Genetically Modified Crops

Several plant defense genes, including an iris ribosomal-inactivating protein (I-RIP) and a maize β-glucanase (M-GLU) as well as a small antimicrobial peptide (5 kd) from Mirabilisjalapa(Mj-AMP) were separately introduced into tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum) cv. Sweet Chelsea using Agrobacteriumtumefaciens-mediated transformation. Transgenic lines carrying each of the transgenes were confirmed for integration into the tomato genome using Southern blot hybridization. Transcription of I-RIP, M-GLU, and Mj-AMP genes in various transgenic lines was determined using Northern blot analysis. Plants of some transgenic lines were inoculated with a 2 × 104 to 3 × 104 conidial spores/mL suspension of the fungal pathogen Alternariasolani, the causal agent of tomato early blight disease. Several transgenic lines carrying either a M-GLU or Mj-AMP transgene showed a higher level of resistance to early blight than control (nontransgenic) plants. The implications of this approach on developing disea...

Background: Expression of double strand RNA (dsRNA) designed against important insect genes in transgenic plants have been shown to give protection against pests through RNA interference (RNAi), thus opening the way for a new generation of insect-resistant crops. We have earlier compared the efficacy of dsRNAs/siRNAs, against a number of target genes, for interference in growth of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) upon oral feeding. The v-ATPase subunit A (v-ATPaseA) coding gene was identified as a crucial target. We now report the effectiveness of transgenic tobacco plants expressing siRNA to silence v-ATPaseA gene expression for the control of whitefly infestation. Methodology/Principal Findings: Transgenic tobacco lines were developed for the expression of long dsRNA precursor to make siRNA and knock down the v-ATPaseA mRNA in whitefly. Molecular analysis and insecticidal properties of the transgenic plants established the formation of siRNA targeting the whitefly v-ATPaseA, in the leaves. The transcript level of v-ATPaseA in whiteflies was reduced up to 62% after feeding on the transgenic plants. Heavy infestation of whiteflies on the control plants caused significant loss of sugar content which led to the drooping of leaves. The transgenic plants did not show drooping effect. Conclusions/Significance: Host plant derived pest resistance was achieved against whiteflies by genetic transformation of tobacco which generated siRNA against the whitefly v-ATPaseA gene. Transgenic tobacco lines expressing dsRNA of v-ATPaseA, delivered sufficient siRNA to whiteflies feeding on them, mounting a significant silencing response, leading to their mortality. The transcript level of the target gene was reduced in whiteflies feeding on transgenic plants. The strategy can be taken up for genetic engineering of plants to control whiteflies in field crops.

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This study evaluated the agronomic and yield performance of three buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) cultivars-Kitawase Soba, Hitachi Aki Soba, and Kumamoto Gensoba-under the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Philippines. Buckwheat, a nutrient-rich pseudocereal, is gaining attention due to its high mineral content and health benefits, with increasing market demand globally. The research aimed to identify promising varieties adaptable to the local agroecological setting and assess the cost and return of cultivation. The trial was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 on "adtuyon" clay soil at 800 masl. Standard cultural practices (organic and inorganic fertilization) were applied. Agronomic parameters, including plant height, number of seed clusters, seeds per plant, and seed weight, were measured alongside yield performance. Results showed that Kitawase Soba was the earliest maturing variety at 57 days and achieved the highest grain yield at 2.487 mtha-1 , closely followed by Kumamoto Gensoba at 2.447 mtha-1 and Hitachi Aki Soba at 2.295 mtha-1. Also, it generated the highest net income per hectare, indicating its economic advantage. All three cultivars exhibited good adaptation to the local conditions with minimal pests and disease challenges. This study recommends Kitawase Soba and Kumamoto Gensoba as the most promising cultivars for commercial buckwheat production in the region. Further, multi-location trials are suggested to validate these findings. The results highlighted the potential of buckwheat as a viable crop for diversified farming systems, contributing to food security and augmenting rural income generation in Northern Mindanao.

ABSTRACTEggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) is one of the most important vegetables grown and consumed in the Philippines; hence, continuous breeding programs are vital to maintain the supply of this economically important crop. This study demonstrates the first successfulAgrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and plant regeneration of a Philippine eggplant cultivar, ‘PH 11424’ also known as ‘Mistisa’. Cotyledons from two-week old seedlings were used as explants, which were transformed with disarmedAgrobacterium tumefaciensstrain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector for CRISPR/Cas9 expression and hygromycin phosphotransferase (HPT), an antibiotic selection marker. Growth of shoot primordia from the agro-infected explants was observed during selective culture with 7.5 ppm hygromycin, which indicated an initial transformation success. The putatively transformed shoot primordia were then transferred to an elongation medium. The elongated and hygromycin-resistant shoots were allowed to d...

Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum (cv. Spunta) was transformed with a chimeric transgene containing the Potato virus Y (PVY) coat protein (CP) sequence. Screening for PVY resistance under greenhouse conditions yielded over 100 independent candidate lines. Successive field testing of selected lines allowed the identification of two genetically stable PVY-resistant lines, SY230 and SY233, which were further evaluated in field trials at different potato-producing regions in Argentina. In total, more than 2,000 individuals from each line were tested along a 6-year period. While no or negligible PVY infection was observed in the transgenic lines, infection rates of control plants were consistently high and reached levels of up to 70-80%. Parallel field studies were performed in virus-free environments to assess the agronomical performance of the selected lines. Tubers collected from these assays exhibited agronomical traits and biochemical compositions indistinguishable from those of the non-transformed Spunta cultivar. In addition, an interspecific out-crossing trial to determine the magnitude of possible natural gene flow between transgenic line SY233 and its wild relative Solanum chacoense was performed. This trial yielded negative results, suggesting an extremely low probability for such an event to occur.

