Volume 1, Issue 1, Plant Innovation Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2025
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Plant Innovation Journal, Volume 1, Issue 1, 2025: 8-17

Open Access | Perspective | 04 January 2026
Bridging the Translational Divide: A Vision for AI-Guided Genome Editing from Bench to Field in Cereal Crops
1 Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
* Corresponding Author: Mehdi Rahimi, [email protected]
ARK: ark:/57805/pij.2025.121730
Received: 30 November 2025, Accepted: 11 December 2025, Published: 04 January 2026  
Abstract
The mix of AI and CRISPR gene editing is changing how we upgrade grain crops, which feed much of the world. In this inaugural perspective, we propose a transformative framework to close the gap between computational prediction and field performance. Rather than presenting new data, we call for a paradigm shift toward explainable AI, digital twins, federated learning, and breeder-centric platforms. We argue that only through integrated, transparent, and collaborative systems can we realize the full promise of precision breeding for global food security. Still, translating computational predictions into successful crop performance in the field often fails or exhibits rapid performance decline. Here’s A critical analysis of the primary failure points - finding targets, making edits and growing plants, then testing them in different fields - and proposes a practical framework that fits the tricky biology of grains such as wheat, corn, and rice. We pull together realistic standards for picking models (focusing on transparent AI instead of hidden algorithms, testing under unexpected stresses), handling edits safely (methods for complex, repeated DNA patterns, designing with cell structure in mind, checking thoroughly for unintended changes), plus getting trials set up right (solid checks of genes meeting environments, repeating tests across locations, planning seed production to field timing smartly). We lay out a step-by-step process using clear AI to spot key traits, link gene edits with safety checks for side effects, while running virtual tests to predict how crops perform in different climates and genetics. Moving beyond conceptual proposals, we define a set of verifiable metrics to track progress from lab work to real-world use. Turning scattered tips into fixed rules helps avoid costly mistakes later, speeds up creating tough grain varieties, and makes results easier to verify worldwide. This piece speaks directly to those wanting practical steps matched to actual farming needs, answering calls for fresh approaches in crop research.

Graphical Abstract
Bridging the Translational Divide: A Vision for AI-Guided Genome Editing from Bench to Field in Cereal Crops

Keywords
CRISPR genome editing
cereal breeding
explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)
genotype-by-environment (G×E)

Data Availability Statement
Not applicable.

Funding
This work was supported without any funding.

Conflicts of Interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest. 

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate
Not applicable.

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Cite This Article
APA Style
Rahimi, M. (2026). Bridging the Translational Divide: A Vision for AI-Guided Genome Editing from Bench to Field in Cereal Crops. Plant Innovation Journal, 1(1), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.62762/PIJ.2025.121730
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TY  - JOUR
AU  - Rahimi, Mehdi
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/01/04
TI  - Bridging the Translational Divide: A Vision for AI-Guided Genome Editing from Bench to Field in Cereal Crops
JO  - Plant Innovation Journal
T2  - Plant Innovation Journal
JF  - Plant Innovation Journal
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
SP  - 8
EP  - 17
DO  - 10.62762/PIJ.2025.121730
UR  - https://www.icck.org/article/abs/PIJ.2025.121730
KW  - CRISPR genome editing
KW  - cereal breeding
KW  - explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)
KW  - genotype-by-environment (G×E)
AB  - The mix of AI and CRISPR gene editing is changing how we upgrade grain crops, which feed much of the world. In this inaugural perspective, we propose a transformative framework to close the gap between computational prediction and field performance. Rather than presenting new data, we call for a paradigm shift toward explainable AI, digital twins, federated learning, and breeder-centric platforms. We argue that only through integrated, transparent, and collaborative systems can we realize the full promise of precision breeding for global food security. Still, translating computational predictions into successful crop performance in the field often fails or exhibits rapid performance decline. Here’s A critical analysis of the primary failure points - finding targets, making edits and growing plants, then testing them in different fields - and proposes a practical framework that fits the tricky biology of grains such as wheat, corn, and rice. We pull together realistic standards for picking models (focusing on transparent AI instead of hidden algorithms, testing under unexpected stresses), handling edits safely (methods for complex, repeated DNA patterns, designing with cell structure in mind, checking thoroughly for unintended changes), plus getting trials set up right (solid checks of genes meeting environments, repeating tests across locations, planning seed production to field timing smartly). We lay out a step-by-step process using clear AI to spot key traits, link gene edits with safety checks for side effects, while running virtual tests to predict how crops perform in different climates and genetics. Moving beyond conceptual proposals, we define a set of verifiable metrics to track progress from lab work to real-world use. Turning scattered tips into fixed rules helps avoid costly mistakes later, speeds up creating tough grain varieties, and makes results easier to verify worldwide. This piece speaks directly to those wanting practical steps matched to actual farming needs, answering calls for fresh approaches in crop research.
SN  - pending
PB  - Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge
LA  - English
ER  - 
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@article{Rahimi2026Bridging,
  author = {Mehdi Rahimi},
  title = {Bridging the Translational Divide: A Vision for AI-Guided Genome Editing from Bench to Field in Cereal Crops},
  journal = {Plant Innovation Journal},
  year = {2026},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-17},
  doi = {10.62762/PIJ.2025.121730},
  url = {https://www.icck.org/article/abs/PIJ.2025.121730},
  abstract = {The mix of AI and CRISPR gene editing is changing how we upgrade grain crops, which feed much of the world. In this inaugural perspective, we propose a transformative framework to close the gap between computational prediction and field performance. Rather than presenting new data, we call for a paradigm shift toward explainable AI, digital twins, federated learning, and breeder-centric platforms. We argue that only through integrated, transparent, and collaborative systems can we realize the full promise of precision breeding for global food security. Still, translating computational predictions into successful crop performance in the field often fails or exhibits rapid performance decline. Here’s A critical analysis of the primary failure points - finding targets, making edits and growing plants, then testing them in different fields - and proposes a practical framework that fits the tricky biology of grains such as wheat, corn, and rice. We pull together realistic standards for picking models (focusing on transparent AI instead of hidden algorithms, testing under unexpected stresses), handling edits safely (methods for complex, repeated DNA patterns, designing with cell structure in mind, checking thoroughly for unintended changes), plus getting trials set up right (solid checks of genes meeting environments, repeating tests across locations, planning seed production to field timing smartly). We lay out a step-by-step process using clear AI to spot key traits, link gene edits with safety checks for side effects, while running virtual tests to predict how crops perform in different climates and genetics. Moving beyond conceptual proposals, we define a set of verifiable metrics to track progress from lab work to real-world use. Turning scattered tips into fixed rules helps avoid costly mistakes later, speeds up creating tough grain varieties, and makes results easier to verify worldwide. This piece speaks directly to those wanting practical steps matched to actual farming needs, answering calls for fresh approaches in crop research.},
  keywords = {CRISPR genome editing, cereal breeding, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), genotype-by-environment (G×E)},
  issn = {pending},
  publisher = {Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge}
}

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