Harnessing Genetic Engineering for Disease Resistance in Crops

Résumé fourni par la source

Plant diseases can critically undermine global food security due to the immense economic loss and yield reduction that they cause. Traditional breeding for disease resistance is time-consuming and limited by genetic diversity, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Precision genetic technologies provide sustainable alternatives by enabling the targeted incorporation of beneficial genes and genetic resources. This chapter summarizes recent advances in genetic engineering for developing disease-resistant crops, focusing on antimicrobial genes, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-Cas9–mediated genome editing for enhanced plant defense. In addition, the chapter discusses the effective use of genetically engineered disease resistance in major crops, along with potential risks and regulatory and policy considerations and highlights future research directions with sustainable approaches for durable disease management.