The effect of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) alone or in combination with naphthaleneacetic acid or indoleacetic acid on the morphogenetic response of cotyledon explants of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. was tested. The best results were obtained with a medium containing 25 µM 6-BA, which yielded organogenic calli at a frequency of 81.8%. When these organogenic calli were transferred to elongation medium (basal medium supplemented with 0.5 µM 6-BA), 80% produced well-developed shoots. These shoots rooted normally when cultured on rooting medium containing indolebutyric acid at 2.5 or 5.0 µM. Plants grew to maturity under greenhouse conditions and gave normal fruits. Cotyledon explants were transformed by cocultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 carrying the binary vector pBI121 which bears the reporter gene β-glucuronidase (gus) and the marker gene neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII). Transformants were selected for growth capacity on medium with 100 mgl -1 of kanamycin. On the basis of β-glucuronidase expression, the transformation frequency was 14.2%. Molecular characterization by polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of the two genes transferred (gus, nptII) in the transgenic plants. Sexual transmission of both genes was also confirmed by studying their expression in progenies from several transgenic plants.

The covalent attachment of ubiquitin to proteins plays a fundamental role in the regulation of cellular function through biological events involving abiotic or biotic stress responses, immune responses, and apoptosis. Here, we characterize the biological function of the Arabidopsis thaliana RING Zinc Finger 1 (AtRZF1) in dehydration response. AtRZF1 was significantly reduced by drought stress. The atrzf1 mutant was less sensitive to osmotic stress than the wild-type during early seedling development, whereas transgenic plants overexpressing AtRZF1 were hypersensitive, indicating that AtRZF1 negatively regulates drought-mediated control of early seedling development. Moreover, the ectopic expression of the AtRZF1 gene was very significantly influential in drought sensitive parameters including proline content, water loss, membrane ion leakage and the expression of dehydration stress-related genes. AtRZF1 is a functional E3 ubiquitin ligase, and its conserved C3H2C3-type RING domain is likely important for the biological function of AtRZF1 in drought response. Together, these results suggest that the E3 ligase AtRZF1 is an important regulator of water deficit stress during early seedling development.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important drought-tolerant oilseed crop valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and agricultural significance. The crop is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids, along with vitamin E and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and anti-inflammatory activities. Its deep root system and tolerance to drought and salinity make it suitable for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Safflower oil is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its health-promoting properties. The crop also requires less pesticide use because of its natural resistance to pests and birds. Therefore, safflower has great potential as a sustainable and health-promoting crop for future agriculture.

Transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin produces a crystal (Cry) protein toxic to caterpillars that is non-toxic to stink bugs. The objectives of this study were to identify the number of plants attacked and not by Dichelops melacanthus, to evaluate foliar damage through the number of punctures, to evaluate plant height, weight of grain production by corn plants attacked and not and economic loss. The research was carried out on a commercial production agricultural farm in an area of 700 m 2 . Eight areas were evaluated (10 m × 1.8 m) randomly distributed and in V6 physiological stage. Data were recorded, tabulated in Excel spreadsheet and statistically analysed by T Student test with 5% of significance for comparison of two independent groups. The results indicate that 80.7% of corn plants were attacked by D. melacanthus presenting punctures in their leaves. The average height for attacked plants was 41.2 ± 2.2 cm and 41.5 ± 3.3 cm for not attacked. A significant reduction in production of 23% was verified. The weight of grains of attacked plant was in average 3048 ± 319 g and 3956 ± 269 g in not-attacked plant, demonstrating that the damage caused by D. melhacantus reduces Bt corn productivity and loss of income of 98.93 US dollars per hectare.

The transgenic corn line 98140 has a high level of resistance to glyphosate and all five chemical classes of herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS). The dual herbicide resistance is due to a molecular stack of two constitutively expressed genes: gat4621, which produces a glyphosate acetyltransferase that rapidly inactivates glyphosate, and hra, which produces a highly resistant ALS. On a rate basis, the positive 98140 isoline with a single copy of the gat4621 gene is over 1,000-fold more resistant to glyphosate than a negative isoline without the transgene. Similarly, the positive 98140 isoline with the hra gene is over 1,000-fold more resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides such as chlorimuron and sulfometuron at the whole-plant and enzyme level. The gat4621 and hra genes do not change the natural tolerance of corn to selective herbicides, so new corn hybrids based on 98140 will give growers more options to manage weeds and delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds.

As a result of energy consumption and human activities, a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions has led to global warming, which seriously affects the growth and development of plants. Vegetables are an indispensable part of people’s diet. In the plant kingdom, a variety of vegetables are highly sensitive to climate change. For them, an increase of just a few degrees above their optimum temperature threshold can result in a loss of yield and quality. Emerging strategies such as practice management and breeding varieties in response to above-optimal temperatures are critical for abiotic stress resistance of vegetable crops. In this study, the function and application of multiple strategies, including breeding improvement, epigenetic modification directed generation of alleles, gene editing techniques, and accumulation of mutations in multigenerational adaptation to abiotic stress, were discussed in vegetable crops. It is believed to be meaningful for plants to build plasticity und...

