Crop Biotech Update

December 11, 2019

International Research Team Finds Genes Conferring Resistance to Multiple Leaf Rust in Barley

An international team led by researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has identified genes that confer resistance to multiple leaf rust species in barley. Simon Krattinger from KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture refers to their findings as non-host resistance, the resistance of an entire species against all strains of a pathogen.

EU Calls for Study to Justify 2018 Legislation on Gene Editing

In 2018, the landmark decision by the European Court of Justice changed the way gene editing technology should be treated under EU law. The ruling was followed by endless disputes and ongoing debates ending in the ruling that plants and animals created using this technology should be treated and regulated under the GMO Directive as though they were genetically modified.

Biotech Crops are the Fastest Adopted Crop Technology, ISAAA

Biotech crops are considered as the fastest adopted crop technology in the history of modern agriculture, according to ISAAA Pocket K 16: Biotech Crop Highlights in 2018. From the initial planting of 1.7 million hectares in 1996 when the first biotech crop was commercialized, the 191.7 million hectares planted in 2018 indicates a ~113-fold increase.

FSANZ Releases Final Report on Review of Foods Derived Using New Breeding Techniques

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released the final review on foods developed using new breeding techniques (NBT) and found that while views in the community differed, many agreed that the current definitions lack clarity and are no longer fit for purpose when it comes to the safety and regulations of NBT-derived foods.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Cloning and Vector Construction of AtYUCCA6 Gene from Arabidopsis thaliana

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.

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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