Innovations in Plant Genome Editing and Biotechnology: Addressing Global Agricultural Challenges

Abstract

In recent years, developments in genome editing and plant biotechnology, especially CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies, have offered essential tools for solving global agricultural problems worsened by climate resilience challenges and the increasing food demand caused by the rising world population. This review focuses on the urgent need to feed this growing global population. It explores how key biotechnological tools can enhance crop resilience and nutritional quality amid climate variability and extreme weather. The applicability of CRISPR/Cas technologies in developing climate-friendly, more nutritious, and higher-yielding crops has opened a biotechnological avenue for developing both transgenic and nontransgenic genotypes, which could not be delivered by different tools before. In addition to CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi technology is potentially significant for broadening the plant genetic pool to obtain high-nutrient, disease- and pest-resistant, and aesthetically and commercially improved plant products. This review highlights the different types of CRISPR/Cas proteins and their application in plant genome editing. It also provides a snapshot of current country- specific approaches to regulating gene-edited crops and agrifoods, primarily focusing on the diverse regulatory stances adopted by different nations.