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Scientists from the University of Missouri and Nanjing Agricultural University used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the SWEET14 gene in rice plants and enhance resistance to bacterial blight. The results of the study are published in The Crop Journal. One of the major threats in rice production is bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae (Xoo). Developing rice varieties with resistance to bacterial blight is vital in advancing rice breeding programs and providing support to smallholder farmers.