Integrating Nucleic Acid Research and Computational Strategies for Advancing Plant Food Security

Abstract

The evolution of plant breeding, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge omics-driven approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), has revolutionized crop yield enhancement since the mid-twentieth century. Today, genomics empowers breeders with powerful tools to directly link genotype and phenotype, accelerating the development of crops with desired traits. Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic techniques (PCR, LAMP) and gene-editing tools (ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas), along with RNAi, enable precise and targeted control of plant expression. This review focuses on different nucleic acid-based diagnostic techniques for plant protection, along with gene-based interventions aimed at improving stress resilience, productivity, and nutritional value. Additionally, we highlight the latest computational strategies and methodologies that support the precise and rational design of genetic interventions with robust tools for targeted crop improvement. Looking ahead, these breakthroughs are poised to drive innovation across agriculture, biotechnology, and nucleic acid testing, opening new frontiers in sustainable food production and precision breeding.