The “Highlander” gene was found to regulate self-incompatibility that has the potential to allow plants to self-fertilize, creating opportunities to breed stronger, more resilient crops for sustainable agriculture.The investigation started with the observation of the field poppy, Papaver rhoeas, which has the mechanism to avoid problems in self-fertilization. Poppies can recognize their own pollen and trigger a cell suicide program, providing a precise and clean way to eliminate unwanted pollen grains.

A study on the development of the first biological nitrification inhibition (BNI)-enhanced wheat has been awarded the 2021 Cozzarelli Prize given by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). The study was a joint research collaboration of Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, the University of the Basque Country, and Nihon University.

Researchers from Guangdong Academy of Science in China used a new technique called single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify and describe the major cell types in the root-tip of maize as well as the developmental pathways and genes involved in various functions. Their study is published in The Crop Journal. The root system is vital in the growth and yield of maize plants. Finding out its genetic diversity and response to nitrate at the single-cell level will provide insights into root development and nutrient uptake.

More than a hundred thousand online and print articles and more than a million social media posts were analyzed by researchers to determine the volume and tenor of the GMO conversation from 2018 to 2020. The results showed that both social and traditional media may be moving toward a more favorable and less polarized overall conversation on ag-biotech.

Researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have discovered a key gene regulating the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, the researchers showed that MtGSTF7, a TT19-like glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene, was activated by the anthocyanin regulator LAP1 in the accumulation of anthocyanins, but not proanthocyanins, in the model legume plant Medicago truncatula.

FAO join the call of the Secretary-General to end the war, restore peace and protect people's lives. We express our solidarity with all the people suffering in this war, particularly those whose livelihood depends on agriculture. At FAO, we are mobilizing our resources and capacities to assist within the limitations the war imposes, and in line with our mandate.

A group of experts from Pennsylvania State University and partners developed a technique that enhances the lifespan and efficiency of CRISPR gene-editing tools after delivery into stem cells. Bioactive Materials published their findings. Stem cells are used by researchers to investigate the impact of disease on various tissue types due to their pluripotency or the ability to produce cells of any time. However, the delivery of gene-editing tools into stem cells can be inefficient, time-consuming, or expensive

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) of the UK has welcomed the approval by both Houses of Parliament of a Statutory Instrument that will facilitate easier execution of field testing of plants developed through new genetic technologies such as gene editing. According to NIAB chief executive, Prof. Mario Caccamo, gene editing offers a potentially transformative tool in plant research that allows similar changes done through conventional breeding, but in a much more precise and efficient manner.

Researchers from the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran and partners used gene silencing techniques to develop genetically modified potato plants resistant to potato virus y (PVY), the most harmful viral disease. The results are published in Transgenic Research. Small interfering RNAs developed from double-stranded RNAs can turn on the immune system in GM plants through the detection of virus transcripts to degrade

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess an application from Nuseed Pty. Ltd. to conduct a field trial of canola and Indian mustard genetically modified (GM) for altered oil content and herbicide tolerance. The field trial is proposed to take place at up to 20 sites with a total area of 150 hectares per year over five years. Sites would be in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The GM canola and Indian mustard in this field trial would not be used for human food or animal feed.