ABSTRACT
Soybean is one of the most important crops for oil and protein production in the world. Public availability of large-scale multi-omics datasets, germplasm collections, and mutagenized populations makes the crop an emerging model legume plant. However, gene discovery remains challenging due to the limited genetic diversity and highly complex genome sequences. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology has revolutionized research in plant functional genomics and greatly accelerated the breeding process in crop improvement of important agronomic traits. In this chapter, we reviewed recent achievements in the use of CRISPR/Cas in soybean functional genomics studies and trait improvement. We also discuss future directions and challenges of the CRISPR/Cas technologies in the genetic improvement and molecular breeding of soybeans.
