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Sugumar T, Shen G, Smith J, Zhang H. Creating Climate-Resilient Crops by Increasing Drought, Heat, and Salt Tolerance. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1238. [PMID: 38732452 PMCID: PMC11085490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, the changes in the agriculture industry have been inevitable, considering the need to feed the growing population. As the world population continues to grow, food security has become challenged. Resources such as arable land and freshwater have become scarce due to quick urbanization in developing countries and anthropologic activities; expanding agricultural production areas is not an option. Environmental and climatic factors such as drought, heat, and salt stresses pose serious threats to food production worldwide. Therefore, the need to utilize the remaining arable land and water effectively and efficiently and to maximize the yield to support the increasing food demand has become crucial. It is essential to develop climate-resilient crops that will outperform traditional crops under any abiotic stress conditions such as heat, drought, and salt, as well as these stresses in any combinations. This review provides a glimpse of how plant breeding in agriculture has evolved to overcome the harsh environmental conditions and what the future would be like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharanya Sugumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (T.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Guoxin Shen
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China;
| | - Jennifer Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (T.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (T.S.); (J.S.)
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Wang Z, Li X, Gao XR, Dai ZR, Peng K, Jia LC, Wu YK, Liu QC, Zhai H, Gao SP, Zhao N, He SZ, Zhang H. IbMYB73 targets abscisic acid-responsive IbGER5 to regulate root growth and stress tolerance in sweet potato. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:787-804. [PMID: 37815230 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Root development influences plant responses to environmental conditions, and well-developed rooting enhances plant survival under abiotic stress. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying root development and abiotic stress tolerance in plants remain unclear. In this study, we identified the MYB transcription factor-encoding gene IbMYB73 by cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism and RNA-seq analyses. IbMYB73 expression was greatly suppressed under abiotic stress in the roots of the salt-tolerant sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) line ND98, and its promoter activity in roots was significantly reduced by abscisic acid (ABA), NaCl, and mannitol treatments. Overexpression of IbMYB73 significantly inhibited adventitious root growth and abiotic stress tolerance, whereas IbMYB73-RNAi plants displayed the opposite pattern. IbMYB73 influenced the transcription of genes involved in the ABA pathway. Furthermore, IbMYB73 formed homodimers and activated the transcription of ABA-responsive protein IbGER5 by binding to an MYB binding sites I motif in its promoter. IbGER5 overexpression significantly inhibited adventitious root growth and abiotic stress tolerance concomitantly with a reduction in ABA content, while IbGER5-RNAi plants showed the opposite effect. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the IbMYB73-IbGER5 module regulates ABA-dependent adventitious root growth and abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato, which provides candidate genes for the development of elite crop varieties with well-developed root-mediated abiotic stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xu Li
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Gao
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhuo-Ru Dai
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kui Peng
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li-Cong Jia
- Institute of Grain and Oil Crops, Yantai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai 265500, China
| | - Yin-Kui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qing-Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hong Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shao-Pei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shao-Zhen He
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China
- Key Laboratory of Sweet Potato Biology and Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement/Laboratory of Crop Heterosis & Utilization and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Crop Molecular Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Agronomy & Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Rauf S, Fatima S, Ortiz R. Modification of Fatty Acid Profile and Oil Contents Using Gene Editing in Oilseed Crops for a Changing Climate. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-12. [PMID: 37551783 PMCID: PMC10761075 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2243041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Mutation breeding based on various chemical and physical mutagens induces and disrupts non-target loci. Hence, large populations were required for visual screening, but desired plants were rare and it was a further laborious task to identify desirable mutants. Generated mutant had high defect due to non-targeted mutation, with poor agronomic performance. Mutation techniques were augmented by targeted induced local lesions in genome (TILLING) facilitating the selection of desirable germplasm. On the other hand, gene editing through CRISPR/Cas9 allows knocking down genes for site-directed mutation. This handy technique has been exploited for the modification of fatty acid profile. High oleic acid genetic stocks were obtained in a broad range of crops. Moreover, genes involved in the accumulation of undesirable seed components such as starch, polysaccharide, and flavors were knocked down to enhance seed quality, which helps to improve oil contents and reduces the anti-nutritional component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Rauf
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Seerat Fatima
