” made parts of the explanation difficult to follow for a general audience. They recommended simplifying the language and pacing the word delivery to improve accessibility and understanding. They also noted that, although the plan for testing was outlined, it would be helpful to include expected outcomes or indicators of success to better demonstrate how the team would evaluate the solution’s effectiveness. Although, the judges appreciated the consideration given to product safety and consumer experience—an often overlooked aspect in scientific innovation. Overall, the project was viewed as well-researched with room for improvement in clarity and storytelling.
After gathering feedback on both projects, our team held a vote to determine the direction we would collectively pursue. Initially, BetaBalance was selected as the most promising and engaging option based on the research completed at that stage. However, as we delved deeper on the matter, we realized that addressing certain challenges—such as feasibility—would be complex within the iGEM timeframe. This led our team to reassess and ultimately decide whether to refine BetaBalance or pivot to RhizoRetention. After careful consideration, we chose to focus on RhizoRetention, as it aligned more closely to our local community and resources.
Tech Futures Challenge (continued)
After integrating feedback from our TFC mentors, we developed a prototype for the TFC prototype challenge, travelling to Calgary, Alberta to discuss our project with judges. In this event we were able to win the “Biggest Pivot Award”.
Along with the award, we received feedback to further better our project’s efficiency and viability. The judges highlighted that providing deeper evidence of feasibility, even through theoretical models, or a small-scale proof-of-concept testing, would significantly strengthen our proposal. However, they appreciated the particularly detailed list of safety concerns and risk assessments we addressed throughout the object. The judges also noted that the inclusion of potential collaborators and stakeholders, such as local farmers and agricultural organizations, reflected thoughtful planning for the long-term scalability and community integration of our project.
Biotreks
Our team also published a paper in BioTreks, an international synthetic biology journal authored and reviewed by high school students. Through this platform, our project was reviewed by scientific professionals, who provided valuable feedback and insights through detailed comments and questions. During the process, reviewers highlighted the need for deeper research into how bHLH61 functions in drought-response pathways. They also encouraged exploring additional drought-related genes. The feedback also emphasized considering safe bacterial concentrations in seed coatings to avoid disrupting the soil microbiome and recommended clear testing strategies. Lastly, reviewers noted that methods should also be explored for greater efficiency and stability. With the help of the judge’s feedback, we modified our project to allow it to function in the most effective way possible. Through Biotreks, the feedback from the judges helped us rethink and discover alternative methods that would further boost the impact of our project.
Farm Visit
As a part of our Human Practices work, we visited farmers and agricultural professionals to understand the challenges they face, particularly the loss of moisture due to intense heat and low amount of rain. Our team learned that the drought’s impact is difficult to assess over short frames of time. Although, even in that short span of time, the effects are still significant. In a bad year, yields can drop to 12-15 bushels per acre, compared to 40-45 bushels harvested in a good year. Farmers emphasized the narrow planting window for canola, requiring nights above freezing, wet but not drenched soil, and ideally low to no wind to ensure successful germination. Once seeding starts, you cannot stop. We also learned about practical constraints, like the need for the topsoil to retain enough moisture for it to be considered not dry but not wet either, and the use of blue seed coatings containing pesticides and herbicides. Through these visits, our team observed pivot irrigation systems and spoke with seed handlers and operators, teaching us how to ensure our project addresses the needs of modern farming.
Summary
Our iGEM team began with three different projects highlighting problems in different sectors. After each exploration, we chose to focus on RhizoRetention, a bacterial-mediated RNA interference strategy designed to help canola crops retain water. With this strategy, we aim to create a solution that is simple, effective, and adaptable for real-world farming conditions
To create something truly useful for Alberta’s agricultural landscape, we knew we had to begin by listening—to the land, the people, and the challenges they face. Canola is and will remain a vital part of Alberta’s economy and identity, but the problem of water scarcity and unpredictable drought conditions are reshaping how producers think about sustainability. Throughout our process, we prioritized engaging with professionals who know more about the issues. From farmers to researchers, their insight formed the path our project is taking on now. Our vistis to farms gave us valuable insight into the practical realities of canola production, from planting conditions to irrigation methods. By staying grounded in real-world needs, and recognizing the complex web of factors that influence agricultural resilience, we aim to develop RhizoRetention as a solution that is as practical as it is purposeful.