Prime editing is a propulsive and versatile genome engineering technology that enables precise installation of all possible 12 base-to-base conversions, targeted insertions, deletions, and combinatorial modifications without inducing double-strand break (DSB) or requiring exogenous donor DNA template. Since its inception, prime editing has been rapidly adopted across plant systems, offering a powerful platform for functional genomics, trait improvement, and precision molecular breeding. This review comprehensively traces the evolution of prime editors (PEs) from first-generation PE1 to advanced variants such as PE7 and TwinPE. We detail the key technological milestones, including innovations in protein engineering, prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) architectural improvement, and strategic modulation of host DNA repair mechanisms aimed at enhancing editing efficiency, precision, and versatility. Further, we provide an in-depth overview of plant-adapted prime editing systems, focusing on codon optimization, promoter refinement, pegRNA scaffold engineering, and the integration of plant-compatible Cas9 and reverse transcriptase variants. Special emphasis is given to the application of prime editing in diverse crop species. By consolidating recent advances and highlighting emerging trends, this review presents a forward-looking perspective on the deployment of prime editors (PEs) as transformative tool for precision genome engineering and sustainable crop improvement.
