Researchers from China National Rice Research Institute and partners have identified that the Trichome Birefringence (TBR) gene allows plants to handle extra zinc in the soil. Zinc is an important micronutrient that can become toxic to living cells when present in excess. Therefore, plants have developed mechanisms that will help them tolerate zinc toxicity. Plants absorb zinc on their cell walls through a process called pectin methylesterification. In this process, the structure of the cell wall's pectin molecules were altered to store additional zinc.

MeFtsZ2-1 is a key gene for plant plastid division, but the mechanism by which MeFtsZ2-1 affects pigment accumulation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through plastids remains unclear. We found that MeFtsZ2-1 overexpression in cassava (OE) exhibited darker colors of leaves, with increased levels of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Further observation via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed no apparent defects in chloroplast structure but an increase in the number of plastoglobule in OE leaves. RNA-seq results showed 1582 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leaves of OE.

Scientists from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Germany developed a new method which allows RNA detection using Cas12 nucleases. CRISPR is a widely used technique that has many applications in various industries. Aside from Cas9, Cas12 nucleases are also typically used in research studies. However, Cas12 nucleases only detect DNA.

Mr. Phạm Thành Nhân, Dong Thap Muoi Research and Development Centre, leaving for IRRI, the Philippines, to join the three-month training course by IRRI from  November 13, 2019 to January 21, 2020

Mr. Li Jianqiang (Director), Ms. Feng Chunmei (Technical Director), Mr. Tan Yewei (Business Manager) - Subtropical  Crop Research Institute, QuangXi, China, paid a short visit how to cooperate with the IAS about crop production and consumption, November 12, 2019.

In 2023, the IAS has conducted 34 R&D activities with the total budget of VND 22.58 billion.

The outputs are as followed:

- Thirteen research articles were received and published in Vietanamese journals.

- Nine new crop varieties have developed including 3 varieties of cashewnut; 2 potato; 3 chrysanthemum; 1 carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Vietnam is striving to take stronger measures to achieve “net-zero emissions” by 2050. Agriculture has been recognized as a bright spot in the economic development of 2023. Economic and market intelligence played an important part in the sector's growth last year. Traditionally, farmers focused on how to improve production, but higher yields did not always translate to increased income. As prices fluctuate, they may produce more but gain less.