CRISPR/Cas genome editing and applications in forest tree breeding

Abstract

Providing life on Earth, forest trees currently are in dire need of assistance against potentially critical challenges by invasive pests and climate change in the coming decades. Given the ever-growing demand for sustainable and renewable forest products as well as the essential role of forest carbon sequestration in the face of global warming, we discuss, in this book chapter, the latest progress, opportunities, and challenges of CRISPR genome editing for promoting forest resilience and sustainability. Rapidly accumulating genetic and genomic resources for forest trees enabled a detailed understanding of the role genetic factors have on growth performance, drought tolerance, pest resistance, and wood quality, facilitating the selection of suitable gene editing targets. We anticipate that genome editing can contribute in the future to the breeding and establishment of disease-resistant and climate-resilient trees.