CRISPR-based genome editing for improving fruit crops under biotic and abiotic stress conditions

Abstract

Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool in genomics field that offers precise and targeted genetic modifications at genetic levels. The various tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and its analogous versions ZFN, TALENs, have significantly improved fruit crops for yield, quality traits, and stress resistance. Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of fruit crops with improved stress tolerance, fruit quality, and productivity. This review summarizes recent advances in genome-editing technologies for improving stress resistance, fruit quality, and productivity traits in fruit crops. Secondly, the review touches on the major challenges and ethical issues involved in releasing such technologies. The review also discusses regulatory concerns, biosafety issues, and challenges associated with commercialization of genome-edited fruit crops. The review further highlights the potential of genome editing for developing climate-resilient and sustainable horticultural production systems. Overall, genome-editing technologies provide significant opportunities for sustainable and climate-resilient horticultural crop improvement.