Assessment of omics and genome editing approaches for addressing climate challenges: Enhancing stress tolerance in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)
TL;DR
The role of omics and genome editing is underscores the role of omics and genome editing in advancing research to improve tea cultivation and support its resilience against 21st Century climate changes.
Abstract
Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a significant global crop that encounters various abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, and UV radiation. These stresses interfere with physiological and biochemical processes, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, water relations, osmotic balance, oxidative homeostasis, and hormonal regulation. Recent advancements in molecular biology have elucidated the mechanisms underlying stress tolerance in tea plants, emphasizing stress-responsive genes, transcription factors, small RNAs, and epigenetic modifications. Biotechnological strategies, such as genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, in vitro selection, and marker-assisted selection, present opportunities to develop stress-resistant tea cultivars. Omics approaches offer insights into stress signaling networks and assist in identifying key biomarkers. The application of growth regulators and antioxidants, along with beneficial microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAM), plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and endophytes, mitigates the impacts of stress. These methods employ agronomic techniques, such as irrigation management and soil amendments. Integrating these technologies with climate adaptation frameworks is essential for enhancing stress tolerance and sustaining tea productivity under evolving environmental conditions. This review underscores the role of omics and genome editing in advancing research to improve tea cultivation and support its resilience against 21st Century climate changes.
