Biotech Updates

The European Commission has authorized eight genetically modified organisms (GMOs), all for food/feed uses. These are: maize MZHG0JG; maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9; maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 x DAS-40278-9; maize Bt11 x MIR162 x MIR604 x 1507 x 5307 x GA21; renewals of soybean MON 89788 and soybean A2704-12; renewal of cotton LLCotton25; and renewal of oilseed rape T45.

Scientists Discover How Sorghum Controls Genome to Survive Drought

A new study led by scientists from the University of California Berkeley reveals how sorghum plants control its genome - switching some genes on and some genes off at the first sign of water scarcity, and again when water returns - to survive when its surroundings turn harsh and arid.

Field Trials Reveal Blight Resistant GM Potatoes

The latest stage of field trials conducted by The Sainsbury Laboratory for a genetically modified (GM) potato with improved tuber quality and resistance to the devastating disease late blight has progressed successfully. The field trials were conducted after successful lab experiments to modify Maris Piper potatoes with late blight resistance genes from Solanum americanum and S. venturii, wild relatives of potato.

Brazilian Scientists Publish Most Complete Genome Sequence of Commercial Sugarcane

An international group of researchers led by scientists from Brazil's Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) has assembled the most complete genome sequence of commercial sugarcane, mapping 373,869 genes, equivalent to 99.1% of the total genome. The group sequenced the variety SP80-3280, one of the top 20 sugarcane varieties grown in São Paulo. It was chosen for sequencing because more data are available about this variety in scientific literature than any other variety.