Open AccessNovel and emerging biotechnological crop protection approaches
Author(s) -
Giudice Gaetano,
Moffa Loredana,
Varotto Serena,
Cardone Maria Francesca,
Bergamini Carlo,
De Lorenzis Gabriella,
Velasco Riccardo,
Nerva Luca,
Chitarra Walter
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plant biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.525
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1467-7652
pISSN - 1467-7644
DOI - 10.1111/pbi.13605
Subject(s) - biology , abiotic component , microbiology and biotechnology , biotic stress , abiotic stress , agriculture , emerging technologies , toolbox , climate change , resilience (materials science) , biochemical engineering , ecology , computer science , engineering , biochemistry , physics , artificial intelligence , gene , programming language , thermodynamics
Summary Traditional breeding or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have for a long time been the sole approaches to effectively cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and implement the quality traits of crops. However, emerging diseases as well as unpredictable climate changes affecting agriculture over the entire globe force scientists to find alternative solutions required to quickly overcome seasonal crises. In this review, we first focus on cisgenesis and genome editing as challenging biotechnological approaches for breeding crops more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we take into consideration a toolbox of new techniques based on applications of RNA interference and epigenome modifications, which can be adopted for improving plant resilience. Recent advances in these biotechnological applications are mainly reported for non‐model plants and woody crops in particular. Indeed, the characterization of RNAi machinery in plants is fundamental to transform available information into biologically or biotechnologically applicable knowledge. Finally, here we discuss how these innovative and environmentally friendly techniques combined with traditional breeding can sustain a modern agriculture and be of potential contribution to climate change mitigation.