Transgene-Free Genome Editing for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistance in Sugarcane: Prospects and Challenges

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most valuable food and industrial crops. Its production constrained due to major biotic (fungi, bacteria, viruses insect pests) abiotic (drought, salt, cold/heat, water logging heavy metals) stresses. The ever-increasing demand for sugar biofuel rise new pest disease variants call use innovative technologies speed up sugarcane genetic improvement process. Developing cultivars through conventional breeding techniques requires much time resources. advent CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology enables creation with improved resistance/tolerance various presence cassette inside genome-edited plants hinders commercial exploitation regulatory issues. However, this limitation can be overcome by using transgene-free techniques. Transgene-free approaches, such as delivery RNPs biolistics or protoplast fusion, virus-induced (VIGE), transient expression reagents Agrobacterium-mediated transformation other are discussed. A well-established PCR-based assay advanced screening systems visual marker system Transgene killer CRISPR (TKC) rapidly identify edits. These advancements in climate-smart that combat stresses produce good yields under ever-changing conditions.