CRISPR GENE EDITING FOR DEVELOPING STRESS-RESILIENT CROPS

Abstract

Crop productivity is increasingly threatened by abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, as well as biotic challenges including pathogens and pests. Traditional breeding methods have achieved partial success in enhancing stress tolerance but remain time-consuming and limited by species compatibility. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology offers a precise, cost-effective, and rapid approach to developing stress-resilient crops. This paper reviews recent advances in CRISPR-mediated genome editing for improving stress tolerance in major crops, focusing on targeted genes related to abiotic and biotic stress pathways. Methodological approaches, including single-gene knockouts, base editing, and multiplex gene editing, are discussed. Results from published studies demonstrate significant improvements in drought and salt tolerance, disease resistance, and yield stability. The discussion highlights both the promise and limitations of CRISPR, including regulatory concerns and off-target effects. The review concludes that CRISPR technology provides a transformative platform for sustainable agriculture under climate change conditions.