Genome editing for improving abiotic stress tolerance in rice

Rice is the principal cereal crop as it provides a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Different types of environmental constraints pose serious threats to its production. Various strategies like plant-breeding and genetic engineering have been employed to improve its growth and agronomic traits under stress conditions. Over the last decade, with increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanism of stress-tolerance, emerging genome-editing technology has successfully facilitated the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties. It is a breakthrough technology with the tremendous potential to revolutionize agriculture. The main advantage of this approach is the development of non-genetically modified (Non-GM) crops. Moreover, in comparison to conventional breeding methods, it takes less time to develop such crops. The current chapter talks about the available approaches of genome-editing technology, their mechanisms of action and edge above each other. We have highlighted the application of genome-editing tools for enhancing rice tolerance to abiotic stresses like salinity, drought, cold, herbicide, heavy metals, alkalinity, etc. We have also discussed recent developments, challenges and future opportunities for rice improvement.