Functional & integrative genomicsJan 17, 2026

Using detailed genetic tools and gene editing to improve crop resilience in a changing climate

CRISPR Gene Editing Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 18, 2026

Abstract

Recent advances in new breeding technologies may accelerate the development of crops resistant to various stresses.

New breeding technologies include molecular markers, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection, next-generation sequencing, and gene editing tools.
These methods improve traits accurately, potentially leading to crops that can withstand environmental and biological challenges.
The integration of multi-omics platforms offers a comprehensive approach to understand and modify complex traits in plants.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning provide data-driven insights that could enhance precision in breeding practices.
Combining gene editing with strategies like speed breeding may further accelerate trait development.
An integrated systems biology approach is suggested to foster the creation of climate-resilient and high-yielding crops.

Simplified

Climate change, rising global food demand, and shrinking resources require transformative innovations in crop breeding. This review outlines recent advances in new breeding technologies (NBTs), including molecular markers, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic selection (GS), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and gene editing (GE) tools such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas), base editing, and prime editing. These methods enable the accurate improvement of traits, thereby accelerating the development of crops resistant to both abiotic and biotic stresses. The integration of multi-omics platforms, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics, provides a comprehensive framework for deciphering and manipulating complex trait architectures. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance precision breeding by providing data-driven insights and enabling the forecasting of traits. Emphasis is also placed on combining gene editing with other strategies, such as speed breeding, to accelerate the development of traits. This review underscores the importance of an integrated systems biology approach that combines multi-omics, gene editing, AI, and speed breeding to accelerate the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally enhanced crops. The integration of these innovative technologies holds great promise for addressing global food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. A strategic framework for the future of plant breeding is outlined, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in building a sustainable agricultural future.

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Funding

Competing interests

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

PubMed

Using detailed genetic tools and gene editing to improve crop resilience in a changing climate

Abstract

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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