Global

The rice tungro disease has always been the bane of Asian farmers. But hopefully not for long. Scientists at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, a US-based not-for-profit research institute, have discovered a technology that reduces the spread of the rice virus. Danforth Center President Roger N. Beachy and Research Scientist Shunhong Dai demonstrated that transgenic rice plants that overexpress either of the two rice proteins are tolerant to infection caused by the rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTVB).

The two proteins, RF2a and RF2b, are transcription factors known to be important for plant development and may be involved in regulating defense mechanisms that protect against virus infection. Laboratory and greenhouse findings conducted at the Danforth Center were confirmed recently in a greenhouse trial conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Rice Research Institute. Results of this research will contribute to the control of the rice tungro disease known to reduce rice yield by up to 70% in the rice growing countries in Southeast Asia. 

For the full paper see the December 22, 2008 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. A press release of the discovery is available at http://www.danforthcenter.org/newsmedia/NewsDetail.asp?nid=157  

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Africa

Swarms of voracious moth caterpillars have devoured crops in northern Liberia, sending thousands of villagers fleeing from their homes and forcing the West African state to declare a state of emergency. The plague is being described as the country’s worst in 30 years. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warned that unless quickly contained, the invasion is very likely to escalate into a regional crisis involving neighboring Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cöte d'Ivoire. FAO also said that the situation is made worse by the fact that many wells and waterways in the area are unfit for human consumption because of the huge volume of feces dropped by the caterpillars.

The caterpillars suspected to be African armyworms (Spodoptera spp) have affected some 46 villages in Bong, Lofa and Gbarpolu counties of northern Liberia, including two-thirds of the 200,000 inhabitants in Bong County which was the worst-hit area. Combating the caterpillars may prove to be difficult. FAO warned against the use of aerial spraying since it is likely to further contaminate the already precarious water supply in the area. Areas that have been hand-sprayed with pesticides, on the other hand, have quickly been re-infested since the caterpillars dwell on the leaves of giant forest trees that can rise more than eight meters above ground.

Read FAO’s press release at http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/9832/icode/

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the African Union Commission (Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to develop a strategic partnership between the two institutions. The MoU aims to strengthen food security in Africa while consolidating the capacity of African countries to sustain and enhance food security within the continent. Appropriate actions will be implemented to address issues related to poverty alleviation, hunger, and malnutrition.

The MoU was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping and the Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Mr. Joachim Von Braun.

The full text of the MoU is at  http://www.africa-union.org while a press release on this event is at  http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2008/december/pr/en173CP%20SIGNATURE%20%20PROTOCOLE%20D'ACCORD%20CUA-IFPRI%2010-12-08%20-%20eng.doc

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Americas

Scientists from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have solved the mystery of a disease that can destroy up to 15 percent of a cotton crop in the southeastern United States. ARS says that the discovery could save cotton crops and prevent unnecessary insecticide spraying.

Ten years ago, scientists reported an emerging seed rot disease that was discoloring seeds and darkening fibers in cotton bolls in the southeastern states, making the crops unmarketable. Gino Medrano and colleagues from the ARS Cotton Pathology Research Unit discovered that this disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula). The stink bug’s bite, the scientists found, creates a pathway for the bacteria to enter the boll and damage it. By infecting bolls at various stages, they found damage levels depending on when infections occur in the fruiting cycle and on how long infection is allowed to spread before harvest. Bolls infected three weeks after flowering are resistant and undamaged. Younger bolls remain susceptible.

Read the full article at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090121.htm

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Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a late-ripening, disease-resistant apple variety. The new variety, which they named WineCrisp, carries the Vf gene for scab resistance. WineCrisp was developed over the past 20 plus years through classical breeding techniques.

Why does it take over 20 years to make an apple? The researchers explained that it has taken them a long time because they want to test the apple variety in different locations and observe it over a number of years. The original cross in the breeding process was done at Rutgers in 1989. The University of Illinois has also collaborated with Purdue University on the project. U of I geneticist Schuyler Korban noted that it takes time for a new orchard or even for an existing orchard to plant new apple varieties. But when WineCrisp cuttings are grafted into a fast-growing root stock, Korban says there could be fruit on the tree in as little as three years.

Read the press release at http://news.illinois.edu/

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will be extending the public comment period on its proposed biotech rule changes. The USDA agency announced late last year its intent to revise existing regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically modified organisms.

