Plants (Basel, Switzerland)Sep 15, 2026

Using CRISPR Gene Editing to Improve Solanaceae Crops

CRISPR Gene Editing Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Sep 16, 2026

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas applications have successfully enhanced resistance against major pathogens in Solanaceae crops.

Genetic improvement of Solanaceae crops like tomato and potato faces challenges due to narrow diversity and complex traits.
Targeted modifications using CRISPR/Cas have improved stress tolerance and nutritional quality in these crops.
Specific genes such as SlMlo1 and SlMAPK3 have been edited to enhance disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance.
Emerging techniques like base and prime editing offer greater precision and broaden the scope of genetic modifications.
Challenges remain, including low efficiency of gene editing and unresolved issues related to off-target effects.
Integrating CRISPR technology with advanced gene discovery and regulatory frameworks could facilitate the development of improved crop varieties.

Simplified

Malnutrition and climate-induced stress remain major constraints to global food and nutritional security despite the yield gains of the Green Revolution. Solanaceae crops such as tomato, potato, brinjal, and pepper are key sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Yet, their genetic improvement has been limited by narrow diversity and complex polygenic traits. The advent of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing provides a transformative platform for precision crop improvement by enabling targeted modification of genes controlling stress tolerance, yield, and nutritional quality. In Solanaceae, CRISPR/Cas applications have successfully enhanced resistance against major pathogens (SlMlo1, SlPelo, SlDCL2), improved abiotic stress tolerance through editing of SlMAPK3, SlCBF1, and SlBZR1, and optimized fruit quality traits via modulation of Psy1, CrtR-b2, and fiAD2/3. Emerging innovations, such as base and prime editing, and RNP-mediated transgene-free delivery, are expanding the precision and scope of editing. However, challenges persist, including genotype-dependent transformation, low HDR efficiency, and incomplete understanding of off-target and epigenetic effects. Integrating CRISPR with omics-guided gene discovery, efficient transformation systems, and regulatory harmonization can accelerate the development of nutritionally enriched, stress-resilient, and sustainable Solanaceae varieties. This review synthesizes recent advances, identifies critical limitations, and outlines future opportunities for deploying CRISPR/Cas technology to achieve next-generation breeding and food system resilience.

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Using CRISPR Gene Editing to Improve Solanaceae Crops

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You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

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