Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 81-89 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 87 These include regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and the need for comprehensive field trials to assess the long-term effects and stability of the edited traits (Ma et al., 2016; Eş et al., 2019). Despite these challenges, the successful commercial application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in other crops provides a promising outlook for its use in poplar trees (Saber et al., 2019). In conclusion, the future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in editing poplar drought resistance genes are promising, with ongoing innovations and integrations with other biotechnological approaches enhancing its potential. The pathway to commercial application and large-scale deployment, while challenging, is achievable with continued research and development. 7 Concluding Remarks The application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in editing poplar drought resistance genes has shown significant promise. This technology, characterized by its precision, efficiency, and versatility, has been successfully employed in various plant species to enhance traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and overall crop improvement. Studies have demonstrated the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to target specific genes associated with drought resistance, such as the 4CL and RVE7 genes in chickpea, which are crucial for lignin biosynthesis and circadian rhythm regulation, respectively. Additionally, the technology has been used to edit genes like OsSAPin rice, which plays a positive role in drought stress response. The multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 system has also been effective in generating wheat mutants with improved drought tolerance by targeting multiple TaSal1 loci. The implications of these findings for poplar drought resistance improvement are profound. By leveraging CRISPR/Cas9 technology, researchers can precisely edit drought resistance genes in poplar, potentially leading to the development of more resilient poplar varieties. This could significantly enhance the sustainability and productivity of poplar plantations, especially in regions prone to drought. The ability to create targeted mutations and achieve stable, inheritable changes in the genome offers a powerful tool for accelerating breeding programs and developing poplar varieties with enhanced drought tolerance. Moreover, the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in poplar could pave the way for similar advancements in other forestry species, contributing to broader ecological and economic benefits. The future of CRISPR/Cas9 in forestry looks promising, with the potential to revolutionize the way we approach genetic improvement in trees. As the technology continues to advance, it is expected that more precise and efficient gene editing methods, such as base editing and prime editing, will become available, further enhancing the capabilities of CRISPR/Cas93. Additionally, the development of novel delivery methods, including nanoparticle-based approaches, could improve the efficiency and applicability of CRISPR/Cas9 in forestry species. However, it is essential to address the ethical and regulatory challenges associated with the use of this technology to ensure its safe and responsible application. Overall, CRISPR/Cas9 holds great potential for advancing forestry research and developing trees that are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient forest ecosystems. Acknowledgments The GenBreed Publisher extends thanks to the two peer reviewers for their detailed analysis and suggestions for improvement of the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Abdallah N., Elsharawy H., Abulela H., Thilmony R., Abdelhadi A., and Elarabi N., 2022, Multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to address drought tolerance in wheat, GM Crops & Food, 13: 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2022.2120313
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