Resumen
- Genome editing has revolutionized crop improvement. For a heterozygous tetraploid and vegetatively propagated crop such as cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum L. (2n = 4x = 48), gene editing presents tremendous opportunities for trait improvement. In potato, traits such as improving cold storage and processing, herbicide tolerance, self-compatibility and modified starch quality have been targeted utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs reagents in diploid and tetraploid clones. In our research program, we have used gene editing to modify herbicide resistance, overcome self-incompatibility in diploid potatoes, and assess off-target effect of the gene editing reagents. The potential to generate transgene-free plants via genome editing coupled with a recently streamlined regulatory route by the US Department of Agriculture for plants engineered by this technology, crops with genomic resources, and established genetic transformation and regeneration procedures such as potato are in-line to benefit from the technology's full potential. This paper summarizes the developments in genome editing platforms and delivery mechanisms applicable to various crop species with a focus on potato, a global food security crop, providing insight into current advances, challenges and future prospects of utilizing genome editing for trait improvement.