# CRISPR/Cas Genome Editing and Its Applications in Cereal Crop Improvement

## TL;DR

CRISPR/Cas genome editing is transforming cereal crops by enabling precise genetic changes to improve yield, resilience, and nutrition.

## Contribution

The paper reviews recent CRISPR advancements and their applications in modifying complex traits in major cereal crops.

## Key findings

- CRISPR technologies like Cas9 and base editing are used to modify genes affecting yield and stress tolerance in cereals.
- Genome editing reprograms biological pathways rather than relying on single-gene effects for trait improvement.
- Challenges include trait complexity and regulatory issues in translating lab results to field applications.

## Abstract

CRISPR/Cas‐based genome editing has emerged as a transformative tool for precise genetic improvement of cereal crops. Recent advances in CRISPR technologies, including Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, base editing, and prime editing, have enabled targeted modification of genes and regulatory elements controlling yield, stress tolerance, and grain nutritional quality in major cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley. This review summarizes current progress in CRISPR‐mediated genome editing systems, delivery strategies, and representative applications in cereal crop improvement. Emphasis is placed on how genome editing reprograms enzymatic activities and biological pathways underlying complex agronomic traits rather than acting through single‐gene effects. The review also discusses challenges related to trait complexity, regulatory considerations, and prospects for translating genome‐edited cereal crops from laboratory research to field‐level application. Collectively, this review highlights the potential of CRISPR/Cas genome editing as a powerful approach for developing high‐yielding, resilient, and nutritionally improved cereal crops.