The authors adapted OpenPlant kit CRISPR/Cas9 tools to enable multiplex gRNA expression from a single transcript using tRNA sequences in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, markedly enhancing editing efficiency and scalability. They coupled this vector system with a simplified, optimized thallus transformation protocol, providing a rapid and versatile platform for generating CRISPR/Cas9 mutants and advancing functional genomics in this model species.

The study investigated how molecular factors determine the developmental fate of axillary buds (AXB) in Fragaria vesca, distinguishing between stolon formation and branch crown development. By combining phenotypic analysis of AXB development with RNA‑seq of undifferentiated buds across three genotypes, the authors identified FveBRC1 as a key regulator, and confirmed its role using CRISPR/Cas9‑generated brc1 mutants. These findings enhance understanding of AXB fate control and its impact on strawberry fruit yield.

The study applied a CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex guide RNA strategy to delete entire open reading frames of four reproductive genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, achieving homozygous deletions already in the T1 generation with rates of 8.3–30%. Deletion efficiencies correlated with DeepSpCas9 prediction scores, and phenotypic analyses revealed unexpected effects of residual gene fragments on fertilization and seed development.

A biparental Vicia faba mapping population was screened under glasshouse conditions for resistance to a mixture of Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium oxysporum, revealing several families with moderate to high resistance. Using the Vfaba_v2 Axiom SNP array, a high-density linkage map of 6,755 SNPs was constructed, enabling the identification of a major QTL on linkage group 4 associated with partial resistance to foot and root rot.

The study demonstrates the implementation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in the orphan crop grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) by editing genes of the betalain biosynthesis pathway using the CasCADE modular cloning system. It addresses the bottleneck of lacking efficient stable transformation and regeneration protocols for non‑model crops, providing a reproducible workflow for climate‑resilient breeding.