Crop breeding is an important global strategy to meet sustainable food demand. CRISPR/Cas is a most promising gene-editing technology for rapid and precise generation of novel germplasm and promoting the development of a series of new breeding techniques, which will certainly lead to the transformation of agricultural innovation. In this review, we summarize recent advances of CRISPR/Cas technology in gene function analyses and the generation of new germplasms with increased yield, improved product quality, and enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. We highlight their applications and breakthroughs in agriculture, including crop de novo domestication, decoupling the gene pleiotropy tradeoff, crop hybrid seed conventional production, hybrid rice asexual reproduction, and double haploid breeding; the continuous development and application of these technologies will undoubtedly usher in a new era for crop breeding. Moreover, the challenges and development of CRISPR/Cas technology in crops are also discussed.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a food crop with the largest planting area and the highest yield in the world, and it plays a vital role in ensuring global food security. Conventional breeding methods are costly, time-consuming, and ineffective in maize breeding. In recent years, CRISPR-Cas editing technology has been used to quickly generate new varieties with high yield and improved grain quality and stress resistance by precisely modifying key genes involved in specific traits, thus becoming a new engine for promoting crop breeding and the competitiveness of seed industries. Using CRISPR-Cas, a range of new maize materials with high yield, improved grain quality, ideal plant type and flowering period, male sterility, and stress resistance have been created. Moreover, many patents have been filed worldwide, reflecting the huge practical application prospects and commercial value. Based on the existing patent data, we analyzed the development process, current status, and prospects of CRISPR-Cas technology in dissecting gene function and creating new germplasm in maize, providing information for future basic research and commercial production.

Crop breeding is an important global strategy to meet sustainable food demand. CRISPR-Cas is a most promising gene-editing technology for rapid and precise generation of novel germplasm, and leads to revolutionary crop breeding innovation. In this review, we summarize recent advance of CRISPR/Cas technology in gene function analyses and generation of new germplasms with increased yield, improved product quality, and enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. We highlight their applications and breakthroughs in agriculture including crop de novo domestication, decoupling the gene pleiotropy tradeoff, crop hybrid seed conventional production, hybrid rice asexual reproduction, and double haploid breeding. Moreover, the challenges and development of CRISPR/Cas technology in crops are also discussed.

The coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops has been a subject of considerable concern, particularly in the context of the extensive utilisation of GM crops. In response to this concern, various countries have devised coexistence strategies that are tailored to their respective national contexts, taking into account economic, political, technological and public acceptability factors. In the context of planting, countries such as the United States and Brazil have adopted a strategy of coexistence management, whereby the responsibility for implementing isolation measures falls upon premium producers. In contrast, the European Union, Japan and other countries that import GM crops have enacted legislation requiring growers to adhere to stringent isolation measures to prevent the mixing of GM and non-GM crops. Internationally, GM products are distinguished by a labelling management system to satisfy the public’s right to know and choose and to realise the coexistence of GM and non-GM during circulation and consumption. When considered in the context of China’s specific national conditions, particularly the prevalence of a small-scale peasant economy, it is recommended that China draw upon the lessons learned from the field coexistence strategies employed in countries that have adopted GM planting. This recommendation involves the refinement and enhancement of existing labelling management practices as well as the formulation of a coexistence management policy that is characterised by cost savings, efficiency gains and robust operational capabilities. The implementation of these measures is expected to foster the commercialisation of GM soybean and maize in China.