Gene editing could help plant breeders find replacements as older genetic modification technologies develop resistance
Glacier FarmMedia – New genomic discovery methods will help farmers deal with older genetically modified crop traits that are no longer working as well as they used to. For example, corn rootworm is developing resistance to the Bt traits that have for years controlled the significant corn pest in North America. New genomic tools like […] Read moreTag Archives CRISPR
Cost of access to plant gene banks may increase
Proposed changes to international plant gene sharing treaty could could bring additional costs to researchers, farmers
Glacier FarmMedia – Plant breeders around the globe can freely access plant gene banks for development of new crop varieties under the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Proposed changes at the international level could make access — and future crop research — more costly. Who would pay that cost is not […] Read more
Root rot in research lens
WINNIPEG — Pulse crops breeders have had some success in developing varieties of peas and lentils with genetic resistance to root rot. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan have developed lines of peas with partial resistance to aphanomyces, a stubborn soil pathogen that causes root rot. “Some promising lines are now in registration trials,” said […] Read more
Pulse sector goes slow on gene editing
WINNIPEG — Canadian pulse growers may have to wait before they can plant gene-edited peas, lentils and chickpeas. Gene editing is a permitted technology in Canada and in India, a critical export market for pulse crops. However, researchers and pulse industry leaders are hesitant to release gene-edited varieties because they’re worried about market acceptance. For […] Read more
Gene editing looks for acceptance as it evolves
Glacier FarmMedia – The rapid pace of change brought by genome editing tools has created many new opportunities for the agri-food industry, but they aren’t without challenges. Regulatory hurdles must be considered, and the tools must benefit society as well as the agriculture industry. That was the focus of a recent paper and webinar by […] Read more
High-protein soybeans could benefit Western Canada
Early-maturing varieties grown in Manitoba have a reputation for low protein and face a discount in global markets
WINNIPEG — A San Francisco company may soon commercialize a line of high-protein soybeans, which could lead to peas, wheat and other crops with more protein in the grain. In April, The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the development of the gene-edited, high-protein soybeans, saying they don’t require further review or regulation. Amfora, the company […] Read more
CFIA declares gene editing safe for livestock feed
WINNIPEG — Leaders in Canada’s grain industry are praising the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a decision made on gene edited crops and livestock feeds. Today, the Canola Council of Canada, the Canada Grains Council and Cereals Canada “applauded” the CFIA for its new guidance on gene editing. Related stories: “This is a ground-breaking day […] Read more
Opposition to gene edited crops ‘getting weaker’
Researcher says public is likely to accept gene editing technology because of its beneficial applications for public health
WINNIPEG — The amount of money and human resources directed at gene edited crops is staggering, says Kevin Folta, a University of Florida plant scientist. China, India and other nations are dumping billions into the technology in efforts to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. “Colleagues of mine who are over there (China), their labs are […] Read more
EU loosens rules for new genomic techniques
A recent decision by the European Parliament could open opportunities for crop development and international trade
SASKATOON — A European Parliament decision earlier this month to adopt new rules for what it calls new genomic techniques is good news for agriculture and international trade, say industry and academic experts. “Science has been under a very dark cloud for a long time in Europe, and so now I think we’re seeing those […] Read more
Research explores plant breeding predictability
Study indicates that the role of background mutations demands greater reassessment when developing new varieties
For about 80,000 years, evolution has shaped cherry-sized tomatoes that first originated in Ecuador. Farming and crop breeding led to bigger, sweeter varieties as they spread in popularity and diversity of uses. Now, CRISPR gene editing can create new mutations with even greater improvements on desired traits. But none of these mutations, whether natural or […] Read more
