PAID ACCESS | Published on : 28-Feb-2026 | Pages: 14-33 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook162024 /14-33
Gene editing has emerged as a transformative tool in plant disease management, providing precise and efficient modifications to enhance disease resistance. Traditional breeding and genetic modification techniques often face limitations such as long breeding cycles, regulatory constraints, and unintended genetic alterations. Now, with gene editing tools like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR-Cas9), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), researchers can make precise changes to plant genomes more easily than ever before. This chapter discusses the molecular process of gene editing and its application for developing disease-resistant crops. Notable breakthroughs include CRISPR-modified rice resistant to bacterial blight and powdery mildew-resistant wheat, demonstrating the potential of gene editing to mitigate major crop diseases. Compared to conventional approaches, gene editing provides faster, more precise, and eco-friendly solutions, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and improving agricultural sustainability. Despite its advantages, challenges such as off-target effects, regulatory complexities, and public perception remain significant barriers. However, innovations like prime editing, base editing, and AI-driven gene modifications are enhancing precision and expanding possibilities. Integrating gene editing with synthetic biology and bioinformatics is a promising next-generation approach to crop protection. This chapter discusses the current advancements, challenges, and future prospects of gene editing in plant disease management, emphasising its role in global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Gene Editing, CRISPR-Cas9, Plant Disease Management, Disease Resistance, Crop Improvement, Genetic Engineering
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