|
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
|
||||
NewsGLOBAL[Top]
FAVORABLE OUTLOOK FOR WORLD CEREAL PRODUCTION IN 2007 This year harbors in bright prospects for the world cereal crop production, according to the recent report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This is mainly due to expanded plantings in Europe and North America. Production among low-income food-deficit countries also increased significantly in 2006, with record or good crops in most regions of the world. Food security problems persist in several countries, however, due to localized losses of 2006 crops and civil conflict. African countries continue to experience food security problems due to natural phenomena such as floods and droughts, civil conflicts, and localized poor harvests. In Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, food supply situation remains critical as a result of the sharp reduction of food aid. Serious food security problems also persist in some parts of Asia such as Sri Lanka and Iraq due to political instability and conflict. In Haiti assistance is still required due to long-term problems of insecurity and economic crisis. Read the news article at http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000493/index.html. [Top]
BIOMASS: A CLEAN FUEL FOR THE STEEL INDUSTRY? In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of steelmaking, researchers involved with the European Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking (ULCOS) project have been replacing fossil fuels with biomass, notably from forest plantations in the tropics. The project also aims to develop more efficient, less polluting processes for converting that biomass into charcoal. The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) is lending its research expertise in the production, supply and sustainable use of woody biomass from eucalyptus as a cleaner fuel source. Brazil and several central countries have been chosen as “candidate” countries to host plantations of the fast-growing eucalyptus. Preliminary tests on carbon flux in Brazilian and Congolese plantations showed that Brazilian plantations have higher carbon sequestration potential than those in Congo. In the conversion of biomass to charcoal, researchers have been concentrating on innovative thermochemical processes such as high-pressure pyrolysis. The results show that high pressure and slow heating help reduce gas emissions in relation to conventional processes under atmospheric pressure. The news article is available at http://www.cirad.fr/en/actualite/communique.php?id=626. AFRICA[Top]
MAIZE SEED LEAVES GIANT FOOTPRINT IN NEPAL, KENYA AND ZIMBABWE Through the seeds that the Technology Adoption through Research Organizations (TATRO) has been producing, farmers in Africa have more reasons to smile. The maize seed, which looks small, proved to be prolific. Small-scale maize farmers of the Regional Agricultural Association Group (RAAG) in Western Kenya now obtain more than 2 tons of maize grain per hectare. The variety that TATRO grows is called Kakamega Synthetic-I. It is open-pollinated, drought tolerant and matures earlier than other local varieties. Kakamega Synthetic-I was released by the KARI research station in Kakamega, Kenya. Its pedigree can be traced back to the work of CIMMYT and many partners in southern and eastern Africa to develop stress tolerant maize for the region’s smallholders. The variety has also been released in Nepal, after small-scale farmers from the mid-hills chose it as one of their favorites in participatory varietal trials. The readers can access the complete news release at http://www.cimmyt.org/english/wps/news/2007/jan/smallSeed.htm. [Top]
NEW DROUGHT-TOLERANT MAIZE VARIETY IN AFRICA A drought-tolerant maize seed has been launched recently to help boost food production in African countries. The development of the maize seed is part of a project based at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Nairobi. According to Wilfred Mwangi, project leader with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the maize project aims to supply the new seeds to farmers in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, Nigeria, South Africa, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The first drought-tolerant, open-pollinated hybrid varieties of maize and wheat were introduced into eastern and southern African in 1999. Read the news article at http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=69829. [Top]
AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS TO INCREASE COOPERATION ON BIOTECH African governments have recognized the importance of regional cooperation to address the possibilities and the range of issues associated with biotechnology and genetic modification. The African Union (AU) resolved to take a common approach to address issues pertaining to modern biotechnology and biosafety. According to a report of a meeting it convened in Addis Ababa late last year to take a common position on biotechnology, it was noted that biotechnology had a key role to play in developing African agriculture and reducing poverty. Te meeting was attended by approximately 50 experts from various African countries and institutions including the Regional Economic Communities (RECs,) research institutions, civil society organizations, farmers associations, universities, the private sector and other stakeholders. Therefore it was agreed that AU Model Law on biotechnology and biosafety be reviewed to facilitate easier access and utilization of biotechnology. Participants to the meeting also urged the governments to take an active role in capacity building and public awareness creation. For more information contact afsta@afsta.org AMERICAS[Top]
USDA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON DEREGULATION OF GM SOYBEAN The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) is seeking public comment for a petition to deregulate MON 89788, a genetically engineered soybean developed by Monsanto. The soybean is resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. APHIS has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) to determine whether deregulating the soybean could have a significant impact on the environment. After a thorough review of the scientific evidence, APHIS’ current preferred action is to deregulate the soybean based on the determination that it is as safe as its traditionally bred counterparts. MON 89788 is also subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Monsanto has submitted documents to FDA to address these regulations. Read the complete news release at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/02/gesbean.shtml. [Top]
DuPont AGRIC AND NUTRITION CONTINUES TO GROW AMIDST NEW TECHNOLOGIES DuPont Agriculture and Nutrition is expecting to grow sales and earnings in 2007 as efforts to invest in high growth opportunities in plant genetics and biotechnology step up. DuPont Group Vice President J. Erik Fyrwald said the company has significantly increased the amount of seed with the three-way stack of biotech traits that are in high demand. Along with strong momentum internationally, these actions will fuel growth in 2007 and position the company for accelerated growth in the years that follow. At the same time, DuPont is expanding the company's competitive advantage with next-generation biotech traits and advanced crop protection products. Readers can access the press release at [Top]
PEW INITIATIVE ANALYSIS: STATE LEGISLATURES FOCUS ON AGRIBIOTECH Agricultural biotechnology continues to be of interest to state legislatures, according to a new fact sheet and web database released by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology. Twenty-nine percent of introduced legislation addressed the regulation of seeds and crops; 22 percent of introduced bills were in support of agricultural biotechnology; 16 percent of introduced bills sought to impose moratoria on GM crops and animals and 15 percent of legislation addressed rights and responsibilities of farmers and biotech seed producers by establishing liability for damages caused by genetically modified crops. ASIA AND THE PACIFIC[Top]
THE RELAUNCH OF MABIC-MALAYSIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTRE
After six years of inception and actively being involved in the promotion of biotechnology in Malaysia, the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) was reenergized through the unveiling of its new direction and logo. The event was officiated by the Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Dato’ Dr. Vijayaratnam S. Seevaratnam. In hid opening remark, he commended MABIC for being the pioneer and the only not-for-profit organization in the country to promote biotechnology. He further said an NGO like MABIC could assume an effective role in supplementing and complementing the Government’s efforts. The part undertaken by MABIC in raising public awareness and acceptance of biotechnology is of paramount importance because this will ensure the smooth flow of technology from the laboratory to the market place. MABIC pledged to support the government’s efforts and its future plans include producing more publications, creating database on biotech players, carrying out more outreach programmes and collaborating with new partners to reach out to new audience. Contact Mahaletchumy Arujanan from MABIC at maha@bic.org.my for more information. Visit MABIC's Website: http://www.bic.org.my. [Top]
AGRICULTURE TO GAIN FROM BIOTECH For the first time, ISAAA’s Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops was launched in Malaysia. This was an enriching experience for local players who were enlightened on the global trends in this area. Dr. Clive James said the higher yield per hectare and double crop production on the same area could save forests from being converted to agricultural land. Further to Dr. James’s comment, the Plantation Industries and Commodities parliamentary secretary, Dato’ Dr. Vijayaratnam S. Seevaratnam said that agriculture sector is the biggest beneficiary of biotechnology advancements in Malaysia. He said commodity crops could benefit from the use of biotechnology as the technology will ensure higher yield and sustainable agriculture. He further stressed that to transform the agriculture sector, Malaysia should look into increasing productivity, controlling pests and diseases, and battling unfavorable cultivation conditions through biotechnology. Contact Mahaletchumy Arujanan from MABIC at maha@bic.org.my for more information. EUROPE[Top]
BAYER CROPSCIENCE AND UNILEVER TO CO-DEVELOP NEW TOMATO VARIETIES “With Unilever’s R&D and consumer insights, and Nunhems expertise in vegetable seed genetics, this partnership is a win-win for both parties”, Dr. Orlando de Ponti, Nunhems’ Director of Research & Development commented. “We look forward to the growth that this agreement will offer to our global tomato portfolio.” Read the press release at http://www.newsroom.bayercropscience.com/bayer/cropscience/cscms.nsf/id/20070205_EN?Open [Top]
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REPORT ON PROSPECTS FOR BIOTECH The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament has released a draft report on Biotechnology: Prospects and challenges for agriculture in Europe. It notes that modern biotechnology is one of the leading new technologies that has huge economic, commercial, social and environmental implications in Europe and globally and hence, notes that it should, among others to:
