Viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for rapid crop improvement: A promising approach to enhance crop resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses

Abstract

Agricultural production faces challenges from disease, pests, and environmental stresses, necessitating enhanced crop cultivars. Traditional transformation techniques are limited, leading to few cultivars for genetic manipulation. To overcome this, we explore viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for precise plant genome modifications. This method utilizes optimized viruses to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, enabling targeted changes. By spanning the virus host range, traditional transformation challenges are circumvented. We review virus types used for delivery, recent outcomes, and future potential. Successful cases in various crops show improved disease resistance, insect tolerance, and stress resilience. The technology can target multiple traits simultaneously, streamlining crop improvement. Challenges like off-target effects and regulations need addressing for broader adoption. Viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 holds promise for accelerating crop breeding, enhancing resilience, and contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.