Robust CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing of JrWOX11 manipulated adventitious rooting and vegetative growth in a nut tree species of walnut

•Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing protocol developed for walnut using multiple gRNAs targeting JrWOX11 gene.•Knockout of JrWOX11 gene resulted in reduced adventitious roots formation and vegetative growth.•Robust gene editing tool pave the way for genetic improvement of walnut, which is economically important nut tree species grown worldwide.