The advent of genome-editing technology has enabled precise manipulation of DNA sequences within genomes, allowing for the targeted deletion or replacement of specific sequences in organisms, which results in intentional mutations. In plants, genome editing presents a compelling method for altering gene functions to develop enhanced crop varieties. This technology is considered user-friendly and poses a reduced risk of unintended off-target effects compared to traditional mutation breeding techniques. Moreover, genome-editing tools can be directly applied to crops with complex genomes or those that are challenging to breed through conventional methods. At present, highly adaptable genome-editing tools facilitate precise and predictable modifications at almost any locus in the plant genome, broadening their applications to include functional genomics research and molecular crop breeding. Vegetables, which are vital sources of nutrients for humans, supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, thereby contributing significantly to human health. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of genome-editing technologies, detailing the components of genome-editing toolkits and elucidating their fundamental mechanisms of action in representative systems. We discuss the current and potential applications of genome editing in developing more nutritious vegetables and present several case studies that demonstrate the technology's potential. Finally, we underscore future directions and challenges in utilizing genome-editing systems for vegetable crop research and product development.
