Plant Genome Editing: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Plant genome editing has transformed plants and crop enhancement, providing accurate and effective methods to increase yield, pathogen resistance, and nutritional quality. Recent advancements have improved editing efficiency, diminished off-target impacts, and broadened the spectrum of editable targets. These advancements are essential for tackling global issues, including food security, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.

Genome editing can accelerate crop enhancement to address challenges related to global food security. However, ethical issues and regulatory frameworks continue to substantially hinder the broad implementation of genetically modified crops. Future research will likely focus on improving the specificity and efficiency of genome editing tools, extending their applicability to a wide array of crops, and resolving public concerns regarding biosafety and ethics. Additionally, the integration of genome editing with other emerging technologies, such as synthetic biology and artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning approaches, possesses the capacity to create new prospects for ecosystem management and sustainable agriculture.

This Special Issue aims to investigate cutting-edge research on plant genome editing, with an emphasis on CRISPR/Cas systems and advanced genome editing tools. It will highlight innovative genome editing tools, gene expression regulation, and their applications in enhancing plant traits. This Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current advances in plant genome engineering, stimulating discussions on methodological improvements, novel applications, and potential impacts on crop enhancement. Original research articles and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Hakim Manghwar
Guest Editor

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