Crop Biotech Update

June 28, 2017

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Adesina Wins 2017 World Food Prize

The 2017 World Food Prize Laureate is Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, president of African Development Bank (AfDB), in honor of his efforts to improve food security in Africa for over 25 years. The winner was announced in a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 26, 2017.

'Food Evolution' Movie Redefines GM Food Debate

A new film on GM food crops hits the movie houses in New York and Los Angeles. The film, titled Food Evolution is a product of independent investigation of filmmakers Scott Hamilton Kennedy (Academy Award nominee) and Trace Sheehan. They were initially contacted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) to make a documentary covering fact-based public dialogue about the food system. However, as the filmmakers did their research and started filming, they became intrigued by consistently polarizing debate around GMOs. IFT was initially hesitant with the change of focus, but agreed as the filmmakers showed them the importance of covering the topic.

Researchers Discover Molecular 'Samurai Sword' Directs Plant Growth

Researchers from FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands reveal the secrets of a special protein that conducts plant growth. Katanin (named after katana, the Japanese word for samurai sword) severs microtubules at the right time and the right place. As a result, microtubules grow in the right direction and they guide further growth and plant cell division, and consequently plant growth.

University of Ljubljana Discusses New Variants of CRISPR Genome Editing Enzymes

CRISPR-mediated genome editing with the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 enzyme is revolutionizing life science research by providing new tools for genetic modification due to its specific targeting in the genome of hosts. While plant biotechnologists have used the Cas9-based system since 2013, there are still some limitations to its use in plants.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

Australia approved canola MS11 for cultivation, food, feed, and processing.
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.

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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