The rapid growth in the world's population poses a significant threat to food security, making genetically modified organisms (GMOs) an important potential solution. Alongside technological advancements, public awareness of GMOs-including their benefits and existing challenges-plays a crucial role in their acceptance and use within communities. This study aimed to assess opinions and the level of awareness of the Iranian public regarding GM products, the sources they consult for information on the topic, and their trust in these sources. A survey was conducted with 5,730 predominantly young, urban, and well-educated individuals from 16 provinces. The results revealed that 40% of respondents held positive attitudes toward GM crops, a figure higher than those reported in some social media analyses. Using multiple logistic regression, the study found that factors such as age, education, occupation, and residence significantly influenced attitudes toward GMOs, whereas gender did not. Although 42% of participants reported having limited knowledge about GMOs, most expressed greater trust in scientists compared to media sources and supported various applications of GMO technology. These findings, which focus on educated urban youth due to convenience sampling, underscore the importance of education and media in shaping perceptions of GM products in Iran.

Background Bacillusthuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive bacterium responsible for the production of a wide variety of insecticidal Cry, Cyt, and Vip proteins with distinct insect specificities. The bioinsecticides derived from Bt Cry proteins account for > 95% of the microbial biopesticide market to combat a variety of pest species belonging to the order Lepidoptera (including Spodoptera spp.), Coleoptera, Diptera, etc. Cry proteins are engineered by using different molecular techniques to control the development of multiple insecticide resistance problems in major insect pests using bio-toxicity assays. Main body It is common knowledge that the Cry proteins domain II and III are involved in pore formation or interaction between several insect larval receptors and the membranes of epithelial cells. In the present research, the PCR site-directed mutagenesis technique was used to introduce a total of four mutations into the cry genes (cry1 and cry2) near key regions of active prot...

Insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely utilized in a variety of insect control applications, including sprays and transgenic crops. The development of resistance in pests, on the other hand, can lessen the effectiveness of Bt toxins. In this study, we made efforts to enhance the toxicity of two cry proteins Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa through random mutagenesis against cotton bollworm (Earias vitella), one of the most destructive cotton pests in Pakistan. Random mutagenesis is an important tool for elucidating protein structure-function relationships and for modifying proteins to enhance or change their characteristics. We focused on whole cry proteins for random mutagenesis through error-prone PCR and constructed a recombinant library of cry proteins. Sequence analysis of eight mutants showed the mutations of 34 different nucleotides in Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa genes. All mutants were spared for toxicity bioassays against 2 nd instar larvae of spotted bollworm. Cry1Ac mutant RM1AcM4 (D242E) and Cry2Aa mutants RM2AaM2 (T354A, T492R, F511L, G585E, D606Y) showed enhanced toxicity as compared to proteins without mutation. These two mutants comprise the mutations in domain-II of cry proteins important in specificity determining regions on midgut receptors in insect pests.

The initial concept of gene therapy, proposing the replacement of faulty DNA with healthy DNA in individuals
affected by genetic disorders, stemmed from the recognition of the genetic basis of hereditary diseases. However,
over four decades of research have revealed that implementing this idea is considerably more intricate and
challenging than initially thought. The field of gene editing has since arisen to enable precise modifications to
genomic sequences, aiming to overcome the limitations of conventional gene insertion techniques and ensure
safe and effective interventions. Here, we explore the latest advancements in the delivery, precision, and
user-friendliness of gene editing tools. Furthermore, this method is highly adaptable to multiplexing, where
multiple g RNAs are used simultaneously to induce DSBs at various loci, owing to the dissociation of the Cas9
protein from the g RNA. It is reasonable to expect the emergence of numerous new CRISPR-based gene editing
tools, given the limited research focus on the vast array of natural CRISPR systems. In the realm of electrical
discharge machining (EDM) process optimization, traditional methodologies often rely on Signal-to-Noise
(S/N) ratio calculations to assess and improve performance. However, the utilization of orthogonal array tables
alongside advanced techniques such as fuzzy logic analysis and grey relational analysis offers an alternative
approach .Grey relational analysis, stemming from grey system theory, serves as a powerful tool to delve
into the complex interdependencies among diverse responses within the process. By employing this method,
engineers and researchers can discern patterns and relationships that may not be immediately apparent through
conventional means .One of the notable advantages of grey relational analysis is its ability to mitigate the
need for S/N ratio calculations. Instead, it provides a holistic framework for comprehensively understanding
the dynamics of the process, thereby streamlining experimentation and optimization efforts. Through the
systematic application of orthogonal array tables and techniques like logic analysis alongside grey relational
analysis, researchers can effectively navigate the multifaceted landscape of optimization. By leveraging these
methodologies, they can pinpoint optimal parameters and configurations while circumventing the limitations
associated with traditional approaches reliant on S/N ratios. Gene Editing, Base Editing, Prime Editing,
Transcription Activator-Like Effectors Nucleases, CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13, Safety, Applicability,
Cost and Accessibility, and Regulatory Considerations are all part of the Gene Editing Technologies GRA
Rank. Base editing holds the lowest rank, while CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13 hold the highest rank.

