The Crop Journal

The Crop Journal

Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2018, Pages 22-31
The Crop Journal

Wheat genome editing expedited by efficient transformation techniques: Progress and perspectives

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2017.09.009Get rights and content
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open access

Abstract

Genome editing is one of the most promising biotechnologies to improve crop performance. Common wheat is a staple food for mankind. In the past few decades both basic and applied research on common wheat has lagged behind other crop species due to its complex, polyploid genome and difficulties in genetic transformation. Recent breakthroughs in wheat transformation permit a revolution in wheat biotechnology. In this review, we summarize recent progress in wheat genetic transformation and its potential for wheat improvement. We then review recent progress in plant genome editing, which is now readily available in wheat. We also discuss measures to further increase transformation efficiency and potential applications of genome editing in wheat. We propose that, together with a high quality reference genome, the time for efficient genetic engineering and functionality studies in common wheat has arrived.

Keywords

Triticum aestivum
Genome editing
CRISPR/Cas9
Genetic transformation

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Peer review under responsibility of Crop Science Society of China and Institute of Crop Science, CAAS.