Crop Biotech Update

January 31, 2018

Arctic� Fuji Apple Gets Canadian Approval

Arctic� Fuji, Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.'s (OSF) third nonbrowning Arctic� apple variety has been approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada (HC).

"Wild" Genes Open Up Opportunities for Better Rice Varieties

The genomes of seven wild rice varieties have been completed, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Published in Nature Genetics, the study details the generation of seven wild and two cultivated genomes (IR8 and N22). IR8, more popularly known as "miracle rice," was developed by IRRI scientists and was one of the rice varieties that ushered in the Green Revolution in Asia during the 1960s and relieved worldwide famine.

African Women Vow to Rally Behind Biotech

Members of the Africa Women for Biosciences (AWfB) have vowed to rally behind biotechnology as they advocate for efficient and effective policy environment. The network, comprising of women with an interest and passion in science, technology and innovation, said this during a biosafety communication training workshop held on January 25-26, 2018, in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop aimed at equipping AWfB's members with effective communication and media engagement skills, in order to diversify voices advocating for biotechnology in Kenya.

Researchers Perform Allele Exchange at EPSPS Locus in Cassava using CRISPR-Cas9

Effective weed control can protect yields of cassava (Manihot esculenta) storage roots from losses. Hence, a herbicide tolerant cultivar could benefit farmers. The team of Aaron W. Hummel from the University of Minnesota applied traditional transgenesis and gene editing to generate glyphosate tolerance in cassava.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

Researchers Perform Allele Exchange at EPSPS Locus in Cassava using CRISPR-Cas9

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

The USA approved sugarcane event CTC91087-6 for food and feed.
The USA approved maize event DBN9858 for food and feed.
The USA approved potato event Gen2-Z6 for food and feed.
The USA approved cotton MON88702 for cultivation.
The USA approved petunia event A1-DFR for cultivation.
The USA approved maize event PY203 for cultication.

Visit GM APPROVAL DATABASE

The Crop Biotech Update is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a non-for-profit organization. The CBU is distributed for free to over 23,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in agricultural biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.

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