Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 182-190 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 187 CRISPR/Cas9 system is highly efficient in inducing targeted gene editing, off-target mutations, although rare, can still occur and may affect the stability of the edited genes across generations. This necessitates extensive screening and validation to ensure that the desired traits are stably inherited without unintended consequences (Zhang et al., 2014; Li et al., 2016). 5.2 Regulatory and ethical considerations The regulatory landscape for genome-edited crops, including those developed using CRISPR/Cas9, varies significantly across different countries. Some nations have stringent regulations that classify genome-edited crops similarly to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can hinder the adoption and commercialization of CRISPR/Cas9-edited rice varieties (Abdelrahman et al., 2018; Zegeye et al., 2022). Additionally, ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of plant genomes and the potential long-term ecological impacts pose significant challenges. Public perception and acceptance of genome-edited crops also play a crucial role in the regulatory approval process, making it essential to address these concerns through transparent communication and robust regulatory frameworks (Abdelrahman et al., 2018; Chen et al., 2019). 5.3 Integration into breeding programs Integrating CRISPR/Cas9 technology into traditional rice breeding programs presents several challenges. Conventional breeding methods rely on the selection of naturally occurring mutations, which can be a slow and labor-intensive process. While CRISPR/Cas9 offers a faster and more precise alternative, its integration requires significant changes in breeding strategies and infrastructure. Breeders need to develop expertise in genome editing techniques and establish protocols for the efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components into rice cells. Additionally, the development of high-throughput screening methods to identify and select desirable traits is essential for the successful integration of CRISPR/Cas9 into breeding programs (Arora and Narula, 2017; Chen et al., 2019). 5.4 Technical limitations Despite its advantages, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has technical limitations that can affect its efficiency and effectiveness in rice yield improvement. For instance, the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components into rice cells can be challenging, and the efficiency of gene editing can vary depending on the target gene and the rice variety (Lu and Zhu, 2017; Fiaz et al., 2019). Moreover, the repair of CRISPR/Cas9-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) can result in random insertions and deletions (indels), which may not always produce the desired genetic modifications (Lu and Zhu, 2017). Developing more efficient delivery systems and improving the precision of gene editing are critical areas of ongoing research (Lu and Zhu, 2017; Fiaz et al., 2019). 5.5 Socio-economic impacts The adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for rice yield improvement also has socio-economic implications. Smallholder farmers, who constitute a significant portion of rice producers in many developing countries, may face challenges in accessing and adopting this technology due to high costs and lack of technical expertise. Ensuring that the benefits of CRISPR/Cas9-edited rice varieties are accessible to all farmers, regardless of their economic status, is crucial for achieving equitable agricultural development. Additionally, the potential displacement of traditional rice varieties with genome-edited ones could impact biodiversity and cultural heritage, necessitating careful consideration of socio-economic factors in the deployment of CRISPR/Cas9 technology (Abdelrahman et al., 2018; Bandyopadhyay et al., 2018). 6 Future Perspectives and Opportunities 6.1 Potential for CRISPR/Cas9 in precision agriculture The CRISPR/Cas9 system holds immense potential for precision agriculture by enabling targeted modifications in the rice genome to enhance yield and stress resistance. This technology allows for precise editing of specific genes, which can lead to the development of rice varieties with improved agronomic traits such as increased yield, enhanced nutritional quality, and better resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Arora and Narula, 2017; Li et al.,
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