Chapter 13 - Plant modification techniques in horticulture and DNA-free CRISPR-based genome editing in plants

Abstract

Horticulture, a branch of agriculture that has been around for thousands of years, has played a crucial role in providing humans with the necessary nutrition to survive. One of the primary objectives of genetic breeding programs in agriculture is to develop cultivars and varieties that can withstand stress and disease. Thanks to advancements in plant biotechnology and breeding, unique opportunities are now available, such as different plant transformation techniques, the ability to modify gene expression patterns, and the development of transgenics with various genes related to pesticides and insecticides. There are two primary methods for plant transformation: vectorless or direct genetic transformation and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. These innovative plant improvement techniques are necessary in horticulture to create new varieties that can increase yield, reduce disease incidence, and tolerate adverse environmental conditions. However, the emergence of DNA-free CRISPR-associated gene editing technology has revolutionized plant breeding. This technique allows for rapid and precise gene editing, demonstrating the potential to increase stress tolerance, reduce the time of flowering and ripening, enhance disease and pest resistance, and improve crop yield, quality, and other characteristics. This powerful technology has the potential to promote sustainable development in agriculture and play a critical role in addressing future food scarcity challenges. With the ability to create new varieties that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and resist pests and diseases, we can ensure that we have a steady supply of nutritious food for generations to come.