Use of genome editing technologies for genetic improvement of crops of tropical origin

Abstract

Population growth and climate change demand the constant development of new crop varieties that can produce higher yields, and better organoleptic and nutritional value under adverse biotic, and abiotic conditions. In this sense, traditional breeding and genetic transformation have been used for decades. Nevertheless, the first approach is time consuming endeavor, and is unable to keep up with increasing food demands. On the other hand, genetic transformation is often limited by consumer acceptance. Recent genome editing technologies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas9) system allows precise, specific, and low cost edition in a targeted genome region. The wide variety of applications for this technology includes increased yields and nutritional value, stress tolerance, and herbicide resistance. Crops of tropical origin have nutritional and economic importance; therefore, this review will analyze the advances and applications of CRISPR in crops of tropical origin to obtain varieties better adapted to current environmental conditions and market requirements. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, allows precise and specific modification of genetic information for the improvement of crops of tropical origin, including rice, maize, tomato, coffee, cacao, and citrus, to produce varieties with resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors.