Current advances in genomics and gene editing tools for crop improvement in a changing climate scenario

Authors: VIJAY RANI, RAJPAL - University Of Delhi; DEEPMALA, SEHGAL - Syngenta - United Kingdom; RAVI, VALLURU - University Of Lincoln; Singh, Sukhwinder

Submitted to: Frontiers in Genetics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2023
Publication Date: 6/12/2023
Citation: Vijay Rani, R., Deepmala, S., Ravi, V., Singh, S. 2023. Current advances in genomics and gene editing tools for crop improvement in a changing climate scenario. Frontiers in Genetics. 14:1214679. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2023.1214679.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2023.1214679

Interpretive Summary: To feed the burgeoning population and to ensure global food security in the changing climate, scientists have adopted the latest technologies in genomics and gene editing to increase the food production. Crop scientists have made great strides in the breeding methods through the development and utilization of high-density genetic maps and genome-wide genotyping data and through precise manipulation of agronomically important genes This compilation has highlighted the cutting-edge original research to keep ourselves abreast of the progress made in various crops and to further deepen our understanding in these areas. In addition, review articles have been included on the technological advances in genomics tools and evolution of the gene editing systems in general and on a variety of crops. The editorial will provide updated information to the researchers working in this field. Abstract Advancements in genomics and gene editing technologies have remarkably enhanced the possibilities of exploiting underutilized variation for genetic improvement of crops. Scientists are adopting these new tools and technologies to increase food production, ensuring global food security in the changing climate. The successful application of the latest technologies has been exemplified in model plants and crops through functional validation of novel genes and development of innovative crops displaying increased yield and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The availability of reference genomes in almost all crops and pan-genomes in major crops have further ushered new developments in understanding the genetics of complex traits. This volume contains original research articles demonstrating the research conducted by deploying cutting-edge genomics and gene editing technologies to answer important questions. Many review papers describing the advances made in various crops in these fields are also compiled. In addition, opinion articles discussing the pros and cons of the technological advances have been included.

Technical Abstract: To summarize, a diverse collection of research and review articles included in this research topic has generated valuable information on the development of genetic and genomic resources in a variety of cereals (wheat, barley and rice), legumes (chickpea and peanut), fruit (pomegranate and date palm) and underutilized dry and crops. While, the review articles presented information on the evolution and refinement of new-age genomics, genome editing, and genome prediction models based on machine learning and AI algorithms developed for crop improvement, the research articles involved their application culminating into disease resistant, drought and heat resistant, high yielding crop varieties like line HD3411 in wheat to mitigate the ever growing climate change. We hope that the resources and knowledge compiled in this special issue will expand the existing knowledge on the strategies of crop improvement to mitigate climate change and ensure future food security.