Crop Biotech Update

May 5, 2021

Harvard University Researchers Create New Gene Editing Tool Retron Library Recombineering

"Move over CRISPR, the retrons are coming!" Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School (HMS) have created a new gene editing tool called Retron Library Recombineering (RLR) that enables millions of genetic experiments to be performed simultaneously.

European Commission Study Shows Potential for Agriculture of New Genomic Techniques and Need for New Policy

The European Commission has published a study on new genomic techniques (NGTs) that shows the techniques have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable food system as part of the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The study also finds that the current GMO legislation adopted in 2001, is not fit for purpose for these innovative technologies. The Commission will now start a wide and open consultation process to discuss the design of a new legal framework for these biotechnologies.

Research Confirms GM Grass Cleanses Soil of Toxic Pollutants Left by Military Explosives

A study conducted at the University of York has confirmed that genetically modified (GM) switchgrass detoxifies residues of the military explosive RDX, left behind on live-fire training ranges, munitions dumps, and minefields. RDX has been used on munitions since WW2 and its use has now resulted in widespread groundwater pollution.

Researchers Explore Off-target Effects of TALEN-mediated Bar-knockout in Rice

Researchers from Korea's National Institute of Agricultural Sciences conducted a study using gene editing technology to generate bialaphos-resistance (bar)-knockouts in herbicide tolerant rice and identify effects resulting from off-targets.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Mutant Maize Gene Gives Clues on Breeding Better Crops

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

Turkey approved soybean DAS-44406-6 and maize DAS-40278-9 for feed use.
The Philippines approved GHB811 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved maize Bt11 x TC1507 x GA21 for cultivation.
The Philippines approved GA21 x T25 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved maize TC1507 � MON810 � MIR604 � NK603 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved soybean FG72 for food, feed, and processing.

Visit GM APPROVAL DATABASE

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