German Researchers Working to Develop Virus-Resistant Grapevines
July 3, 2009| |
The Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is a big problem for grapevine growers. The virus causes the dreaded fanleaf disease characterized by deformed and yellowed leaves and smaller grapes, resulting to yield loss and in extreme cases, crop loss. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME in Aachen, Germany are now developing genetically modified grape varieties resistant to the virus. The scientists are modifying plants to produce antibodies.
At its early stage in the study, the antibody gene is introduced and allowed to express in a model plant. Initial result shows that the modified plants are up to 100 percent resistant to the virus. "The antibody is produced very effectively inside the plants," says Steffan Schillberg, leader of the study. "The next step on the agenda is to test the method on actual grapevines and then to carry out field tests."
More information is available at http://www.fraunhofer.de/
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Future Food and Energy Demands Seen to Outpace Agric Production
- Scientists Develop Rust-Proof Soybean for Africa
- Locust Disaster in Tanzania Prevented
- Rapid Growth in Adoption of GE Crops in U.S.
- Researchers Decipher Melon Genome
- Mexico Cancels Outdated Biotech Regulations
- Bayer, Monsanto Ink Cross Licensing Agreement
- Forest Biotech is being ‘Strangled at Birth’, Scientists Say
- NAAS Releases State of Indian Agriculture
- India’s ICAR DG Calls for innovations in Agriculture
- Pakistan Allots Budget for Biotech R & D
- Policy on Use of Bt Cotton in Pakistan
- Cassava Ethanol Technology in Thailand
- Philippine National Scientist Expresses Support to Biotech
- Marker-free Transgenic Cassava Plants
- EU’s Top Scientific Body Reconfirms Safety of GM Maize
- Ukraine to Set up GMO Testing Labs
- Syngenta, Evogene Team up to Battle Soybean Worm
-
Research Highlights
- Researchers Identify Proteins that Block Invading Microbes
- German Researchers Working to Develop Virus-Resistant Grapevines
-
Announcements
- IDRC Internship Awards 2010
- BIPP Calls for Proposals
- INDoSol Course to be held in Indonesia
-
Resources
- Pocket K on Marker Free GM Plants
- Arabic Book on Biotechnology in Egypt
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (September 18, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 11, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet