Biotech News

How the latest breeding techniques are saving the taste of our most cherished grape vine varieties European Seed (ES): Could you tell me a bit more about your project? Michele Morgante (MM): We started 21 years ago at the University of Udine with a program to create new wine grapevine varieties resistant to powdery and…

While the climate change crisis is nothing new, the agriculture industry is constantly finding ways to play their part in the solution. Gene editing technology will play a vital role in climate-proofing future crops to protect global food supplies, according to scientists at The University of Queensland. Biotechnologist Dr. Karen Massel from UQ’s Centre for…

This article or excerpt is included in the GLP’s daily curated selection of ideologically diverse news, opinion and analysis of biotechnology innovation. By almost any metric, the American chestnut was a perfect tree. Massive, fast-growing, and rot-resistant, it was easy to mill into cabin logs, furniture, fence posts, and railroad ties. But the dominance wouldn’t…

This article or excerpt is included in the GLP’s daily curated selection of ideologically diverse news, opinion and analysis of biotechnology innovation. [Guatemalan] President Alejandro Giammattei announced that the distribution of seeds and planting of “vitaminized potatoes” will begin, which are being genetically modified at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (ICTA). [The President…

At the very moment when Kenya is confirming itself as a GMO success story, our neighbor to the south and fellow East African Community member-state has turned its back on the future of agriculture: Tanzania’s government just canceled the GMO field trials that could have helped its farmers improve their country’s food security. “We shall…

A study lead by researchers at the University of Calgary used gene editing to modify canola’s genes, producing shorter plants with more branches and flowers which could potentially increase the crop’s yield, the university says in a news release on Feb. 1. “We showed that gene editing actually works in canola, and simultaneously improved agronomic…

When it comes to agricultural misinformation, data will be the way to fix the record, according to Rebecca Larson, Western Sugar Cooperative chief scientist and vice president of governmental affairs. “Data has helped us a lot on Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology and issues faced with the non-GMO projects, but it is just a dip…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the deregulation of a cotton variety , designated as MON 88702, developed by the Monsanto Company (Monsanto) using genetic engineering for resistance to certain insects, primarily tarnished plant bugs (Lygus species) As part of the petition process, APHIS prepared a draft plant pest…

Sugarbeets growing on an eastern Montana farm. Beet farmers are looking forward to the Truvera, which will have three herbicides, to help keep a clean field. Not only is biotechnology is an opportunity for the beet industry, but it is also an avenue to increase sustainability. Scott Herndon, vice president and general counsel for the…

Genetic engineering techniques could play an important role in ensuring the future of global food security. Many countries worldwide are facing the double burden of hunger and under-nutrition alongside overweight and obesity, with one in three people across the globe currently suffering from some form of malnutrition. In fact, it’s not unusual to find people…