Plant annexins are calcium ion-dependent proteins and exist as multigene families in plants. They are involved in the regulation of plant development as well as protection from environmental stresses. Chunxiu Shen of Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center in China aimed to study the rice annexin gene OsAnn3 and its role in cold tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa).

A new study conducted by a research team from The John Innes Centre (JIC) led by Dr. Xiaoqi Feng reveals that plants have a reprogramming mechanism that allows them to maintain fitness down the generations. The team made the discovery while studying germ cells in flowering plants. Germ cells, specialized for sexual reproduction, are referred to as "immortal" because they pass genetic material through the generations.

Has the last century of hybridization to increase yields changed the corn plant's ability to adjust to new or stressful situations? University of Wisconsin Professor of Agronomy Natalia de Leon, along with her student Joe Gage and colleagues, hoped to answer this question. Their study results suggest that by intensively breeding for yield, corn breeders have limited the pool of possibilities for future North American corn hybrids, thus creating a smaller universe of available hybrids adaptable in responding to stresses like drought or pests.

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and University of North Carolina (UNC) developed a catalog of bacterial genomes to help other researchers identify and characterize candidate genes that aid bacteria in thriving in plant environments, especially those involved in bacterial root colonization.

New Delhi, India (15th December 2017) – In a precursor to the launch of a new regional agriculture research centre, Shri S.K. Pattanayak, Secretary of Indian Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare emphasized the need for improved south-south collaboration in rice-based agri-food systems to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IRRI continued its 2-day post production rice processing training for rice industry stakeholders in Thailand. One was held in November 8 and 9 at Nakhon Ratchasima, and the other in December 7 and 8 at Chai Nat province. 21 participants received training in rice milling and best storage management practices, and learned about techniques to improve rice quality. The training is part of the capacity building activities for a Kellogg’s-funded project that supports research towards advancing sustainable rice post harvest drying and milling practices.
 

ISAAA releases the updated series Biotech Crop Annual Updates and Biotech Traits Annual Updates. The Biotech Crop Annual Updates includes five short documents on biotech crops, namely: soybean, maize, cotton, canola, and alfalfa. Information in the series includes data on adoption, adopting countries, and the benefits of each biotech crop, based on ISAAA Brief 52: Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2016.

Lignin, a major component of the plant cell wall, stands as a barrier to efficient biofuel production from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). While the advent of genome editing technologies offers new opportunities for improving switchgrass, its allotetraploidy (2n = 4x =36) may make it difficult to engineer.

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is currently assessing license application DIR 160 from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources in Victoria, for a field trial (limited and controlled release) of perennial ryegrass genetically modified (GM) for fructan biosynthesis.

A new study by University of Illinois researchers has uncovered the genetic basis of resistance to western corn rootworm. The study was conducted within the context of a large, long standing project called Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM), which aims to diversify the tools available to corn breeders by tapping the genetic resources of maize accessions from all over the world.