Previous studies on the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) peroxidase TPX1, including the development of transgenic tomato over‐expressing this gene, supported an involvement of this peroxidase in the synthesis of lignin and suberin. The transgenic plants showed a wilty phenotype at flowering, but the relationship between this role in ligno‐suberization and this phenotype was not clear. In the present study a histological approach and the measurement of water‐related parameters have been performed in order to obtain an insight into the origin of this phenotype. Clear differences between transgenic and non‐transgenic roots were observed in the cross‐sections of the basal root zones where secondary growth was evident. The diameter of the xylem vessel was diminished in the transgenic plants. Total area corresponding to xylem in the basal cross‐sections decreased 3.9 fold in the transgenic roots. In addition, the radial and outer tangential walls of the exodermis cells were more lig...

Untersuchungen des Weizengenoms haben ergeben, dass in der Genregion des Braunrostresistenzgens Lr 0 zwei Varianten existieren, die evolutionär ungewöhnlich stabil sind. Das weist darauf hin, dass beide unter jeweils verschiedenen Umgebungsbedingungen für die Pflanzen vorteilhaft sind. An zwei Sommerweizensorten wurde untersucht, welche Bedeutung diese Resistenz – einmal mit klassischen Züchtungsmethoden, einmal gentechnisch eingeführt – für den Phänotyp in Abwesenheit von Braunrosterregern hat. Bei beiden Sorten zeigten sich signifikante Unterschiede in morphologischen Merkmalen zwischen den Varianten mit und ohne Resistenzgen. Veränderungen traten auch im Vergleich von konventioneller und biologisch-dynamischer Kulturführung auf. Implikationen der angewendeten Züchtungsmethoden werden diskutiert und es wird erörtert, warum gentechnisch veränderte Weizensorten im biologisch-dynamischen Landbau nicht zu verwenden sind.

Gibt es unbeabsichtigte Veranderungen bei transgenen Pflanzen? Die vorliegende Untersuchung geht dieser Frage anhand morphologischer Parameter nach. Tomaten zeigten als Nebeneffekte veranderte Wachstumsdynamik und Blattformen. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Wachsen und Reifen war disharmonischer.

In diesem Artikel werden eine Reihe unbeabsichtigter phänotypischer Effekte einer genetischen Modifikation bei der Kartoffelsorte Bintje vorgestellt. In Pflanzen dieser Sorte wurden zwei verschiedene Gen-Konstrukte eingeführt: Ein Viscotoxin Gen aus der Mistel und ein Aminolävulinat Gen aus der Bäckerhefe. Die gentechnisch veränderten (GV) Pflanzen und entsprechende Kontrollen wurden in zwei unterschiedlichen Wuchsbedingungen untersucht. Die GV Pflanzen zeigten Unterschiede in Entwicklungsdynamik und Alterungsprozess; Abweichungen in der Pflanzengestalt, in der Form der Knollen und der Blätter konnten beobachtet werden. Einige Unterschiede in der Blattform zeigten Interaktionen zwischen Pflanze und Umgebung und weisen somit auf eine veränderte Anpassungsplastizität hin. Die begleitende Untersuchung von phänotypischen Unterschieden zwischen den drei kommerziellen Sorten Bintje, Appell und Naturella ergab, dass das Set der verwendeten morphologischen Charaktere auch geeignet ist, Sort...

In this paper, I take rural Philippines as the centre of my analysis to articulate structural injustice in a postcolonial rural context, inspired by Getachew and Mantena's suggestion of conceptual reanimation as a decolonial practice. I show how smallholder corn farmers in the southern Philippine province of Bukidnon articulate a loss of agency, perpetuated not only by local economic-political elites but also by multinational seed corporations, building on colonial structures of power. This demonstrates Young's and Haslanger's assertion that material conditions and social-cultural structures are mutually sustaining, but also shows how structures of global capitalism intertwine with colonial relationships of patronage and the marginalization of rural and indigenous peoples. This decolonial approach to structural injustice is needed because much of the conceptual discussion of structural injustice, as well as practices of global capitalism, originate from the Global North; without contextual awareness, critical theory from the Global North can reproduce structural injustice in the Global South.

Recent research revealed that TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) homologues are involved in the critical developmental process of floral initiation in several plant species. In this study, the functions of three putative TFL1 homologues (JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c) in the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas were analysed using the transgenic approach. JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c, but not JcTFL1a, could complement the TFL1 function and rescue early flowering and determinate inflorescence phenotype in tfl1-14 Arabidopsis mutant, thus suggesting that JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c may be homologues of TFL1. Transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c showed late flowering, whereas only JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c overexpression delayed flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis. JcTFL1b-RNAi transgenic Jatropha consistently exhibited moderately early flowering phenotype. JcFT and JcAP1 were significantly downregulated in transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c, which suggested that the late ...

