Genome editing technologies in sorghum

Abstract

Genomes editing tools such as TALEN (transcription activator-like effector nuclease) and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies have emerged as two robust additions in the breeder’s tool kit that hold tremendous potential to precisely and efficiently modify the genetic makeup of crops for specific agronomic traits. Not only these have tremendous potential for narrowing the gaps between DNA sequence and phenotype, these critical set of tools in the breeders toolbox will greatly assist in moving towards “trait based” rather than “methods based” crop improvement that will have far reaching implications for agricultural production systems. Under this project we have developed genome-editing platforms for sorghum under which a set of simple vectors for high-efficiency and precise gene editing to enable basic research and agricultural applications in this dry land cereal crop.