The application of CRISPR/Cas technologies to Brassica crops: current progress and future perspectives

Brassica species are a global source of nutrients and edible vegetable oil for humans. However, all commercially important Brassica crops underwent a whole-genome triplication event, hindering the development of functional genomics and breeding programs. Fortunately, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) technologies, by allowing multiplex and precise genome engineering, have become valuable genome-editing tools and opened up new avenues for biotechnology. Here, we review current progress in the use of CRISPR/Cas technologies with an emphasis on the latest breakthroughs in precise genome editing. We also summarize the application of CRISPR/Cas technologies to Brassica crops for trait improvements. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of these technologies for comprehensive application in Brassica crops. Ongoing advancement in CRISPR/Cas technologies, in combination with other achievements, will play a significant role in the genetic improvement and molecular breeding of Brassica crops.