Advanced Genome Editing Technologies: Potentials and Prospects in Improvement of Sugar crops

Abstract

Sugar cane, sugar beet, and sweet sorghum are vital crops globally, providing sugar, renewable energy, and biomaterials. However, these crops face significant challenges from climate change and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Advanced genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and prime editing, have emerged as promising tools for developing resilient crop varieties with superior traits. Unlike traditional breeding methods, genome editing allows for precise and targeted modifications to the plant genome, accelerating the breeding process and enabling the creation of crops with enhanced traits. Recent studies have demonstrated the successful application of these technologies in improving sugar crops. For example, CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to modify sugarcane for improved biomass yield, plant architecture, and quality. TALENs have been employed to improve saccharification efficiency in sugarcane without compromising biomass yield. The advancements in genome technologies hold significant promise for addressing the challenges faced by sugar crops and allow researchers to develop crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change. This review provides an overview of the current status of genome editing in sugar crops, focusing on advanced genome editing tools and their potential applications in improving sugar cane, sugar beet, and sweet sorghum for global food security and sustainability.