The Use of Gene Editing Technology to Introduce Targeted Modifications in Woody Plants

Genome editing technologies help in precise target genome modifications. Various powerful editing tools such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein systems (CRISPR/Cas), etc. have been used to modify various target genomes efficiently. CRISPR/Cas is the most recent technology used to target gene modifications in almost all kingdoms of life, including plants. One of the best uses of this technology can be observed in woody plants as these plants show a complexity in their genome, viz., a huge genome size, ploidy nature, and a long life span. The species-independent nature of CRISPR/Cas helps in controlling the gene modifications in woody plants. CRISPR/Cas has been used for studying the growth and development, wood properties of these plants, as well as their responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. This book chapter highlights different genome editing tools and recent advances for the alteration of genes in woody plants as well as current challenges encountered during the use of this technology for the improvement of traits, products, and germplasm improvement.