Artificial miRNAs: A potential tool for genetic improvement of horticultural crops

Abstract

Gene silencing by artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) is one of the most crucial methods for the development of desired horticultural plants. amiRNAs are highly specific, around 21 nt long, and designed to repress gene expression post-transcriptionally. A number of studies have shown that amiRNA technology can be used as a cutting-edge biotechnological tool for horticulture crop improvement. This is a potent and reliable method that is rapidly being applied for improving useful traits in horticultural plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, as well as unveiling new insights into metabolic pathways and gene functions across numerous disciplines. Keeping with the growing interest in amiRNA application, this review paper emphasizes the background of artificial miRNA in general and how the technology has contributed to orchestrating features like disease resistance, productivity, and quality in horticultural plants. In the available literature, amiRNA's benefits, limitations, and possibilities for the future are also examined. As far as the authors are aware, no prior review has rigorously examined how amiRNA can potentially be applied for gene regulations and agronomic trait improvement in horticultural crops. In general, this review enhances the technology's worth in plant science and may be useful to academics and researchers who are implementing amiRNA for accelerating breeding programs and developmental studies in crop plants.