Posts by biotech_admin
Ghana releases first GMO crop for commercial cultivation
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute has released the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea, the first genetically modified crop (GMO) to be developed in the country, for commercial cultivation. This cowpea variety is resistant to diseases and pests, particularly the pod borer, matures early, is highly nutritious, and produces higher yields. With…
Read MoreChill-proof tomatoes? CRISPR gene-editing breakthrough
In a significant advancement for agricultural biotechnology, researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enhances the cold tolerance of tomatoes. This breakthrough is pivotal for cultivating crops in cooler climates, ensuring stable yields and bolstering global food security. The study focuses on the SlGAD2 gene, which, when overexpressed, elevates the plant’s γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels,…
Read MoreGene-edited-wheat trial successful
Chris McCullough For Agri-View Results from Europe’s first-ever field trial of a gene-edited variety of wheat have shown a significant reduction of the potential carcinogen acrylamide when the flour is baked. Researchers at Rothamsted Research in the United Kingdom used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to eliminate a gene in the wheat. The CRISPR…
Read MoreScientists develop mutant rice capable of resisting common crop disease — here’s why it’s so important
This is not only a significant scientific milestone but also a potential economic and social boon. by Susan Elizabeth Turek, May 29, 2024 The Cool Down Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough that resulted in mutant rice with enhanced immunity against a devastating disease. As detailed by Natural Science News, a team from China’s Jilin Academy of…
Read MoreEmbu farmers now jump on cruising Bt cotton bandwagon
“If you gave me the old one, I would tell you ‘No, no. Go away, I do not want it,” Magondu says and then his brow furrows as if he is in very deep thought. “The old one, you cannot even remotely compare. The bollworms made it their lodging, and that is not everything, even.”…
Read MoreGMOs and gene-edited foods: Can these fast-evolving technologies help make crops more climate-change resilient while boosting food security?
In this Q&A, Carbon Brief looks at the difference between GMOs and gene-edited foods and whether these technologies can help crops deal with climate change while boosting food security. Do genetically modified crops benefit climate mitigation and adaptation? There have been a lot of claims – and counter-claims – about the climate benefits of GMOs,…
Read MoreBiotech potatoes can bring improved performance, quality to global markets
By Dennis Halterman, Craig Richael and David Douches From a scientific perspective, the potato is a pretty cool crop to work with. Cultivated potato and its wild relatives contain a lot of diversity — both above and below the ground. When growing potato collections in the greenhouse we get to see different leaf shapes, flower…
Read More37 Nobel laureates and 1,500 researchers are calling for relaxation of EU gene editing regulations
As regulations on genetic technology are now to be reassessed in both Norway and the EU, researchers are hoping for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to the law. Recently, 37 Nobel laureates and 1,500 researchers signed an open letter to the EU Parliament, where they requested less strict regularions for the use of genetic technology.…
Read MoreViewpoint: Two dozen gene-edited crop field trials set to begin later this year in England ‘could have major benefits’
Later this year gene-edited crops will be planted at about two dozen commercial farms across England for the first time to see how plants previously confined to the laboratory and glasshouse will fare in real-world conditions. No other European nation is conducting such trials because the European Union treats gene-editing the same as it does…
Read MoreEU Parliament: A Positive Vote for Innovation and Plant Breeding
The European Parliament’s vote in support of new genomic techniques, marks a significant step forward for agricultural innovation and sustainability in Europe, according to a press release from Euroseeds. The plenary vote backed the “adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, recognizing their potential to revolutionize farming practices while ensuring food security and environmental stewardship.” The European Parliament’s affirmative…
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