Crop Biotech Update

June 3, 2020

First Results from Human COVID-19 Immunology Study Identify Universally Effective Antibodies

The first set of results from an immunological study of 149 people who have recovered from COVID-19 show that although the amount of antibodies they generated varies widely, most of them generated at least some that were intrinsically capable of neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Three distinct antibodies that were shown to be the most potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 have been found.

Omega-3 Canola Oil to Help Reduce Overfishing

Omega-3 oils from canola plants are ready to become available in the global aquaculture market. The omega-3 oils, developed by Nuseed, are considered as the first land-based sources of omega-3 oil, which is normally derived from fish such as salmon or trout.

Bt Brinjal Farmers Earned 21.7% More, Satisfied with Yield and Crop Quality

A new study conducted by Cornell University reveals that eggplant farmers in Bangladesh have attained significantly higher yields and revenues by growing the insect resistant, genetically engineered (GE) Bt brinjal (eggplant). According to the study published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, the four Bt brinjal varieties yielded, on average, 19.6% more eggplant than non-Bt varieties and earned growers 21.7% higher revenue.

Genome Editing and Its Applications in Health and Agriculture

ISAAA AfriCenter will hold a live webinar on genome editing and its applications in health and agriculture. The webinar is scheduled on Friday, June 5, 2020 (World Environment Day) from 1200 GMT - 1300 GMT. Genome editing presents the scientific community with tools at relatively low cost for innovation in biomedicine, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and other sectors relating to bio-economy. In line with the theme of World Environment Day, the webinar will focus on nature's immense contribution to scientific innovations. To join the session, register for free at https://tinyurl.com/yap87752.

COVID-19 ALERTS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

GA20ox-2 Targeted Mutation Produces Semi-dwarf Rice

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

The Philippines approved cotton MON88701 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved corn MON87427 x MON89034 x TC1507 x MON87411 x 59122 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved eggplant EE1 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved corn MON87429 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved rice GR2E for commercial propagation.
The Philippines approved (renewal) corn MON89034 for commercial propagation.

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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