Gene Editing Tools for Engineering Beneficial Microorganism in Biofertilizer

The exponentially growing global population has demand for sustainable agriculture practices to increase food production. To achieve higher production many approaches have been employed, but they are time consuming and are not eco-friendly. Biofertilizers which are produced from naturally occurring algae, fungi, bacteria are receiving increased interest over chemical fertilizer due to their holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture, promoting soil health, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Their benefits make them a valuable tool in modern farming practices, aiming for a more sustainable and responsible use of natural resources. However, their effectiveness can be limited by natural constraints and environmental factors. Advances in gene editing technologies have helped in efficiently deploying the microbiome to increase crops nutrient acquisition and resistance to abiotic and biotic stress. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the gene editing tools, particularly focusing on CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and zinc finger nucleases, their applications in modifying microbial genomes. We discuss various case studies showcasing successful applications of gene editing technologies to enhance nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and nutrient uptake capacities of these microorganisms. These examples showcase how engineered microorganisms have been designed to thrive in diverse soil conditions, resist environmental stressors, and interact harmoniously with crops, ultimately promoting sustainable agriculture practices by providing nutrients. This chapter also discusses about the regulatory aspects and ethical considerations surrounding the use of gene-edited tools in shaping a sustainable and beneficial microbial world.