Recent Advances in Soybean Genome Editing: CRISPR Technologies, Precision Editors and Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Gene Editing

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max) improvement is increasingly constrained by climate variability, limited genetic diversity and the long timelines of conventional breeding. Recent advances in genome editing, particularly expanded CRISPR–Cas systems, precision editing approaches such as base and prime editing, and DNA-free delivery strategies, now enable efficient and targeted modification of endogenous genes directly in elite soybean backgrounds. These developments have accelerated functional validation and trait engineering for seed quality, plant architecture and stress tolerance. In parallel, artificial intelligence and machine-learning approaches are emerging as important tools for candidate gene prioritisation, guide RNA design and off-target risk assessment. This review summarises recent technological developments in soybean genome editing, highlights major gene targets and traits, and discusses current editing platforms together with emerging AI-driven strategies that are shaping precision breeding in soybean.

Keywords

References

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