Gene Editing and Crop Improvement presents a comprehensive and accessible account of modern gene-editing technologies and their applications in crop improvement. The book traces the development of targeted genetic modification from conventional mutagenesis and mutation breeding to sophisticated genome-editing platforms, including meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), TALENs, CRISPR/Cas systems, base editors, chimaeric oligonucleotides, prime editing, programmable transcription factors and epigenome editors.Particular emphasis is placed on the practical use of gene editing in plants. The book discusses the requirements for successful gene editing, target-site selection, delivery of editing reagents, multiplex editing, mutant detection, isolation of transgene-free edited lines, off-target effects and regulation of gene-edited crops. It further examines applications in enhancing crop yield, improving nutritional and other quality traits, developing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and creating novel traits such as synthetic apomixis, haploid induction, male sterility and de novo domestication.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Gene Editing

Chapter 2. Gene Editing Tools. I. Meganucleases, and Zinc Finger and TALE Nucleases

Chapter 3. Gene Editing Tools II. CRISPR/Cas9 System

Chapter 4. Tools for Gene Editing. III. Base Editors and Chimaeric Oligonucleotides

Chapter 5. Gene Editing Tools. IV. Programmable Chimaeric Effectors and Gene Drives

Chapter 6. Gene Editing Procedure for Plants

Chapter 7. Enhanced Crop Yields

Chapter 8. Gene Editing for Quality Traits

Chapter 9. Gene Editing for Stress Resistance

Chapter 10. Gene Editing for Novel Traits

Chapter 11. Gene Editing as a Functional Genomics Tool

Chapter 12. Biosafety, Ethical and Intellectual Property Rights Issues