Global Status, Scope and Future Prospects of Biotechnology in Vegetable Crops

Plant biotechnology as a catalyst for sustainable agricultural transformation

Agricultural systems are increasingly challenged by climate change, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and the need to ensure food security for a growing global population. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires innovative, science-driven approaches that enhance productivity while promoting ecological sustainability. This editorial examines the evolving role of plant biotechnology as a key driver of modern agricultural advancement, highlighting recent developments in genomics, multi-omics technologies, molecular breeding, genome editing, plant tissue culture, and digital agriculture. It discusses how these technologies contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties with improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhanced nutrient-use efficiency, and superior agronomic performance. The editorial further emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence, high-throughput phenotyping, bioinformatics, and systems biology into precision crop improvement, enabling more efficient translation of molecular discoveries into field applications. The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible innovation, biosafety, and science-based regulatory frameworks is also considered in supporting the sustainable deployment of emerging biotechnologies. Looking ahead, the convergence of advanced molecular tools with computational and ecological sciences is expected to accelerate the development of resilient agricultural systems capable of addressing future environmental and food production challenges. Continued investment in research, technological innovation, and international collaboration will be essential to maximize the societal and environmental benefits of next-generation crop improvement strategies.

Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in the Genetic Improvement of Major Oilseed Crops: A Critical Narrative Review

The evidence indicates that breeding has delivered clear gains in adaptation, hybrid performance, oil composition and resistance to selected diseases, but progress is markedly less consistent for complex traits expressed across variable environments.

Recent trends in nucleic acid research in plants for future food security.

The agricultural production system is facing unprecedented pressure of climate change, human population, pressure on renewable and non-renewable resources, and elevation in both biotic and abiotic stress factors. The recent development in nucleic acid based technologies have transformed research in plant sciences through deployment of powerful technologies for understanding complex biological mechanisms controlling climate resilience, nutrition and yield attributes in agriculturally important crops. This editorial documented the key results of 33 articles published in this special issue, covering application of various techniques to improve desirable attributes in agriculturally important crops. Furthermore, the published literature displayed the key findings emerging through the application of CRISPR-Cas based genome editing system, integration of multi-omics, application of machine learning, RNA-based regulations and chloroplast bioengineering with higher precision, efficiency, and reliability. The innovation in plant-microbe interaction, rhizosphere engineering has revealed novel avenues of research for improving the potential of resource use efficiency and sustainability. Altogether, the research published in this special issue may play a transformative role in advancing precision breeding, stress resilience and crop performance under ever-changing climatic conditions. However, there is a requirement for continuous interdisciplinary research, embracing innovation and international collaboration for utilization of full potential of cutting-edge technologies contributing significantly to achieving food security.

CRISPR-driven genome modification and biofortification: innovative techniques for creating climate-resistant and nutritionally improved crops

This assessment explores the groundbreaking possibilities of CRISPR-driven genome editing and biofortification methods for creating climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crops and suggests future pathways for utilizing biotechnological advancements to increase agricultural sustainability and human nutrition.

Advancing Indian Agriculture Through Global Transgenic Innovations

Genome Editing in Solanaceae: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Technology for Precision Crop Improvement

Malnutrition and climate-induced stress remain major constraints to global food and nutritional security despite the yield gains of the Green Revolution. Solanaceae crops such as tomato, potato, brinjal, and pepper are key sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Yet, their genetic improvement has been limited by narrow diversity and complex polygenic traits. The advent of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing provides a transformative platform for precision crop improvement by enabling targeted modification of genes controlling stress tolerance, yield, and nutritional quality. In Solanaceae, CRISPR/Cas applications have successfully enhanced resistance against major pathogens (SlMlo1, SlPelo, SlDCL2), improved abiotic stress tolerance through editing of SlMAPK3, SlCBF1, and SlBZR1, and optimized fruit quality traits via modulation of Psy1, CrtR-b2, and fiAD2/3. Emerging innovations, such as base and prime editing, and RNP-mediated transgene-free delivery, are expanding the precision and scope of editing. However, challenges persist, including genotype-dependent transformation, low HDR efficiency, and incomplete understanding of off-target and epigenetic effects. Integrating CRISPR with omics-guided gene discovery, efficient transformation systems, and regulatory harmonization can accelerate the development of nutritionally enriched, stress-resilient, and sustainable Solanaceae varieties. This review synthesizes recent advances, identifies critical limitations, and outlines future opportunities for deploying CRISPR/Cas technology to achieve next-generation breeding and food system resilience.