Chinese researchers reviewed the current research developments about wearable sensors used to monitor plant health. Their findings showed that wearable sensors could analyze plant species and life stages. Plant health is directly related to crop quality, agricultural productivity, and food security. One way to ensure that plants are healthy is through monitoring them using wearable sensors, which provide real-time and in-situ information about physiological biomarkers. However, a thorough overview of wearable plant sensors across different aspects is currently lacking.

A study published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal shows that the knockout of ORF138 has restored the fertility of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) derived broccoli hybrids. The results of this study provide significant insights into the role of mitochondria in sex production machinery and the temperature-responsive ability of vegetable crops.

Scientists have discovered a novel gene in rice that promotes root development and provides tolerance to abiotic stresses. The gene can be utilized as a molecular marker to develop rice that is tolerant to extreme environmental conditions. Root architecture and function are essential for plants to obtain water and nutrients from the soil. However, environmental stresses can affect the development of the roots.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the commercial release of genetically modified insect-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, known as TELA maize. With this latest development, GM maize becomes the second food crop, after Bt cowpea, to be commercialized in the country. The approval was granted by the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF) on January 11, 2024, in Ibadan. The varieties approved are SAMMAZ 72T, SAMMAZ 73T, SAMMAZ 74T, and SAMMAZ 75T.

Despite the global commitment to sustainability outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, our agri-food systems are far from being sustainable, resilient, and just. Social inclusion and environmental protection, which are essential pillars of sustainability, are currently lagging. Despite agri-food systems remaining a primary driver of environmental damage, there is still a global increase in undernourishment, according to the Global Hunger Index.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and The Right Honourable Ram Chandra Paudel, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, met during the Director-General’s visit to Nepal. The President appraised FAO’s support to the country and conveyed his appreciation to the FAO Director-General for the constructive discussions held with the Ministers from Nepal who participated in the World Food Forum (WWF) in October 2023.

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, on Saturday paid a visit to a farmers group working with FAO’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project in Nepal and attended the launch of the Tele Plant Doctor App under FAO’s Digital Village Initiative (DVI). The visit to the Mahadevsthan Village Development Committee in the Kavre district saw Qu interact with local potato farmers and witness their adoption of IPM technologies.

Debates surrounding the adoption, use, and commercialization of genetically modified (GM) food crops have been the subject of discussions across different countries around the world. Thus, a study published in Food Safety and Health investigates the factors affecting the acceptance and rejection of GM crops in the Ghanaian populace. The results of the study indicate that the major driver of the Ghanaian people's decision is safety concerns, particularly in human consumption, health, and the environment.

Scientists from India identified that the Chlorella thermophila (CT) microalgal strain possesses antimicrobial activity against pathogens that cause bacterial rice blight. The microalgae can also help with wastewater treatment. Rice is a food staple for over 65% of the world's population, so it is necessary to have a huge supply in different countries. However, its production is affected by various threats, one of which is bacterial leaf blight (BLB). This disease can negatively affect the straw's quality and reduce grain yield by up to 80%.

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) have uncovered agro-microbials that can enhance the synergy between crops and microbes, and ultimately improve crop yield and productivity. In the study conducted over five years since 2018, the scientists discovered that the plant hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a volatile organic compound typically released by plants above ground during periods of stress – served as a shared,