CRISPR-ENABLED GENOME EDITING FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRI-AQUA SYSTEMS

CRISPR/Cas9 has brought about a signifcant change in gene editing, as it enables accurate changes without the addition of foreign DNA. Compared to ZFNs and TALENs, this new tool is characterized by higher levels of both efciency and accuracy. CRISPR technology has enabled progress in agriculture by raising yields, nutrients, and crop stress tolerance. For example, CRISPR/Cas9 editing in rapeseed of the BnaFAD2 gene helped achieve oleic acid content of 80%, whereas altering the OsERF922 gene in rice resulted in sustained resistance to fungal disease. CRISPR has led to faster growth and better disease resistance in aquaculture, such as the higher muscle content in Myostatin knockout fsh and greater resistance of shrimp to White Spot Syndrome Virus. When used together with Genomic Selection (GS) tools, CRISPR has facilitated faster and more efcient species development. To fully utilize the potential of CRISPR for food security and sustainability, technical issues such as off-target effects, gene delivery problems, and regulatory requirements must be solved. This review analyzes the present status, associated problems, and possible future applications of CRISPR in agriculture and aquaculture.