Crop Biotech Update

November 22, 2017

Nigeria Stakeholders Embrace Bt Cotton as a Solution for Revamping the Textile Industry

Cotton stakeholders in Nigeria have agreed that Bt cotton has the potential to revive the deteriorating cotton textile industry in the country. A stakeholders meeting held in Abuja on November 8, 2017 attended by representatives from seed companies, government ministries, agencies, and farmers resolved that embracing Bt cotton is a viable way of addressing cotton farming challenges.

QUT Grows World's First Panama Disease-Resistant Bananas

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have developed and grown modified Cavendish bananas that are resistant to the devastating soil-borne fungus Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease.

Food Evolution Enlightens Filipino Students and Stakeholders on Global GMO Discussion

Around 400 high school and college students and faculty in Laguna, as well as regulators, researchers and scientists from the University of the Philippines Los Ba�os (UPLB), were informed about various perspectives on the international debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the special screening of the documentary film Food Evolution held on November 21, 2017 at DL Umali Hall, UPLB, College, Laguna. Food Evolution is narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson and features GMOs and its food products, their contribution to food security, and how misinformation affects public perception despite being scientifically documented in terms of safety and benefits. The film showing was an activity for the 13^th National Biotechnology Week which is celebrated on November 20-24, 2017 at Fisher Mall, Quezon City.

Scientists Evaluate the Use of CRISPR-Cas9 on Date Palm

Various GE techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 have been successfully employed for various crop plants including fruit trees. CRISPR-Cas9 holds great potential in GE due to their simplicity, competency, and versatility over other GE techniques. However, no such genetic improvement has been developed in date palm, an important fruit crop in Oasis agriculture.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

Scientists Evaluate the Use of CRISPR-Cas9 on Date Palm

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

Australia approved canola events MS11� RF3 and MS11 � RF3 � MON 88302.
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.

Visit GM APPROVAL DATABASE

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