CABBI engineers bioenergy crops for improved water efficiency

A pair of studies conducted by researchers from the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) show the potential of genetic engineering in improving water use efficiency (WUE) in climate-friendly C4 bioenergy crops without negative effects on yield. Their studies are published in the Journal of Experimental Botany. In …

GM lettuce and mizuna show antibacterial activity against E. coli

Researchers from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Nomad Bioscience GmbH in Germany produced genetically modified (GM) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and mizuna (Brassica rapa subsp. nipposinica var. laciniata) that stably express Colicin M (ColM), a non-antibiotic antimicrobial protein found in some strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). …

Researchers enhance soybean Phytophthora resistance without growth penalty

Nanjing Agricultural University researchers reported how they improved soybean’s resistance to Phytophthora without compromising growth. Their findings are published in Phytopathology Research. A plant’s immune system is turned on when it perceives the presence of pathogens. An active immune system impacts growth, making it a challenge to balance plant immunity …

GM purple tomato gets approval in the United States

Norfolk Plant Sciences Ltd welcomed the decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which means US home growers should be able to purchase seeds and grow the nutritionally enhanced high-anthocyanin purple tomato from spring 2023. The USDA Regulatory Status Review (RSR) issued on Wednesday September 7 is based …

Drought-tolerant soybean performs better at major plant stages

Most studies on drought-tolerant genetically modified (GM) plants are done to document how such tolerance occurs during the plants’ vegetative stage. However, a team of scientists decided to broaden their study and observe drought tolerance in GM soybean plants at seedling, vegetative and reproductive phases. Results showed that the GM …

Sweeter tomatoes developed through gene editing

Researchers from Nagoya University reported that they have successfully developed sweeter tomatoes using gene editing technology. The results are published in Scientific Reports. High-sugar content tomatoes are usually expensive in the market because of the extensive process needed to achieve the sweetness, which also reduces the size of the fruits. …

Plant-based jet fuel could reduce emissions by 68%

Research from the University of Georgia led by scientist Puneet Dwivedi has found that replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with sustainable fuel from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68 percent. Researches rteam estimated the break-even price and life cycle carbon emissions of sustainable aviation …