Yeping Han

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0010
Received: 08 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 16 Mar., 2024    Published: 31 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Han Y.P., 2024, Application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in editing poplar drought resistance genes, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(2): 81-89 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0010)

Poplars (genus Populus), as fast-growing deciduous trees, hold significant ecological and economic importance. They contribute to carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and provide habitats for wildlife, while also being widely used in timber, paper production, and bioenergy. However, drought stress poses a major challenge to the growth, productivity, and survival of poplars. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant genetic engineering, offering precise and efficient genome editing capabilities. This study systematically introduces the basic principles of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its applications in plant science, particularly how editing key drought-resistance genes can enhance the drought tolerance of poplars. Additionally, we discuss practical applications of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in poplars, as well as challenges such as off-target effects, regulatory and ethical considerations, and environmental and ecological impacts. In the future, continuous innovation in CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its combination with other biotechnological methods are expected to further improve the drought resistance of poplars, promoting their commercial application and large-scale deployment. This study not only provides new approaches for improving the drought resistance of poplars but also offers valuable references for the research and application of stress resistance in other forest species.

Poplar; CRISPR/Cas9; Drought resistance; Gene editing; Plant genetic engineering