Recent research revealed that TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) homologues are involved in the critical developmental process of floral initiation in several plant species. In this study, the functions of three putative TFL1 homologues (JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c) in the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas were analysed using the transgenic approach. JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c, but not JcTFL1a, could complement the TFL1 function and rescue early flowering and determinate inflorescence phenotype in tfl1-14 Arabidopsis mutant, thus suggesting that JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c may be homologues of TFL1. Transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c showed late flowering, whereas only JcTFL1b and JcTFL1c overexpression delayed flowering in transgenic Arabidopsis. JcTFL1b-RNAi transgenic Jatropha consistently exhibited moderately early flowering phenotype. JcFT and JcAP1 were significantly downregulated in transgenic Jatropha overexpressing JcTFL1a, JcTFL1b or JcTFL1c, which suggested that the late ...

Global interest in sugarcane has increased significantly in recent years due to its economic impact on sustainable energy production. Sugarcane breeding and better agronomic practices have contributed to a huge increase in sugarcane yield in the last 30 years. Additional increases in sugarcane yield are expected to result from the use of biotechnology tools in the near future. Genetically modified (GM) sugarcane that incorporates genes to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could play a major role in achieving this goal. However, to bring GM sugarcane to the market, it is necessary to follow a regulatory process that will evaluate the environmental and health impacts of this crop. The regulatory review process is usually accomplished through a comparison of the biology and composition of the GM cultivar and a non-GM counterpart.

The objective of this work was to analyze the agronomic performance and chromosomal stability of transgenic homozygous progenies of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.], and to confirm the resistance of these plants against Anticarsia gemmatalis. Eleven progenies expressing cry1Ac, hpt and gusA genes were evaluated for agronomic characteristics in relation to the nontransformed parent IAS 5 cultivar. Cytogenetical analysis was carried out on transgenic and nontransgenic plants. Two out of the 11 transgenic progenies were also evaluated, in vitro and in vivo, for resistance to A. gemmatalis. Two negative controls were used in resistance bioassays: a transgenic homozygous line, containing only the gusA reporter gene, and nontransgenic 'IAS 5' plants. The presence of cry1Ac transgene affected neither the development nor the yield of plants. Cytogenetical analysis showed that transgenic plants presented normal karyotype. In detached-leaf bioassay, cry1Ac plants exhibited complete efficacy against A. gemmatalis, whereas negative controls were significantly damaged. Whole-plant feeding assay confirmed a very high protection of cry1Ac against velvetbean caterpillar, while nontransgenic 'IAS 5' plants and homozygous gusA line exhibited 56.5 and 71.5% defoliation, respectively. The presence of cry1Ac transgene doesn't affect the majority of agronomic traits (including yield) of soybean and grants high protection against A. gemmatalis.

Transgenic crop varieties are a rapidly expanding and controversial technology. Their effects on biological and cultural diversity are a key issue in an often polarized debate. Here we provide answers to questions about one important example, that of transgenic maize in Mexico. In situ maize diversity in Mexico is present in traditional varieties in farmers' fields, and in wild and weedy relatives of maize. It is likely that transgenes are present in farmers' local maize varieties, but it is unknown whether they have introgressed. Socioeconomic changes, including migration, trade liberalization, and reduced support for Mexican farmers, may also affect maize diversity. Diversity may increase, decrease, or remain the same, but whether this is viewed as good or bad will depend on subjective values.

Unintended spatial spread of genetic information is one of the major problems in modern agriculture. The vertical distribution of transgenic properties and the spatial spread of resistant weeds and pests are likely to develop under long-term pesticide use. These are complex systems that require an integrated view of population dynamics, genetics, and physical transport processes. Mathematical models may be utilised to support of risk assessment and to derive appropriate risk management strategies. In this contribution we propose a generic modelling framework that provides an explicit simulation of the spatial patterns of gene flow through agro-ecosystems. Pollen dispersal is modelled with traditional transport equations from atmospheric physics that are applied to outcrossing studies of genetically modified maize. Transport equations were coupled to models of population dynamics and genetics with partial differential equations that combine dispersal, growth and genetics. The overall model consists of a set of coupled partial differential equations for pollen dispersal, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of each biotype involved. Initial boundary value problems are set up for the dispersal of resistance in dependence on spatial spread patterns, which are solved by finite element methods.

The present study was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2019 to estimate the genetic variation in 6 genotypes of cotton at three different sowing dates regarding cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) tolerance, quality and yield traits. For this purpose ANOVA, correlation and principal  component analysis were performed. The ANOVA showed that sowing date effects were significant for sympodial branches count while varietal effects were significant for all studied traits i.e. sympodial branches
count, height of plant, bolls count, fiber length, fiber fineness, whitefly population, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), yield except days to first boll open and ginning out turn GOT(%). The interaction of sowing date and variety was significant only for plant height. The analysis of correlation depicted that days to 1st boll open had significant negative correlation with sympodial branches count, bolls count, GOT(%), fiber length and yield while it had positive correlation with CLCuD. However, GOT(%) and fiber length had positive correlation with yield. Whitefly has positive correlation with CLCuD and CLCuD had negative correlation with yield. In principal
component (PC) analysis out of 13 PCs, first three contributed 69.4(%) towards variability. PC I was important as yield had maximum negative factor loading and CLCuD % has maximum positive factor loading in PC I. Further, there was important contribution of plant height, bolls count and sympodial branches count in PC I . Inshort, days to first boll opening shows positive correlation with CLCuD, so early planitng should be preferred to get optimum yield.