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Rodomiro Ortiz
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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Singer WM, Lee YC, Shea Z, Vieira CC, Lee D, Li X, Cunicelli M, Kadam SS, Khan MAW, Shannon G, Mian MAR, Nguyen HT, Zhang B. Soybean genetics, genomics, and breeding for improving nutritional value and reducing antinutritional traits in food and feed. THE PLANT GENOME 2023; 16:e20415. [PMID: 38084377 DOI: 10.1002/tpg2.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a globally important crop due to its valuable seed composition, versatile feed, food, and industrial end-uses, and consistent genetic gain. Successful genetic gain in soybean has led to widespread adaptation and increased value for producers, processors, and consumers. Specific focus on the nutritional quality of soybean seed composition for food and feed has further elucidated genetic knowledge and bolstered breeding progress. Seed components are historical and current targets for soybean breeders seeking to improve nutritional quality of soybean. This article reviews genetic and genomic foundations for improvement of nutritionally important traits, such as protein and amino acids, oil and fatty acids, carbohydrates, and specific food-grade considerations; discusses the application of advanced breeding technology such as CRISPR/Cas9 in creating seed composition variations; and provides future directions and breeding recommendations regarding soybean seed composition traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Singer
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Yi-Chen Lee
- Department of Agriculture, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, USA
| | - Zachary Shea
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Caio Canella Vieira
- Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Dongho Lee
- Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center, University of Missouri, Portageville, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaoying Li
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Mia Cunicelli
- Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shaila S Kadam
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Grover Shannon
- Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center, University of Missouri, Portageville, Missouri, USA
| | - M A Rouf Mian
- Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Henry T Nguyen
- Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Matinvafa MA, Makani S, Parsasharif N, Zahed MA, Movahed E, Ghiasvand S. CRISPR-Cas technology secures sustainability through its applications: a review in green biotechnology. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:383. [PMID: 37920190 PMCID: PMC10618153 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03786-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system's applications in biotechnology offer a promising avenue for addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change, environmental pollution, the energy crisis, and the food crisis, thereby advancing sustainability. The ever-growing demand for food due to the projected population of around 9.6 billion by 2050 requires innovation in agriculture. CRISPR-Cas technology emerges as a powerful solution, enhancing crop varieties, optimizing yields, and improving resilience to stressors. It offers multiple gene editing, base editing, and prime editing, surpassing conventional methods. CRISPR-Cas introduces disease and herbicide resistance, high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and water-efficient crops to address rising water utilization and to improve the efficiency of agricultural practices which promise food sustainability and revolutionize agriculture for the benefit of future generations. The application of CRISPR-Cas technology extends beyond agriculture to address environmental challenges. With the adverse impacts of climate change and pollution endangering ecosystems, there is a growing need for sustainable solutions. The technology's potential in carbon capture and reduction through bio-sequestration is a pivotal strategy for combating climate change. Genomic advancements allow for the development of genetically modified organisms, optimizing biofuel and biomaterial production, and contributing to a renewable and sustainable energy future. This study reviews the multifaceted applications of CRISPR-Cas technology in the agricultural and environmental fields and emphasizes its potential to secure a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Matinvafa
- Department of Biotechnology & Environment, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Makani
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, 14911 - 15719 Iran
| | - Negin Parsasharif
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Zahed
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, 14911 - 15719 Iran
| | - Elaheh Movahed
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY USA
| | - Saeedeh Ghiasvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Malayer University, Malayer, Hamedan, Iran
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Yao D, Zhou J, Zhang A, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang L, Pi W, Li Z, Yue W, Cai J, Liu H, Hao W, Qu X. Advances in CRISPR/Cas9-based research related to soybean [ Glycine max (Linn.) Merr] molecular breeding. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1247707. [PMID: 37711287 PMCID: PMC10499359 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1247707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (Linn.) Merr] is a source of plant-based proteins and an essential oilseed crop and industrial raw material. The increase in the demand for soybeans due to societal changes has coincided with the increase in the breeding of soybean varieties with enhanced traits. Earlier gene editing technologies involved zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nucleases, but the third-generation gene editing technology uses clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). The rapid development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has made it one of the most effective, straightforward, affordable, and user-friendly technologies for targeted gene editing. This review summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in soybean molecular breeding. More specifically, it provides an overview of the genes that have been targeted, the type of editing that occurs, the mechanism of action, and the efficiency of gene editing. Furthermore, suggestions for enhancing and accelerating the molecular breeding of novel soybean varieties with ideal traits (e.g., high yield, high quality, and durable disease resistance) are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yao
