Crop genome editing through tissue-culture-independent transformation methods

Area of Science:

• Plant biotechnology
• Genomics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• CRISPR-based genome editing in plants is hindered by inefficient in vitro tissue culture.
• In vitro methods often require extensive time, complex hormone treatments, and callus development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze in-planta plant genetic transformation methodologies for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery.
• To identify successful applications of in-planta transformation in crop plants, bypassing traditional tissue culture limitations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of over 250 articles focusing on in-planta transformation for genome editing in crops.
• Analysis of studies employing CRISPR/Cas9 components delivery with minimal or no tissue culture steps.

Main Results:

• In-planta transformation has been successfully applied for genome editing in various crop plants, including camelina, cotton, lemon, melon, orange, peanut, rice, soybean, and wheat.
• These methods are characterized by short duration, technical simplicity, and limited hormone requirements, avoiding callus formation.

Conclusions:

• In-planta methodologies represent a significant advancement over traditional tissue culture for plant genetic transformation.
• This approach facilitates crop genetic improvement by overcoming the limitations of in vitro regeneration and accelerating genome editing applications.