Genome editing technologies have emerged as transformative tools in plant biotechnology, enabling researchers to make precise alterations to plant genomes. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 allow for the targeted modification of genes, facilitating the development of crops with enhanced traits, including improved disease resistance, increased yield, and greater tolerance to environmental stressors. The ability to edit genomes with high specificity and efficiency represents a significant advancement over traditional breeding methods, which can be time-consuming and less precise. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold great promise for addressing global challenges in agriculture, such as food security and climate change, by accelerating the development of crops that can thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Title : Preventing/minimizing development of resistance in fungal plant pathogens to fungicides
Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois, United States
Title : Mycorrhizae and their role in climate resilience in agricultural systems
Mary Cole, The University of Melbourne, Australia