More than 15,000 comments were sent to APHIS during the initial comment period. “This overwhelming reaction shows the significance of the proposed biotech rule changes,” noted Cindy Smith, administrator of APHIS.  APHIS says that it is extending the period to allow more time for interested parties to prepare and submit comments. The agency is particularly interested in receiving comments related to the regulation of GM crops that produce pharmaceutical and industrial compounds, elimination of the notification procedure, and incorporation of the noxious weed provisions of the Plant Protection Act into the proposed regulations.

APHIS will consider comments received on or before March 17, 2009.

The proposed rule is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/. Read the press release at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/01/biotecreg.shtml

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) introduced a pilot biotechnology quality management system (BQMS) in line with its efforts to enhance compliance with the regulatory requirements for field trials and movements of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms.

“Our goal with the biotechnology quality management system is to give developers the tools they need to better comply with our regulations,” said Michael Gregoire, deputy administrator for APHIS’ biotechnology regulatory services program. “The pilot project provides us with an opportunity to further develop and improve the system before its full implementation.”

Guidelines for the system are available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/news_bqms.shtml. The APHIS media release is posted at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/01/qmspilot.shtml

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The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is set to create and manage a BioSafety Resource Network (BRN) to support four research project teams under the Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative. The Center received a US$5.4 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support this project which focuses on the use of appropriate technologies to increase nutrients in local crops. Results of this research will ultimately be shared with developing countries where malnutrition is a major problem.

“Success with this new initiative will provide a blueprint for other institutions and companies seeking to introduce nutritionally enhanced crops in the countries that will most benefit from approving and growing them,” said Dr. Paul Anderson, executive director of International Programs at the Danforth Center.

View http://www.danforthcenter.org/newsmedia/NewsDetail.asp?nid=158 for details of this news.

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Asia and the Pacific

World renowned rice breeder and geneticist Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush donated Rs.3.5 crore equivalent to US$0.75 million to the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana on the occasion of its convocation ceremony on 15^th Jan 2009. The amount will be used to strengthen research work at the University. This amount has been accumulated from the prize money of various international awards which he has received till date, Dr. Khush said. In his convocation address, he said that India's condition used to be hand to mouth, where hunger and poverty were rampant. "We have come a long way since then and the world, today, is marveling at our growth rate. And if this trend continues, India is sure to become one of the most important economic power-houses of the world."

Dr. Khush highlighted the introduction of high yielding varieties of rice and wheat in the sixties and seventies that set the stage for the green revolution. With biotechnology, scientists are now able to develop crops with higher yield potential and resistance to diseases and pests. Setting aside the fear over the safely of genetically modified (GM) crops/foods, Dr. Khush said there is no legitimate evidence of harm to human health or environment from these foods. He said that social anxiety over these foods is fueled by lack of understanding of genetic modification process, negative opinion in the media and opposition by certain activist groups. "Biotechnology is a useful tool for ensuring food and nutritional security", he stressed.

Dr Khush is an alumnus of the university from where he started his scientific journey some 53 years ago. For more information about PAU’s convocation see http://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageStory&DO=viewStoryDetail&intStoryID=16; additional details regarding Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush and his family at http://www.khush.org/ . For more information about biotech development in India contact b.choudhary@cgiar.org or k.gaur@cgiar.org.

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The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) has acknowledged the effect of climate change in rice cultivation and production in Malaysia. Director General Datuk Dr. Abdul Shukor Abdul Rahman says MARDI is developing new varieties of rice that are resistant to flood, drought, and high temperatures.

Climate change has rendered several areas in Malaysia unsuitable for rice cultivation, especially the ‘rice bowl’ area in Kedah and this has caused losses in millions of Ringgit. With the new rice varieties, farmers would have better choices and could plant different rice varieties according to the environmental conditions such as too much or too little water, extreme and unfavorable temperatures, acidic soil, and increase in carbon dioxide. The director general further stressed that the current seeds in use which are MR219 and MR232 are not able to thrive under unfavorable conditions.

For more information on biotechnology in Malaysia email Mahaletchumy Arujanan of the Malaysia Biotechnology Information Center at maha@mabic.org.my.

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The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has signed an agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) that will support and facilitate India's rice research for the next  three years. The agreement includes three projects supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that include projects on Stress-tolerant rice for poor farmers in Africa and South Asia (STRASA), the Cereal systems initiative for South Asia (CSISA), and the development of C4 rice.

“The work plan focuses on conserving, evaluating, and enhancing genetic resources,” said Mangala Rai, ICAR director general, “as well as enhancing the productivity and sustainability of intensive cereal systems; improving productivity and livelihood for fragile environments; assessing the impact of, mitigation of, and adaptation to climate change; and strengthening linkages between research and development, including training.”