The report further details what has to be done in terms of legislative framework, research and development, and in responding to public concerns. Read the report at http://www.europabio.org/ne_230107.htm. [Top]
DELIBERATE RELEASES OF GMOS IN EUROPE Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary are some of the countries in Europe that are doing research involving genetically modified organisms. These projects involve research on weed control strategies in maize, and field trials for evaluation of herbicide resistance and insect tolerance transformation events in cotton and maize. A listing of deliberate releases and placing on the European market of genetically modified organisms is available online. It details the project title, name of institute or company, publication, state and notification number. See the complete list at http://www.jrc.cec.eu.int. [Top]
GM PEAS TO PROTECT ANIMALS IN GERMANY A new approach for protecting animals against infectious diseases is being investigated by Novoplant, one of the new plant biotech firms based in Gatersleben, Germany. This involves inserting suitable genes in feed crops to produce the antibodies. Mixing these in animal feed would allow the animals to ingest the antibodies and supplement the animals' immune system through a ‘passive inoculation’. Novoplant has developed four different GM pea lines each producing a specific antibody for a particular infectious disease. Farthest in its development is the GM pea that produces "single-chain antibodies" against Escherichia coli bacteria, which triggers intestinal infections in pigs. The antibodies are produced only in the seeds and not in the rest of the plant. At this point, field trial plans with genetically modified peas are being set by Novoplant in Gatersleben. The researchers want to find out genetic stability of the peas and the antibody yield that can be achieved under field conditions. The trial has not yet been authorized by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). Read the full article at http://www.gmo-safety.eu/en/news/536.docu.html Research[Top]
NO DIFFERENCE IN ARTHROPOD ABUNDANCE IN BT, NON-BT COTTON FIELDS No significant differences on species abundance and dynamics of ground-dwelling arthropod species were found when Bt and non-Bt cotton was used. The three year study conducted in growers’ fields in Georgia (USA) using standard practices, was done to provide information to help address the concern that the reduced insecticide use in transgenic cotton varieties may exert a variety of effects on ground-dwelling predator communities. Sixty-five taxa represented by 38,980 ground-dwelling arthropods (carabids, cicindelines, staphylinids, dermapterans, heteropterans and araneids) that are important for cotton pest management were recorded in the survey. The arthropods were collected using pitfall traps placed at the site and were collected each week during the study. Except for one carabid, no other predatory ground-dwelling taxa were found unique to a cotton genotype or year. The results of this study by J.B. Torres and J.R. Ruberson were published by the Annals of Applied Biology. It can be accessed by journal subscribers at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1744-7348.2006.00087.x. [Top]
RAPID ASSAY FOR DETECTING HERBICIDE DRIFT Glyphosate herbicide is a very versatile herbicide but may cause a problem if it drifts to susceptible crops. The susceptible crops may exhibit decreased growth, reduced yield, or even be killed if the drift dosage exceeds the target tolerance level. Thus, determining the type and degree of injury is important to a producer. A quick and accurate method for detecting herbicide drift due to glyphosate has been tested by a group of researchers at the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). The method relies on the accumulation of shikimate in plant leaf tissues when glyphosate is applied. The level of shikimate was measured using spectrophotometric assay of 4mm diameter leaf discs. Shikimate levels were compared at five different rates of glyphosate application. The researchers found that the method can be used for detecting herbicide drift in sunflower, proso millet and wheat under greenhouse and field conditions. They recommend that producers should sample the most severely injured plants along the edge of the potential drift event if they choose to use the leaf disc assay. Details of the study can be accessed by Weed Science journal subscribers at http://www.bioone.org/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1614%2FWS-06-065.1. [Top]
OLDER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MORE POSITIVE TO BIOTECH THAN YOUNG ONES Older (14-17 years) Australian high school students have more positive attitude to biotechnology than younger ones (12-13 years), this was the conclusion of a study that examined the development of the students’ understandings and attitudes about the technology as they go through high school. It was also determined that most students approved of the use of biotechnology processes involving microorganisms, plants and humans but disapproved of the use of animals. The data was generated from 465 students by Vaille Dawson of Edith Cowan University, through semi-structured interviews and written surveys. To determine the attitudes, the participants were asked to rate 15 biotechnology processes which ranged from traditional to modern procedures. They were also asked to define genetically modified foods and give examples where biotechnology and cloning are used. Dawson recommends that appropriate biotechnology curriculum materials be used to improve biotechnology education. The researcher added that providing to young people a well-developed scientific understanding of biotechnology and associated processes will enable them to contribute to public debate and make informed personal decisions. The complete paper was published by Research in Science Education and accessible at http://www.springerlink.com/content/w345855258877tg8/. [Top]
