Genome editing: new approach for crops genetic improvement under the challenges of climate change

Abstract

Over the past decade, the introduction of new genetic engineering techniques such as genome editing (GE) has revolutionized all aspects of the plant’s science of and their interaction with pathogens and environmental conditions. The development of these reliable and reproducible tools has significant effects on fundamental and applied plant research. They accelerate the understanding of gene functions and the introduction of new traits in important crops. Indeed, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method has been adopted in several species to improve important traits, including biotic and abiotic stresses. In Morocco, in the current context of climate change and its repercussions, the demographic growth and as well as the need for food security, the development of sustainable and resilient agriculture is essential. Consequently, the integration of new approaches such as genome editing (CRISPR-Cas) in genetic improvement programs to develop resistant and adapted genotypes in a more rapid and precise manner has become a priority and especially in food crops such as legumes and cereals. In the present review article, this technology and its recent advances as well as its potential advantages for crop genetic improvements are presented. The focus will be on regulatory aspects as a major obstacle to adopt this technology.