Researchers develop healthier potatoes

Researchers from the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, used CRISPR-Cas9 to knockdown vacuolar invertase (VInv) gene, which resulted to reduced cold-storage sugar formation and sweetening in potatoes. The findings are published in Planta. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockdown of VInv gene was carried out using two sgRNAs in …

IAEA and FAO send seeds to Space

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched seeds into space as part of their initiative to develop crops that can withstand the impacts of climate change. The Arabidopsis and sorghum seeds are traveling to the International Space Station staring …

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 …

CRISPR used to develop low glutelin rice for phenylketonuria and kidney disease patients

Researchers from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Yangzhou University in China developed low glutelin rice using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. Their findings are published in Plant Science. Chronic kidney disease and phenylketonuria patients are required to consume rice with low glutelin content. Thus, one of the goals of …

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 …

EU-SAGE launches interactive database of genome-edited crops

The European Sustainable Agriculture through Genome Editing network (EU-SAGE) has published an interactive database for genome-edited crops. The database shows that genome editing is used in a wide variety of crops to improve diverse characteristics, many of which can contribute to more sustainable agriculture. The EU-SAGE database represents state-of-the-art scientific …

CRISPR-Combo edits and regulates genes at the same time

University of Maryland scientists have developed CRISPR-Combo, a new tool for editing several genes in plants while simultaneously modifying the expression of other genes. This breakthrough, published in Nature Plants, allows genetic engineering combinations that work together to enhance the functionality and breeding of new crops. “As a proof of …

Researchers reveal genetic basis of watermelon seed size

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have revealed the genetic variation that determines the watermelon seed size based on a systematic study that explored the molecular basis of natural variation. The results are published in Horticulture Research. Seed size is one of the vital agronomic traits of watermelon …