CRISPR-Cas9 System as a Genome Editing Tool in Sugarcane

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9) system is a versatile tool for genetic engineering that uses cas9 to target the sequence-specific region and introduce a double-stranded break in the target area. This simple RNA-guided genome editing technology has become a revolutionary tool in biology and has many innovative applications in different fields. This technique helps to make precise genome modification in many different tissues and organisms. Development of genetically edited crops will assist sustainable productive agriculture for better feeding of the rapidly growing population in a changing climate. The emerging areas of research for the genome editing in plants include rewiring the regulatory signaling networks, and interrogating gene functions and sgRNA library for high-throughput loss-of-function screening. This chapter deals with the strengths and weaknesses of Cas9 nuclease-mediated genome editing in plants for development of designer crops like sugarcane. With this powerful and innovative technique, the genetically engineered non-GM plants will support the sustainable agriculture and maximize yield by combating abiotic and biotic stresses.