Developments in Genetic Transformation and Genome Editing in Horticultural Crops and Their Pathogens

Genome editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR-Cas, have emerged as indispensable tools for advancing our understanding of gene functions in plant and microbial genomics. The precision of these technologies allows for accurate modifications, providing unprecedented insights into genetic mechanisms. The practical implementation of genome editing heavily relies on efficient genetic transformation techniques. However, in the domain of horticultural plants and their pathogenic microorganisms, research on genetic transformation and genome editing significantly lags behind model organisms. This gap poses challenges in optimizing agricultural productivity, improving crop quality, and bolstering disease resistance. Addressing this disparity is crucial, as genetic transformation and gene editing serve as essential technical support for enhancing crop traits. This research not only propels advancements in crop productivity, quality, and disease resistance but also contributes to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of microbes, offering valuable insights for disease prevention.

The primary objective of this Research Topic is to advance and refine the methodologies associated with genome editing and genetic transformation for horticultural plants and their respective pathogenic microorganisms. The focus will be on developing and optimizing operational procedures, enhancing overall efficiency, and addressing aspects related to cost and timeframes. Streamlining these techniques is imperative for their practical applicability in horticulture. Moreover, the Research Topics aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state and future prospects of these technologies. This involves distilling the existing methodologies, highlighting notable advancements, and projecting potential trajectories for genome editing and genetic transformation in the context of horticultural crops and their pathogens. Additionally, this article collection also aims to analyze the practical implications of these technologies for horticultural crops. This includes investigating measures to enhance crop yield, improve quality, and fortify disease resistance. By providing insights into the operational aspects and practical applications of these technologies, this research seeks to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient practices in horticultural biotechnology.

We welcome submissions that cover the following (but are not limited to) topics:

•Development and standardization of genome editing and genetic transformation protocols for horticultural plants and their pathogens.
•Genome editing for enhancing disease and pest resistance in horticultural plants.
•Genome editing for improving yield and quality of horticultural crops.
•Genome editing for improving stress tolerance in horticultural crops.
•Genetic transformation and its application in genome editing bypassing tissue culture.
•Progress and prospects in genome editing and genetic transformation in horticultural

Keywords: Genetic Transformation, Genome Editing, Horticultural Crops, Pathogen, Plant Breeding, Biotechnology

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.