Agro-Biotechnology

CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing Technology: Applications, Advances and Challenges in Crop Stress Resistance Breeding

Robert K. Chen

Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USA

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Abstract

The dual challenges of climate change and population growth have intensified biotic and abiotic stresses on crops, threatening global food security. CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology, as a revolutionary tool in agricultural biotechnology, has been widely applied in crop breeding due to its high precision, efficiency and simplicity. This review systematically summarizes the applications of CRISPR-Cas technology in crop resistance breeding against abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, extreme temperature) and biotic stresses (pathogens, pests). It also highlights the latest advances in CRISPR-Cas systems (e.g., base editing, prime editing) and their optimization strategies for crop improvement. Additionally, the potential challenges (off-target effects, regulatory policies, public acceptance) and future prospects of CRISPR-Cas technology in agricultural production are discussed. This review provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the application of genome editing technology in sustainable crop breeding.

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas technology; genome editing; crop breeding; stress resistance; abiotic stress; biotic stress; agricultural biotechnology