The role of genome editing in solving plant protection problems [Articol]

Abstract

The impact of climate change and the worsening of the phytosanitary status of agricultural crops require the strengthening of agriculture by applying the achievements of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The application of pesticides and breeding strategies, including the implementation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although they occupy significant areas, remain insufficient to ensure the resilience and productivity of agricultural crops, creating global ecological problems. The achievements of modern scientific activity in genome editing technologies, in particular CRISPR/Cas9, open up prospects for crop protection through precise genome modifications. The method allows the development of resistant crops against pathogens of diseases, pests and weeds and is applied to eliminate susceptibility genes and modify defense genes, which opens up prospects for advancing crop protection and ensuring food security.