Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Defense Responses of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Environmental Stress and CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Engineering of Stress Tolerance

Abstract

Environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, and pathogen attacks, significantly affect potato growth, development, and yield by disrupting key physiological and biochemical processes. Plant responses to these stresses are mediated by changes in gene expression, transcriptional regulation, and the activity of various functional proteins, all of which contribute to the molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance. Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been effectively used to enhance the resistance of potato to environmental stresses and to improve its nutritional value. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent studies retrieved from academic databases focusing on the effects of various environmental stressors on potato growth, yield, and postharvest storage. It also examines the influence of these stresses on the production of secondary metabolites and their associated molecular pathways. Finally, the review highlights advancements in the application of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technologies between 2021 and 2025 to improve stress tolerance and nutritional traits in potato plants.