Spatial omics for accelerating plant research and crop improvement.

Plant cells communicate information to regulate developmental processes and respond to environmental stresses. This communication spans various 'omics' layers within a cell and operates through intricate regulatory networks. The emergence of spatial omics presents a promising approach to thoroughly analyze cells, allowing the combined analysis of diverse modalities either in parallel or on the same tissue section. Here, we provide an overview of recent advancements in spatial omics and delineate scientific discoveries in plant research enabled by these technologies. We delve into experimental and computational challenges and outline strategies to navigate these challenges for advancing breeding efforts. With ongoing insightful discoveries and improved accessibility, spatial omics stands on the brink of playing a crucial role in designing future crops.