CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SiZAT12 mutagenesis enhances drought tolerance without yield penalty in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Key Points

• Drought tolerance is enhanced without any yield penalty due to SiZAT12 knockout.
• The knockout of SiZAT12 also improves cold tolerance during adverse conditions.
• Assessment used CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis to target the SiZAT12 gene in foxtail millet.
• These findings highlight potential for enhancing crops' resilience to climate change impacts.