GENOME EDITING FOR EARLY AND LATE FLOWERING IN PLANTS

Abstract

The use of genome editing to change the blooming period of plants has emerged as a valuable approach in contemporary agricultural research. This chapter delves into the complex processes that control early and late flowering in plants and how genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 have altered the field. The chapter begins with an overview of the genetic pathways and regulatory networks that determine flowering time and then dives into the vital functions of key genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), CONSTANS (CO), and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). The chapter then delves into the many genome editing methods used to modify blooming time, focusing on augmentation and delay. Researchers have improved agricultural productivity, stress tolerance, and adaptation to changing climatic conditions by targeting regulatory genes. Case studies show effective genome editing applications in various plant species, indicating the possibility of crop development with personalized flowering time alterations. The ethical concerns and potential ecological implications of genome-edited plants with changed flowering times are also discussed, highlighting the significance of responsible research and environmental risk assessment. Furthermore, the chapter investigates the challenges and potential paths in the realm of genome editing for modifying flowering times in plants. This includes a comprehensive review of techniques to achieve more precise genetic modifications, strategies for reducing unintended alterations, and establishing regulatory guidelines.