Prospects for Plant Genome Editing

Genome editing – the focus of this book – is a set of methods that provide opportunities to precisely and efficiently improve crop traits by tailoring genes and regulatory domains. In combination with genetic modifications (GM), RNA interference (RNAi), epigenetics and the range of -omics technologies, they offer multiple methods for enhancing crop production, crop protection, crop quality and climate change adaptation. Combining these technologies with traditional breeding and careful management of crop cultivation methods in integrated systems can make major contributions to improving the sustainability of agricultural production, particularly in response to climate change. These technologies could also contribute to achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and national/EU policy objectives for agriculture, food safety, food security and the environment.