Expanding CRISPR Technologies in Underexplored Crops: Innovations and Applications

Non-model crop species represent a vast and diverse component of global agriculture, forestry, and horticulture, yet they are routinely underrepresented in genetic and genomic research compared to widely studied model plants like Arabidopsis and rice. These non-model crops, which include horticultural varieties, woody perennials, ornamentals, medicinal plants, and regionally vital food sources, often possess unique and valuable agronomic traits that are crucial for food security, local economies, and ecosystem balance. However, their complex genomes—characterized by features such as polyploidy, long juvenile phases, and high heterozygosity—have traditionally posed significant challenges for conventional breeding programs and hindered their genetic improvement. Recent advances in CRISPR-based genome editing are beginning to change this paradigm, as they offer unprecedented precision and efficiency for genetic manipulation across diverse plant taxa. Despite these promising developments, research output in non-model crop species remains limited, and further innovation is required to refine editing tools, delivery systems, and regeneration protocols suitable for these crops.This Research Topic aims to highlight and accelerate research efforts that harness CRISPR-based genome editing to address the unique biological and agronomic challenges presented by non-model crop species. Through this initiative, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of how novel CRISPR tools and customized delivery strategies can be utilized to dissect gene function, facilitate functional genomics studies, and achieve targeted trait improvement. By providing a platform for interdisciplinary research, we hope to illuminate opportunities for enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in non-model crops, ultimately translating cutting-edge technologies into tangible benefits for agriculture and society.The scope of this Research Topic is focused on emerging advances in the development and application of CRISPR technologies in non-model crop plants. Studies addressing only model plants will fall outside the primary scope, as our emphasis is on innovation in underexplored agricultural species. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Development and optimization of CRISPR/Cas systems specific to non-model crops• Innovations in delivery methods and plant regeneration protocols• Functional genomics and gene characterization using genome editing tools• Case studies of trait improvement (e.g., yield, stress tolerance, product quality) in non-model species• Overcoming technical and regulatory barriers to editing in recalcitrant or complex genomesWe welcome submissions of the following article types: Brief Research Report, Correction, Editorial, FAIR² DATA Direct Submission, FAIR² Data, Hypothesis and Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy and Practice Reviews, Review, Systematic Review. Topic editors: Filiz Gurel, Prof., Varucha Misra, Yonglu Wei Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80617/expanding-crispr-technologies-in-underexplored-crops-innovations-and-applications