Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing Advances to Enhance Floral Attributes in Ornamental Plants: An Update

Abstract

The ornamental horticulture industry is a highly dynamic and rapidly changing market. Constant development of novel cultivars with elite traits is essential to sustain competitiveness. Conventional breeding has been used to develop cultivars, which is often laborious. Biotechnological strategies such as genetic engineering have been crucial in manipulating and improving various beneficial traits that are technically not possible through cross-breeding. One such trait is the highly desired blue-colored flower in roses and chrysanthemums, which can be achieved through transgenic technology. Advances in genome sequencing platforms have enhanced the opportunities to access the whole genome sequence in various ornamentals, facilitating the dissection of the molecular genetics and regulatory controls of different traits. The recent advent of genome editing tools, including CRISPR/Cas9, has revolutionized plant breeding. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing offers efficient and highly precise trait modification, contributing to various beneficial advancements. Although genome editing in ornamentals is currently in its infancy, the recent increase in the availability of ornamental genome sequences provides a platform to extend the frontiers of future genome editing in ornamentals. Hence, this review depicts the implication of various commercially valuable ornamental attributes, and details the research attempts and achievements in enhancing floral attributes using genetic engineering and genome editing in ornamental plants.

Improving the Traits of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt Using Gene Editing Technology

“…Perilla vase lifetime can be extended by essential genes that cause senescence and suppress ethylene production, such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO). Transgenic carnations expressing the sense ACO gene showed delayed floral senescence linked to decreased ethylene production [ 49 ]. In contrast, increased cytokinin levels cause delayed senescence, as demonstrated in transgenic petunia and miniature rose plants overexpressing PSAG12-IPT.…”