Cross pollination between GM and naturally occurring plants may take place in plants that have mobile pollen, such as canola. This may cause plant relatives or even weeds to take on a genetically modified trait, such as herbicide resistance. Cindy Sagers, associate professor at the University of Arkansas and her colleagues Chris Pires, of the University of Missouri, Columbia; and C. Neal Stewart Jr., of the University of Tennessee are examining how the genome rearranges itself when genetically modified organisms and wild plants hybridize. The researchers would like to determine how novel genes transfer from a genetically modified crop into a weed or natural crop. Using fluorescent dyes to "paint" specific chromosomes and track their migration within particular hybrids, the researchers aim to determine what specific pairings of populations create viable hybrids with genetically modified components. The scientists will use a relative of Arabidopsis for their research. The project aims to help scientists working with genetically modified crops to better control and regulate the reproduction of desirable genes in the appropriate plants. Contact the researcher at csagers@uark.edu. Read the full news article at http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/9967.htm [Top]
ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON PLANT TISSUE CULTURE AND AGRIBIOTECH (APaCPA 2007) The Asia Pacific Conference on Plant Tissue Culture and Agribiotechnology(APaCPA 2007) is scheduled on June 17-21, 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under the auspices of the Asia Pacific Association of Plant Tissue Culture and Agribiotechnology and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. The scope of the conference extends to various areas in biotechnology, including: plant cell & tissue culture, agribiotechnology, aquaculture & animal biotechnology, biotechnology in horticulture & forestry, pharmaceuticals & health-care products, bioinformatics & systems biology, and biosafety, bioethics & biotechnology policies. Further information are available at: http://www.aimst.edu.my/apacpa2007/index.htm. CONFERENCE ON ORPHAN CROPS IN AFRICA The conference “New approaches to plant breeding of orphan crops in Africa” will be held on September 19-21, 2007 in Bern, Switzerland. Orphan crops, also referred as SIGMEA WORKSHOP ON COEXISTENCE As part of the project Sustainable Introduction of GM Crops into European Agriculture (SIGMEA), the workshop “Legal approaches to Co-Existence” will be held in Sheffield, United Kingdom on April 15-16, 2007. The aim of the workshop is to present the alternative approaches adopted by various Member States of the European Union to address the issues that arise from the co-existence of crops GM crops with conventional and organic farming. The workshop will also tackle the issue of liability and redress for economic losses which may be caused to non-GM farmers, and the specific problem of GM crops and cross-border related liability issues. For further information about the workshop, contact Ruth Digby (email: lwp05rad@sheffield.ac.uk ; phone: (0)114 222 6713). IOWA STATE’S SYMPOSIUM ON EPISTASIS Iowa State University’s Annual Plant Sciences Institute Symposium will focus on Epistasis and Gene Interaction. The “Symposium on Epistasis: Predicting Phenotypes and Evolutionary Trajectories” will be held on 31 May to 3 June, 2007 in Ames, Iowa. [Top]
Document RemindersCROPS HERBICIDE AND PGR PRODUCT TABLES UPDATE A new herbicide and plant growth regulators (PGR) product tables compiled using information from agronomists and manufacturers that outline what weeds products should be used for, when they are best applied and at what rate, is now available. The table listing over 40 products for grass and broadleaved weeds, plus growth regulators is available at http://www.fwi.co.uk/gr/Crops%20herbicide%20table.html. DOCUMENTS ON CROP BIOTECH IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES A workshop summary, papers and presentations from a workshop on “Measuring the impacts of biotechnology” organized by The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are available online including a paper on the socio-economic impact of non-transgenic crop biotechnologies in developing countries by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). See unity mission - Joint A CODEX TASK FORCE REPORT ON BIOTECH FOODS Two session reports of Codex Task Force on foods derived from biotechnology are now available. One is on the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology held in Chiba, Japan. See document ALINORM 07/30/34, with links to the agenda and documents, at http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/archives.jsp (currently in English and Spanish) or contact codex@fao.org for further information. The other report is on the Codex Committee on Food Labelling held in Ottawa, Canada. See the meeting agenda, with links to the meeting documents, at http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/current.jsp (in English, French and Spanish) or contact codex@fao.org for further information. |
||||