The implication of molecular biology in crop improvement is now more than three decades old. Not surprisingly, technology has moved on, and there are a number of new techniques that may or may not come under the genetically modified (GM) banner and, therefore, GM regulations. In cisgenic technology, cisgenes from crossable plants are used and it is a single procedure of gene introduction whereby the problem of linkage drag of other genes is overcome. The gene used in cisgenic approach is similar compared with classical breeding and cisgenic plant should be treated equally as classically bred plant and differently from transgenic plants. Therefore, it offers a sturdy reference to treat cisgenic plants similarly as classically bred plants, by exemption of cisgenesis from the current GMO legislations. This review covers the implications of cisgenesis towards the sustainable development in the genetic improvement of crops and considers the prospects for the technology.

The present study was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2019 to estimate the genetic variation in 6 genotypes of cotton at three different sowing dates regarding cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) tolerance,
quality and yield traits. For this purpose ANOVA, correlation and principal component analysis were performed. The ANOVA showed that sowing date effects were significant for sympodial branches count while varietal effects were significant for all studied traits i.e. sympodial branches count, height of plant, bolls count, fiber length, fiber fineness, whitefly population, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), yield except days to first boll open and ginning out turn GOT(%). The interaction of sowing date and variety was significant only for plant height. The analysis of correlation depicted that days to 1st boll open had significant negative correlation with sympodial
branches count, bolls count, GOT(%), fiber length and yield while it had positive correlation with CLCuD. However, GOT(%) and fiber length had positive correlation with yield. Whitefly has positive correlation with CLCuD and CLCuD had negative correlation with yield. In principal component (PC) analysis out of 13 PCs, first three contributed 69.4(%) towards variability. PC I was important as yield had maximum negative factor loading and CLCuD % has maximum positive factor loading in PC I. Further, there was important contribution of plant height, bolls count and sympodial branches count in PC I . Inshort, days to first boll opening shows positive correlation with CLCuD, so early planitng should be preferred to get optimum yield

There is a growing argument that the inability of the local farmers in Nigeria (relying on the indigenous agricultural system and seeds) to produce enough for the growing populace is failing. The proponents of this argument opined that for the situation to improve, the farmers must embrace the cultivation of Genetically Modified Seedlings. This is misleading and false, as it has been established that in parts of the world, where Genetically Modified Seedlings have been wholly embraced and cultivated, the effects have been devastating, creating situations of total dependency on foreign aid/grants. It is therefore based on this that the paper suggests that there is an urgent need for the government and other stakeholders to first revive the indigenous agricultural system as well as provide the enabling environment (enlightenment, financial resources, good roads, and storage facilities) that will encourage the local farmers to put in their best in providing both for the nation and the market. Data obtained from primary and secondary sources were deployed to carry out the study with an analytical and narrative historical approach. This includes historical, descriptive, and analytical approaches based on gathered evidence. The primary source for this research is based on field investigations conducted in the area and surrounding territories. Among other things, the data collection process includes semi-structured interviews with individuals. The research also uses historical documents from the national archives. In this way, relying on previous research conducted on issues of agriculture/food production systems.

Background: Rice productivity is adversely affected by environmental stresses. Transcription factors (TFs), as the regulators of gene expression, are the key players contributing to stress tolerance and crop yield. Histone gene binding protein-1b (OsHBP1b) is a TF localized within the Saltol QTL in rice. Recently, we have reported the characterization of OsHBP1b in relation to salinity and drought tolerance in a model system tobacco. In the present study, we over-express the full-length gene encoding OsHBP1b in the homologous system (rice) to assess its contribution towards multiple stress tolerance and grain yield. Results: We provide evidence to show that transgenic rice plants over-expressing OsHBP1b exhibit better survival and favourable osmotic parameters under salinity stress than the wild type counterparts. These transgenic plants restricted reactive oxygen species accumulation by exhibiting high antioxidant enzyme activity (ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), under salinity conditions. Additionally, these transgenic plants maintained the chlorophyll concentration, organellar structure, photosynthesis and expression of photosynthesis and stressrelated genes even when subjected to salinity stress. Experiments conducted for other abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperature revealed improved tolerance in these transgenic plants with better root and shoot growth, better photosynthetic parameters, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, in comparison with WT. Further, the roots of transgenic lines showed large cortical cells and accumulated a good amount of callose, unlike the WT roots, thus enabling them to penetrate hard soil and prevent the entry of harmful ions in the cell. Conclusion: Collectively, our results show that rice HBP1b gene contributes to multiple abiotic stress tolerance through several molecular and physiological pathways and hence, may serve as an important gene for providing multiple stress tolerance and improving crop yield in rice.

interactions. Tomatoes are not just a staple in our diets; they are a crucial resource for researchers. This red, juicy fruit boasts several characteristics that make it an ideal plant for studying plant-pathogen interactions. The experimental tractability of S. lycopersicum in laboratory settings allows scientists to investigate various plant pathogens and their strategies for breaching plant defences . Additionally, the tomato's vast genetic diversity and the wealth of available genomic information as well as tomato pathogen diversity, facilitate research to unravel the genetic and molecular basis of disease resistance and susceptibility and reiterate its important position in the pathogen system . These pathogens have co-evolved with their hosts, triggering intricate molecular antagonism between them, where plants deploy defence mechanisms to repel disease-causing microbes, while the pathogens including viruses in turn employ strategies to subvert these defences . Viruses are obligate intracellular microorganisms that usually remain inactive until they find their way into the hosts . They alter the cellular processes of their hosts to their advantage, thereby ensuring their successful reproduction. Due to their miniature sizes coupled with their relatively limited coding ability, the viruses produce proteins with multifunctional characteristics . The advent of cutting-edge technologies, collectively referred to as OMICS approaches (such as transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics), has

Genetically modified (GM) crop species were proven to be a solution for the increasing food consumption in many countries. The cultivation of transgenic plants is increasing from time to time. In 2017 alone, 27 different genetically modified (GM) crop species were produced in 40 countries.

