Genetic Mechanism of Cassava Disease Resistance: From Traditional Breeding to CRISPR/Cas Application

Abstract

The escalating threat of plant diseases to cassava (Manihot esculenta) production necessitates innovative strategies for developing disease-resistant varieties. Traditional breeding has been instrumental in enhancing cassava's resistance to various pathogens, but it is often limited by the complexity of genetic traits and the lengthy timeframes required. The advent of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology has revolutionized the field of plant breeding by enabling precise modifications of plant genomes. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic mechanisms underlying cassava disease resistance and the transition from conventional breeding techniques to the cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas applications. We examine the current state of knowledge on plant-pathogen interactions in cassava and discuss how CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing has been employed to disrupt these interactions by targeting susceptibility factors within the plant genome. Furthermore, we explore the advancements in genome editing tools, such as base editing and prime editing, that have broadened the scope of generating disease-resistant cassava varieties. The review also highlights the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in enhancing disease resistance through multiplexed gene editing and trait stacking, which is particularly relevant for complex traits like disease resistance. By synthesizing insights from recent developments in CRISPR/Cas applications across various crops, we aim to provide a roadmap for future research and the development of cassava varieties with improved resistance to a spectrum of diseases, thereby contributing to global food security.