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Institute of Crop Resources, Jilin Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, Jilin, China
| | - Junming Zhou
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Aijing Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lixue Wang
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenxuan Pi
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zihao Li
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenjun Yue
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinliang Cai
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huijing Liu
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyuan Hao
- Jilin Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiangchun Qu
- Institute of Crop Resources, Jilin Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, Jilin, China
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Rai GK, Khanday DM, Kumar P, Magotra I, Choudhary SM, Kosser R, Kalunke R, Giordano M, Corrado G, Rouphael Y, Pandey S. Enhancing Crop Resilience to Drought Stress through CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2306. [PMID: 37375931 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
With increasing frequency and severity of droughts in various parts of the world, agricultural productivity may suffer major setbacks. Among all the abiotic factors, drought is likely to have one of the most detrimental effects on soil organisms and plants. Drought is a major problem for crops because it limits the availability of water, and consequently nutrients which are crucial for plant growth and survival. This results in reduced crop yields, stunted growth, and even plant death, according to the severity and duration of the drought, the plant's developmental stage, and the plant's genetic background. The ability to withstand drought is a highly complex characteristic that is controlled by multiple genes, making it one of the most challenging attributes to study, classify, and improve. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) technology has opened a new frontier in crop enhancement, revolutionizing plant molecular breeding. The current review provides a general understanding of principles as well as optimization of CRISPR system, and presents applications on genetic enhancement of crops, specifically in terms of drought resistance and yield. Moreover, we discuss how innovative genome editing techniques can aid in the identification and modification of genes conferring drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyanendra Kumar Rai
- School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
| | - Danish Mushtaq Khanday
- Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Division of Integrated Farming System, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342003, India
| | - Isha Magotra
- School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
| | - Sadiya M Choudhary
- School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
| | - Rafia Kosser
- School of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India
| | - Raviraj Kalunke
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Maria Giordano
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Corrado
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Sudhakar Pandey
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, New Delhi 110012, India
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Gajardo HA, Gómez-Espinoza O, Boscariol Ferreira P, Carrer H, Bravo LA. The Potential of CRISPR/Cas Technology to Enhance Crop Performance on Adverse Soil Conditions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091892. [PMID: 37176948 PMCID: PMC10181257 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide food security is under threat in the actual scenery of global climate change because the major staple food crops are not adapted to hostile climatic and soil conditions. Significant efforts have been performed to maintain the actual yield of crops, using traditional breeding and innovative molecular techniques to assist them. However, additional strategies are necessary to achieve the future food demand. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technology, as well as its variants, have emerged as alternatives to transgenic plant breeding. This novelty has helped to accelerate the necessary modifications in major crops to confront the impact of abiotic stress on agriculture systems. This review summarizes the current advances in CRISPR/Cas applications in crops to deal with the main hostile soil conditions, such as drought, flooding and waterlogging, salinity, heavy metals, and nutrient deficiencies. In addition, the potential of extremophytes as a reservoir of new molecular mechanisms for abiotic stress tolerance, as well as their orthologue identification and edition in crops, is shown. Moreover, the future challenges and prospects related to CRISPR/Cas technology issues, legal regulations, and customer acceptance will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto A Gajardo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente & Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 1145, Chile
| | - Olman Gómez-Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente & Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 1145, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Escuela de Biología, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica
| | - Pedro Boscariol Ferreira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Helaine Carrer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
| | - León A Bravo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Instituto de Agroindustria, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente & Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 1145, Chile
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