News & Events

Cold sensitivity in rice leads to significant yield losses. Identifying cold-tolerant germplasm and uncovering cold tolerance genes are essential for developing resilient rice varieties. Kam Sweet Rice (KSR) is notable for strong cold tolerance, which is an invaluable genetic resource for identifying such genes. In this study, we phenotyped cold tolerance across various growth stages using 104 KSR accessions and 268 other rice landraces.

The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) has reviewed and advised on the renewal of authorization for the import, distribution, and sale of genetically modified (GM) carnations, Moonaqua™ and Moonvista™, developed by Florigene Flowers.Moonaqua™ (FLO-40689-6) is a pastel mauve/violet carnation, and its soft pearly color is ideally suited for any wedding or special event. It received its first authorization in 2009, and this is the second renewal regarding import into the EU.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF warned today that nearly 19.5 million people – two out of every five people in Sudan - are currently facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) across Sudan, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis.

Begomoviruses are among the most destructive pathogens of tomato worldwide, and the introgression of Ty-genes in tomato is a key strategy for disease management. However, a single Ty-gene often provides incomplete protection against highly virulent begomovirus species. Here, commercial tomato cultivars and a series of breeding lines previously developed by the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) were inoculated with one of three begomovirus species that differed in virulence.

Peas have a remarkable ability to partner with specific soil bacteria that provide the plants with essential nitrogen, acting like a natural fertilizer factory. The plant uses specialized receptors to recognize chemical signals from the bacteria. For years, scientists suspected that a specific mystery gene, known as Sym2, mainly controls how certain pea varieties identify their microbial partners. While a candidate gene called PsLykX seemed to fit the description perfectly, researchers lacked the concrete proof needed to confirm that it was actually responsible for this vital connection.

The Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry has issued a biosafety permit for the commercial propagation of HIZ039 rice, which is owned and licensed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).According to the public information sheet on the PhilRice website, HIZ039 rice was developed through genetic engineering to boost iron and zinc levels in the grain. This was achieved using genes from rice and a species of Asian wild apple known as Malus baccata.

Drought stress, intensified by climate change, represents a major limiting factor to growth, reproductive development, and nut productivity of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), especially in rainfed and marginal production systems. Identifying drought-tolerant cultivars and understanding their adaptive mechanisms are therefore critical for sustaining cashew productivity in water-limited environments.

Begomoviruses are some of the most damaging threats to tomato crops globally. To fight these viruses, scientists breed specific protective genes, known as Ty-genes, into tomato plants. However, relying on just one of these genes often is not enough to stop the most aggressive virus strains. This led Kindai University researchers to test several commercial tomatoes and special breeding lines from the World Vegetable Center against three different viruses of varying strengths to see which genetic combinations worked best.

The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) today launched the US$102.50 million RECAF project to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions and protect vital forest ecosystems where rural people depend on coffee production for their livelihoods.

Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB), including banana and plantain, cassava, yam, sweetpotato, and potato crops, share several defining features that set them apart from cereals and legumes. They are essential for food and nutritional security for hundreds of millions of people, especially in developing countries. Despite their significance, RTB crop breeding has lagged due to the complexity of genetics and the use of vegetative propagation.

Researchers from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and the University of Nizwa in Pakistan used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to improve the fiber quality of cotton. The study, published in GM Crops & Food, focused on modifying the GhJAZ2 gene to enhance the fiber length and increase lint percentage to meet growing demand for high-quality cotton.

In a landmark move to bolster agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Rajasthan, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, formally exchanged four strategic Memorandums of Understanding today.