Locations
Tel Aviv, Israel
Email Us
capsibreed@gmail.com
PepGEM™ (Pepper Gene Editing and Modification) is CapsiBreed’s proprietary genome editing platform developed specifically for hot and sweet peppers. Built on over a decade of academic research and scientific validation at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PepGEM™ overcomes the traditional limitations of pepper breeding by enabling precise, efficient, and rapid genetic improvements.
The platform uses advanced CRISPR/Cas systems, optimized tissue culture methods, and a deep understanding of pepper biology to develop novel traits such as extended shelf life, enhanced nutrition, increased yield, flavor optimization, and disease and climate resistance.
PepGEM™ is designed to unlock the full genetic potential of peppers — transforming a crop historically resistant to innovation into one of the most dynamic and customizable food plants in modern agriculture.
Unlike crops like corn or wheat, Capsicum annuum (peppers) are classified as recalcitrant, meaning they are particularly resistant to genetic transformation. Traditional pepper breeding is:
Slow (7–15 years per new variety)
Limited to existing gene pools
Labor-intensive
Prone to introducing unwanted traits
PepGEM™ changes that. By directly editing specific genes of interest, we eliminate the need for crossbreeding and dramatically shorten the trait development cycle to 1–2 years.
PepGEM™ integrates multiple layers of biotechnology into one unified platform:
1. CRISPR/Cas9 Editing System
Precisely targets and edits genes associated with key traits such as pigment biosynthesis, ripening, and stress tolerance.
2. Optimized Guide RNA Design
Utilizes AI and bioinformatics tools to ensure high editing accuracy and minimize off-target effects.
3. Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation
Employs an optimized delivery system to introduce the gene-editing components into plant tissues with high efficiency.
4. Tissue Culture & Regeneration Protocols
Tailored culture media and hormone combinations allow successful regeneration of full plants from edited cells.
5. Phenotypic & Molecular Validation
Every edited line undergoes thorough validation using PCR, sequencing, biochemical assays, and greenhouse trials.
PepGEM™ can target and stack multiple high-value traits, including:
Shelf Life Extension
Delays post-harvest softening and spoilage to reduce waste and boost retail value.Capsinoid & Carotenoid Enrichment
Boosts natural antioxidant compounds with health benefits for metabolism, inflammation, and skin health.Flavor and Texture Optimization
Improves consumer experience through customized sweetness, crunchiness, and aroma.Disease Resistance
Introduces tolerance to viral and fungal pathogens like TSWV and powdery mildew.Climate Resilience
Improves tolerance to drought, heat, and fluctuating growing conditions.
| Feature | Traditional Breeding | PepGEM™ Gene Editing |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Market | 7–15 years | 1–2 years |
| Trait Accuracy | Low | High |
| Cost Per Variety | $2–3M | <$1M |
| Trait Stacking | Limited | Multiplex-capable |
| Unwanted Genes | Common | Avoided |
| Genetic Diversity Use | Only existing gene pool | Beyond natural variation |
PepGEM™ is protected under a dual intellectual property strategy:
The platform itself is a trade secret—its complex processes, protocols, and biological know-how cannot be reverse-engineered and leave no genetic footprint in the final product.
Edited pepper lines are protected via utility patents, enabling strong commercial control of trait performance.
We also work with partners like Norfolk Healthy Produce to navigate regulatory approvals in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other markets that support gene-edited (non-GMO) crops.
PepGEM™ originated in the labs of Prof. Alexander Vainstein and Dr. Oded Skaliter at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where it was tested on peppers, tomatoes, and petunias. Now, in collaboration with BreedX and Erma Zaden, PepGEM™ is powering commercial trials in elite hybrid lines for global markets.
Our gene-edited lines are already showing:
Up to 50× increase in targeted metabolites
Prolonged shelf life in sweet peppers
Field trial-ready materials for multiple regions
While designed for peppers, PepGEM™ is highly adaptable to other recalcitrant crops such as soybean, cocoa, lettuce, and coffee. Its core technologies are crop-agnostic and can be tailored for high-value traits in various species.
Interested in partnering, licensing, or investing in PepGEM™?
Contact us to explore how this next-generation gene-editing system can transform your breeding program or agricultural portfolio.