The press release is available at http://beta.irri.org/news/index.php/Press-Releases/2009/New-agreement-opens-avenues-for-strengthening-Indian-rice-research.html

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Food industry is one of the vital industries in Indonesia. Developing trends of food demand, land requirement, tightening regulation, and increasing competitiveness are challenges for Indonesian food industry performance, which were tackled during the Outlook Seminar of Food Industry 2009, held in the University of Pelita Harapan (UPH), Tangerang, Indonesia. The forum was highlighted by the presentations of Dr. George A. Burdock, President of Burdock Group, who discussed the many advances in the food industry including nanotechnology and biotechnology and their impact on society. David Knight, director of Agri-Com International Ltd., Singapore, discussed about prospects and trends of the global food business.

The Indonesian Biotechnology Information Center (IndoBic) Director Dr. Bambang Purwantara elaborated on the application of biotechnology in food production and industry. He recommended to support more inter-disciplinary and inter -ministerial discussion for better understanding of transgenic agricultural products,  and the establishment of a regulatory system. These actions would convince both developers and opponents that the GM regulatory assessment is on track; and also to assure that biotechnology and biodiversity are in harmony in attaining agricultural sustainability.

Papers on the seminar can be downloaded at http://www.foodreview.biz/preview.php?view&id=162. For more information on this event, email marketing@foodreview.biz. Contact Dewi Suryani of IndoBIC at   dewisuryani@biotrop.org for information on biotechnology in Indonesia.

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Israel-based Hazera Genetics has completed the acquisition of L.S.L Biotechnologies Inc. and L.S.L Plant Science, specializing in the cultivation, production and marketing of long shelf-life tomato varieties in North America. According to Rami Dar, CEO of Hazera Genetics, the acquisition of LSL is expected to complement Hazera Genetics’ line of tomato products and to strengthen the company’s position in North America and other markets throughout the world.

Visit http://www.hazera.com/english/ for more information.

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Europe

The European Commission recommended that farmers in 27 EU member states be allowed to grow two genetically modified corn varieties. The recommendation applies to Syngenta’s Bt 11 and TC-1507, which was jointly developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred and Mycogen Seeds. Biotech experts from the member states will decide next month whether to allow the cultivation of these GM corn varieties.

The European Union has approved the importation of several GM crop varieties, including RR2Yield and LibertyLink soybeans, in recent years. But the EU hasn’t given approval for farmers to plant GM crops since 1998, when it approved Monsanto’s MON810 Bt corn. 

For more information, visit http://europa.eu/press_room/index_en.htm

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Plant Science Sweden AB has been granted approval to field-test rape lines (Brassica napus) genetically modified for improved seed oil composition. The GM lines contain increased levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition to fungal genes coding for desaturase enzymes, the transgenic plants also contain the gene ahas as selectable marker (tolerance to Imidazolinones) to identify transgenic cells in tissue culture.

Based on greenhouse observations, the genetically modified oilseed rape lines do not differ from the parental control lines. No difference regarding persistence in agricultural habitats or invasiveness in natural habitats compared to conventional oilseed rape is expected. The trial is authorized to take place at the municipalities of Eslöv, Svalöv, Klippan, Kristianstad and Vara on a total area of 15 hectares.

For more information, visit http://gmoinfo.jrc.ec.europa.eu/gmp_browse.aspx

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A scientific opinion on Guignardia citricarpa Kiely, the fungus that causes the black spot (CBS) disease has been published by the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Plant Health Panel (PLH). The European Commission asked EFSA for scientific advice on CBS following a request by South Africa to review current EU phytosanitary regulations relating to the export of citrus fruit from South Africa to the EU.

South Africa suggested that current EU phytosanitary measures regarding the import of fresh citrus fruit from the country be revised since citrus-growing areas of Europe do not have a climate suitable for the CBS disease to take hold. However, EFSA concluded that the climatic conditions would not be a barrier to CBS fungus establishing itself in European citrus growing areas. The Food Safety Authority pointed out that the assessment of climatic suitability provided by South Africa was based on the use of specialized software which has many limitations.

The CSB-causing fungus is currently not present in Europe. According to the PHL Panel, existing control measures in the continent are not fully effective in eliminating the likelihood of the introduction of the disease from South Africa. The Panel also noted that G. citricarpa can easily establish itself in Europe as there are many susceptible citrus host plants.

EFSA’s opinion paper is available for download at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/efsa_locale-1178620753812_1211902274417.htm

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