Introduction:Genetically modified (GM) crop species were proven to be a solution for the increasing food consumption in many countries. The cultivation of transgenic plants is increasing from time to time. In 2017 alone, 27 different genetically modified (GM) crop species were produced in 40 countries.Explanation:Biotechnology is revolutionizing science, promising to solve hunger, malnutrition and production demands of industrial raw materials from plants. However, there are biosafety concerns that GM crops may have unintended and hazardous impacts on living organisms well-being and environment both on target and non-target organisms. To tackle such potential problems many countries are implementing international as well as national biosafety regulations. America, Brazil, Belgium, China and India are among the top GM crop users in the world, whereas Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and Burkina Faso are leading GM crop producers in Africa. Ethiopia has also developed its own policy and bio...

Reduced crop productivity results from altered plant physiological processes caused by dysfunctional proteins due to environmental stressors. In this study, a novel DnaJ Type-I encoding gene, VaDJI having a zinc finger motif in its C-terminal domain was found to be induced early upon treatment with heat stress (within 5 min) in a heat tolerant genotype of Vigna aconitifolia RMO-40. VaDJI is induced by multiple stresses. In tobacco, ectopic expression of VaDJI reduced ABA sensitivity during seed germination and the early stages of seedling growth of transgenic tobacco plants. Concomitantly, it also improved the ability of transgenic tobacco plants to withstand drought stress by modulating the photosynthetic efficiency, with the transgenic plants having higher Fv/Fm ratios and reduced growth inhibition. Additionally, transgenic plants showed a reduced build-up of H2O2 and lower MDA levels and higher chlorophyll content during drought stress, which attenuated cell damage and reduced ox...

Abiotic stress results in massive loss of crop productivity throughout the world. Because of our limited knowledge of the plant defense mechanisms, it is very difficult to exploit the plant genetic resources for manipulation of traits that could benefit multiple stress tolerance in plants. To achieve this, we need a deeper understanding of the plant gene regulatory mechanisms involved in stress responses. Understanding the roles of different members of plant gene families involved in different stress responses, would be a step in this direction. Arabidopsis, which served as a model system for the plant research, is also the most suitable system for the functional characterization of plant gene families. Annexin family in Arabidopsis also is one gene family which has not been fully explored. Eight annexin genes have been reported in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression studies of different Arabidopsis annexins revealed their differential regulation under various abiotic str...

Global interest in sugarcane has increased significantly in recent years due to its economic impact on sustainable energy production. Sugarcane breeding and better agronomic practices have contributed to a huge increase in sugarcane yield in the last 30 years. Additional increases in sugarcane yield are expected to result from the use of biotechnology tools in the near future. Genetically modified (GM) sugarcane that incorporates genes to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could play a major role in achieving this goal. However, to bring GM sugarcane to the market, it is necessary to follow a regulatory process that will evaluate the environmental and health impacts of this crop. The regulatory review process is usually accomplished through a comparison of the biology and composition of the GM cultivar and a non-GM counterpart.

The potential role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the protection against salt stress was examined using transgenic rice plants. The coding region of the yeast mitochondrial Mn-SOD gene was fused with the chloroplast targetting signal of glutamine synthetase gene and introduced into rice protoplasts by electroporation. Immunogold labeling experiments revealed that the yeast Mn-SOD was accumulated in the chloroplasts of transgenic rice. The total SOD activity in the control plant was mostly attributed to the activity of cytosolic and chloroplastic Cu/Zn-SOD. Total SOD activity in the transformant was about 1.7-fold that of the control under non-stressed conditions. The photosynthetic electron transport rates of control and transgenic rice were similar under non-stressed conditions. Upon salt stress (100 mM NaCl), the SOD activities decreased in both plants, but the decrease was faster in the control plant. The activities of overexpressed Mn-SOD and cytosolic Cu/Zn-SOD did not change upon salt stress in either the transgenic or control plants, whereas the chloroplastic Cu/Zn-SOD activity in control rice decreased significantly. At high salinity, the ascorbate peroxidase activity of the transformant was about 1.5-fold higher than that in the control. These results suggest that increased levels of ascorbate peroxidase and high levels of chloroplastic SOD in the transformant are important factors for salt resistance in rice.

