Crop Biotech Update

October 10, 2019

Argentina's Secretaria de Alimentos y Bioeconom�a has approved a genetically modified (GM) corn for commercial planting. The crop has passed the rigorous evaluations set by national agencies on agricultural biotechnology and food safety, the Comision Nacional Asesora de Biotecnologia Agropecuaria (CONABIA) and Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Scientists Engineer Plants to Make Infant-friendly Fat Molecules for Formula Milk

Scientists have improved the metabolism of an oilseed plant to mimic the molecular structure of the human milk. Their technique made the oilseed plant accumulate triacylglycerol with most of the fatty acid in the middle of its molecular structure, instead of in the outer parts. This can potentially lead to a new plant-based source of milk fat substitute that infants can easily digest.

Engaging Editors Crucial for Improved Science Reporting in Kenya

A weak link between biotech crop scientists and media editors has been cited as a major impediment to more balanced and accurate reporting about agricultural biotechnology in Kenya. This emerged after scientists attending a Science Caf� held in Nairobi lamented that the media sometimes misrepresent scientific facts thus causing anxiety and public mistrust of science projects.

CRISPR-Cas9 Reveals Role of OsPLDα1 in Phytic Acid Biosynthesis in Rice Grains

Phosphorus-containing compounds such as phospholipids and phytic acid are vital in rice. Phytic acid is a major antinutrient, which decreases the bioavailability of essential micronutrients to humans and animals. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to investigate the interplay of phospholipids and phytic acid in rice grains.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

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.

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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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