News & Events

A total of 59 MeHIPP pan-genes were identified, including five core genes, 22 softcore genes, 17 dispensable genes, and 15 private genes, which were unevenly distributed on chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these genes were classified into five major subgroups. Evolutionary analyses indicated that segmental duplication predominated in family expansion and that most members may be subjected to purifying selection.

Transgenic Research released an article summarizing the impact of gene editing on global crop improvement. Written by researchers from Motherhood University, India, the article provides information on the mechanisms, applications, and future potential of CRISPR technology in enhancing global crop production.

In the northernmost reaches of the Philippines, along its vast coastline, fishers have long enjoyed the bounty of the sea for their sustenance. Mahi Mahi, marlin, mackerel, grouper and octopus: the species abound. While inland, the fertile soil also gives generously, producing fresh fruits and vegetables for its attentive farmers.

Drought stress poses a significant challenge to growth and productivity of major tuber crops, particularly cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). These crops are among the most widely cultivated tubers globally and play a critical role in food and nutritional security, especially in drought-prone regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have enhanced the production of valuable plant compounds in petunia and lettuce by modifying a key metabolic gene using CRISPR. The study focused on HMGR, an enzyme that controls the production of terpenoids, important for plant growth, aroma, nutrition, and medicine.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today took part in the inauguration of the WOW – University of Siena Museum on Agrifood, a new space dedicated to agrifood systems and their future, developed in close dialogue with the FAO’s Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe). The opening also marked the inclusion of the WOW Museum into FAO’s MuNe’s network, building on earlier exchanges on museum design and ways to engage the public around food and agriculture.

Tomato leaf mold, caused by Cladosporium fulvum (C. fulvum), is a devastating disease affecting tomato production. Natural resistance to this disease is mediated by Cf family genes, with different Cf genes confer resistance to different physiological races of the C. fulvum. As these physiological races continue to evolve, the number of effective resistance genes available for breeding is becoming increasingly limited.

Researchers from China and Australia have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to create a new tomato variety with a distinct "popcorn-like" fragrance. By targeting specific genes responsible for volatile organic compounds, the team increased the levels of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), the same chemical compound that gives fragrant rice and popcorn their signature scent, without negatively impacting fruit growth or nutritional value.

Researchers from Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences in China searched for sources of alkalinity tolerance in rice using CRISPR gene editing. Their findings are published in Frontiers of Plant Science. Salinity and alkalinity stress are major problems in rice production. The damage caused by alkaline stress is more detrimental to plant growth than that caused by salt stress. To date, researchers have found only a few genes involved in alkalinity tolerance. Thus, the research team used QTL-seq resequencing technology and a high-density linkage map to explore other possible sources of alkalinity tolerance in rice.

Salinity and alkalinity stress is one of the main factors limiting the yield of rice. The damage to growth caused by alkaline stress is more severe than the damage caused by neutral salt stress. At present, there are limited genetic resources QTLs and genes available for rice breeders to improve alkalinity tolerance. To reveal new alkaline tolerance loci, we phenotyped 1,002 F2:3 lines from Teng-Xi144 (TX144, alkalinity-sensitive)×Long-Dao19 (LD19, alkalinity-tolerant) for seedling survival and ion contents under 0.15% Na2CO3.

An international team of researchers has modified the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to make it safer for people with weakened immune systems, including infants and older adults. The study found that the modified yeast was less likely to cause infections while still maintaining its probiotic benefits. The findings were reported in the journal Communications Biology.

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, ICRISAT will collaborate with the ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding for Agricultural Futures to integrate cutting-edge genomic prediction tools and simulation-based breeding strategies into its crop improvement pipelines.The partnership aims to significantly accelerate the development of improved varieties of key dryland crops, helping farmers adapt to intensifying climate stress, emerging pests and diseases, and growing food demand.