Our previous study has shown that copper-containing amine oxidase ( CuAO) and aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase ( AMADH ) could regulate the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in tea plants by participating in polyamine degradation pathway. However, the involvement of these genes in drought tolerance has not been underlined. In this study, CsCuAO1 associated with CsAMADH1 confers drought tolerance, which modulates GABA levels in tea plants, was conducted. The results showed that exogenous GABA spraying effectively alleviated the drought induced physical damage. Overexpression Arabidopsis lines of CsCuAO1 and CsAMADH1 exhibited enhanced resistance to drought, which promoted the synthesis of GABA and putrescine, by alerting reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and stomatal movement. However, suppression of CsCuAO1 or CsAMADH1 in tea plants exhibited increased sensitivity during drought treatment. Moreover, the co-overexpressed plants increased the accumulation of GABA both in the Agrobacterium-mediated Nicotiana benthamiana transient assay and transgenic Arabidopsis plants. In addition, a GABA transporter, CsGAT1, was identified, whose expression is strongly correlated with GABA accumulation levels in different tissues under drought stress. Taken together, CsCuAO1 and CsAMADH1 were involved in response to drought stress through a dynamic balance between GABA and putrescine. Our data will greatly contribute to the characterization of GABA biological functions in response to environmental stresses in plants.

Insect pests are one of the major factors affecting crop production and accounts for destruction of 20-30% of world’s food resources (Oerke, 2006). Majority of these destructive insect pests belongs to order lepidoptera and 40% of chemical insecticides are used against the species of its subfamily Heliothine (Brook et al., 1999). But unfortunately majority of these chemical insecticides are proved to be hazardous because of their neurotoxic, carcinogenic and contaminants nature. Alternatively, the application of genetic engineering techniques in the form of transgenic crops capable of producing bioinsecticides can protect agriculture crops against these pests attack in environment friendly way as compared to the problems posed by agrochemicals. Bioinsecticides are being investigated as potentially more efficacious and safer alternatives to chemical insecticides. Bt toxin which is produce by gram positive, soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is most commonly used bioinsect...

Adequate grain zinc (Zn) concentration is important because of its influence on human health. The Argentina Pampas region (APR) provides between 86% and 90% of total grain exports by the country. Soils of the Argentina Pampas region had high fertility under pristine condition but intensification of agriculture, increasing grain yields, and poor or no Zn fertilization could reduce soil available Zn. The objectives of this work were to determine the distribution of available Zn in agricultural and pristine soils of the Argentina Pampas region and its relationship with some chemical characteristics. Soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected and georeferenced (approximately 550 for each condition), and soil organic matter, pH, extractable phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and available Zn by extraction with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA-Zn) were measured. For geostatistical analysis, indicator kriging (non-parametric method) was utilized as interpolation method. Agricul...

The proline content in plant cells increases manifold in response to an increase or decrease in temperature, to drought, soil salinity, nutrient deficiency, increased UV radiation, or exposure to heavy metals resulting in plant osmotic stress . An increase in cell proline leads to the modulation of cell pressure potential, thereby creating an osmotic balance, stabilizes cell membranes, protein and enzyme structures, preventing electrolyte leakage in the cell and oxidative stress. Thus, proline acts as a signalling molecule of stress response in plants . Changes in proline content are just one of many plant stress responses: physiological, morphological, and anatomical . One of the characteristic morphological changes is associated with leaf pubescence. Leaf pubescence is formed by

The safety of food produced from genetically engineered (GE) crops is assessed for potential risks of food allergy on the basis of an international consensus guideline outlined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (2003). The assessment focuses on evaluation of the potential allergenicity of the newly expressed protein(s) as the primary potential risk using a process that markedly limits risks to allergic consumers. However, Codex also recommended evaluating a second concern, potential increases in endogenous allergens of commonly allergenic food crops that might occur due to insertion of the gene. Unfortunately, potential risks and natural variation of endogenous allergens in non-GE varieties are not understood, and risks from increases have not been demonstrated. Because regulatory approvals in some countries are delayed due to increasing demands for measuring endogenous allergens, we present a review of the potential risks of food allergy, risk management for food allergy, and test methods that may be used in these evaluations. We also present new data from our laboratory studies on the variation of the allergenic lipid transfer protein in non-GE maize hybrids as well as data from two studies of endogenous allergen comparisons for three GE soybean lines, their nearest genetic soy lines, and other commercial lines. We conclude that scientifically based limits of acceptable variation cannot been established without an understanding of natural variation in non-GE crops. Furthermore, the risks from increased allergen expression are minimal as the risk management strategy for food allergy is for allergic individuals to avoid consuming any food containing their allergenic source, regardless of the crop variety.

Gene tic ally mo difie d p lant s ar e cr ea ted b y the ins er tio n of for eig n g enes int o pla nt c ells followed by the generation of reproductively stable stock plants for rapid and precise i m pr ov em en t s i n a gr i c u l tu r al c rop s . C u rr en t pr od u ct s p rov i d e r es i st an c e to i n se ct pe st s , pl a n t viruses or herbicides. Future products include nutritionally enhanced crops, salt and draught tolerant crops and plant produced industrial enzymes or pharmaceuticals. The risk that a newly expressed protein might cause serious allergic reactions is real, but the probability is r el a ti ve l y s m al l . Re gu l a to r y ag en c i es r eq u i re a pr em a rk et ev al u l y similar to any allergen. Other tests are performed to identify proteins that are likely to sensitize consumers. Experience indicates the current assessment process is working eff ec ti ve l y. H ow eve r, fu r t h er gu i d an c e o n bi o i n for m at i cs an d i m m u n og l ob u l in E a ss ay s co u l d increase the reliability of the assessment. Further development of alternative assays may be n ee de d to as s es s th e n ex t g en e ra ti o n of p rod u ct s .