The germplasm resource repository harbors an extensive collection of genetic variations, providing a crucial foundation for the survival and sustainable development of humankind. Spontaneous mutation and recombination are the primary drivers of genetic variations and crop diversity. The emergence of genome editing technologies has provided powerful tools for generating genetic diversity by performing effective, targeted and precise manipulation of specific genes. Genome editing has revolutionized the most fundamental source of genetic variations, spontaneous mutation, and brought it into the era of “high-speed rail” and expanded the scope of potential variation space at a pace many orders of magnitude faster than natural evolution. The unlocking of crop diversity through genome editing holds tremendous promise for addressing current and future agricultural challenges, fostering sustainable farming practices, and ultimately providing a more secure and resilient food supply for generations to come.