News & Events

We performed a cross-ploidy comparative analysis of the KFB gene family in four Ipomoea species representing three ploidy levels: diploid I. trifida and I. triloba, tetraploid I. tabascana, and hexaploid cultivated sweetpotato (I. batatas). We identified 24, 27, 16, and 102 KFB genes in these species, respectively. The marked expansion in hexaploid sweetpotato, together with the reduced KFB repertoire in tetraploid I. tabascana,

Researchers at the University of Barcelona (UB) have engineered the bacterium Bacillus subtilis to produce a high-value, biodegradable bioplastic. By utilizing unprocessed potato starch as a low-cost, renewable feedstock, the team successfully created polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)—a biodegradable polymer—through a streamlined, single-step process completed within 24 hours.

A new report reveals that 2025 was a strong year for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s sustainable bond programme, which issued an additional US$340 million in bonds that are channeling private investments into long-term rural transformation around the world. Strong investor demand for IFAD bonds enabled the Fund to meet its 2025 borrowing targets ahead of schedule.

Grain length-to-width ratio (GLWR) is a crucial trait influencing sorghum grain quality, particularly in brewing applications such as Baijiu production. However, the genetic basis of GLWR remains poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 255 Chinese sorghum accessions and identified a gene, encoding trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase, named SbTPP1, as a principal modulator of GLWR.

In a significant breakthrough for global food security, scientists from Japan's National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), other Japanese research institutions, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have discovered a gene that enables rice to avoid heat stress. The gene, known as EMF3 (Early Morning Flowering 3), prompts rice plants to flower earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have launched their first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal, seeking $202 million to protect nearly nine million people from the potential impact of a strong El Niño weather pattern across 22 high-risk priority countries.

To improve Chrysanthemum tolerance to low temperatures and its adaptability to low autumn temperatures in Northeast China, we conducted the first genome-wide identification of the heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) in Chrysanthemum indicum under low-temperature stress. Based on genome-wide analyses, we identified 14 CiHsf genes in Chrysanthemum indicum. Based on structural characteristics,

The European Parliament has officially adopted new rules to facilitate the use of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in agriculture, a move aimed at enhancing crop resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness. Under this new framework, NGT-developed plants will be categorized based on the complexity of their genetic modifications. NGT-1 plants with changes achievable through conventional breeding will be treated similarly to conventional crops. NGT-2 plants, which involve more extensive modifications, will remain subject to stricter, existing rules for genetically modified organisms

Agricultural biotechnology holds immense potential to foster sustainable agriculture, but transforming lab breakthroughs into real-world solutions requires a seamless blend of robust R&D, science-based regulations, and effective communication. To ensure society reaps these benefits while minimizing risks, scientists, regulators, and policymakers must collaborate closely so that scientific advancements and regulatory practices evolve hand in hand.

Phenotypic evaluation showed that DY2 displayed markedly stronger resistance than FW. Transcriptome analysis revealed that FW had substantially more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 96 h post-infection (hpi), indicating greater infection pressure. Across six comparisons of each treatment time point (24, 48, and 96 hpi) with 0 hpi, DEGs were enriched in similar defense-related pathways, with 3,181 core DEGs identified.

Science communication is most powerful when it is understood and felt as relevant in everyday life. However, for many audiences, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, scientific information often remains highly technical, complicated, and difficult to relate to.In response to these challenges, ISAAA Inc. partnered with students from the College of Development Communication (CDC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to launch a podcast-based engagement initiative

The 2026 FAO Partnership Award was jointly awarded to HELP Logistics, the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum, and the Maasai Integrated Development Initiative, recognizing their strong results for people and communities across diverse contexts.The annual prize pays tribute to outstanding cooperation with FAO in advancing its mandate, including partnerships with Members, UN agencies, international institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector and media.