Chinese researchers have completed sequencing the genome of the wheat A subgenome, and generated a high-quality draft of its chromosomes. The researchers generated a molecular map of seven chromosomes of the wheat A subgenome and identified 41,507 protein-coding genes, providing high-quality genomic information and a new perspective for studying genetic variation in wheat.

The  VnSAT Central Project Management  Unit  (CPMU) from the Ministry of Agricultural Rural Development (MARD) CPMU, and the Provincial Project Management Units (PPMU) from  eight provinces (An Giang, Tien Giang, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, and Long An) in the Mekong River Delta are actively working with farmers to ensure sustainable rice farming in the country’s rice bowl.
 

Cassava is a staple of more than one billion people from 105 countries, yet, it has not received the same attention compared to corn and soybean. While scientific advances have helped cassava withstand pests and diseases, the crop yields no more today than it did in 1963. Corn yields, by comparison, have more than doubled.

Swaziland Environment Authority (SEA) has granted two landmark approvals for importation of Bt cotton seed and environmental release of the crop making the Kingdom of eSwatini the latest African country to adopt Bt cotton. In accordance with Biosafety Act, SEA granted approval to the Swaziland Cotton Board (SCB) to import 3,000 kilogrammes of GM cotton seed for commercial release. The Board will import the seed from JK Agri-Genetics Limited, an Indian-based seed company.

Vitamin B6 is a vitamin required for organisms as a substrate in metabolic reactions. While it is available from the plant dietary resources, the availability of the vitamin in the edible portions of the consumed plants is insufficient to meet the daily recommended doses. Genetic engineering techniques have proven successful in increasing the vitamin B6 content in the model plants.

A study conducted by a multinational team and published in Nature Genetics reveals a new, detailed breakdown of the modern rose genome. This could help growers improve traits such as pest and drought resistance, and boost the vase life of cut stems, researchers said. The new map is based largely on the genome of a rose known as "Old Blush" or Rosa chinensis, introduced to Europe from Asia in the 18th century. With its 36,377 genes,

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has been widely used for modifying endogenous genes. Thus, it is expected to be applied for the breeding of other economically important plant species. A research team led by Ayako Okuzaki from Tamagawa University in Japan recently modified a fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (FAD2), which encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation of oleic acid, in rapeseed (Brassica napus) cultivar, Westar.

Biotech experts in the Philippines aim to advance modern biotechnology in the country to help reduce hunger and poverty, mitigate the effects of climate change, among other benefits. With this objective, a draft bill titled "An Act to Support Modern Biotechnology for Sustainable Rural Development in the Republic of the Philippines and Appropriating Funds Thereof" is being developed by the Coalition of Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines (CAMP), together with other like-minded organizations.

While rice is widely grown and consumed in China, it is not well known that the county is also the world's largest producer of wheat. Today, scientists would like to know the path that wheat took to get to China.

Prior research showed that wheat was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 8500 BCE.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites public comments on the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016. The standard will provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs.