News & Events

Grain number per panicle (GNP) is a crucial determinant of rice yield. The wild rice Oryza officinalis, an accession of extra-large panicle (ELP) type, produces numerous grains (700 ± 100 grains) in its main stem panicle. However, mainly due to weedy traits, incompatibility barrier and linkage drag, this desirable yield trait ELP in O. officinalis has not yet been successfully exploited. Here, interspecific distant hybridization between 93-11 and O. officinalis was performed. One plant with 700 grains in its main stem panicle was obtained from BC4F4 progeny.

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown genetic mechanism that controls tomato fruit size, offering a promising new path for boosting crop yield without sacrificing quality. Published in Horticulture Research, the study from China Agricultural University reveals a regulatory module operating at the translational level—a mechanism distinct from traditional hormone and gene expression controls—that fine-tunes fruit growth. This discovery moves beyond current breeding methods, which often lead to unintended effects on the plant.

At CGIAR, protecting plant health begins with safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to plant genetic resources. Our approach emphasizes integrated, science-based solutions—spanning from conservation to innovation—ensuring a resilient, inclusive food system. Under CGIAR’s Sustainable Farming Program, plant health takes center stage through targeted efforts to reduce crop losses and contamination. The initiative is strengthening plant health systems by advancing diagnostics and surveillance to tackle pests, diseases, weeds, and harmful mycotoxins.

Bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcm), is a disease that has a devastating impact on mango and cashew industries in many regions. Yet, despite its agricultural importance for these Anacardiaceae species, Xcm has been neglected. Little is known about its epidemiology, evolution and molecular interactions with host plants. The most relevant studies reporting its genetic structure were primarily based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data.

The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) has recently published a scientific opinion confirming the safety of a new three-event stack genetically modified (GM) cotton variety, designated as T304‐40 × GHB119 × COT102. The application, submitted by BASF Agricultural Solutions, covers the import, processing, and food and feed uses within the European Union, excluding cultivation.

Researchers led by Imperial College London, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), and the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, have successfully developed the first transgenic mosquitoes to block the transmission of malaria. As part of the Transmission Zero project, this milestone marks the first time a genetically modified (GM), gene drive-compatible mosquito strain has been developed in Africa.

Sulfate availability critically influences plant growth, yet the role of small RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), in regulating responses to sulfate deficiency remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a temporal analysis of sulfate deficiency-responsive miRNAs in the roots and leaves of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), using an updated miRNA annotation in the SL4.0 genome. We found 40 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 2 novel, tomato-specific miRNAs.

The Colombian seed sector ends the year with a positive balance, reaching a value of 1.4% growth from the previous year. This stable growth is proof that the sector continues as a driving force in national production. Amidst value growth, the Colombian Association of Seeds and Biotechnology (Acosemillas) noted some challenges in 2025. These include the delays in GM crop approvals, which limit competitiveness and hinder progress in the field application of GM crop research. Another concern is seed piracy

Renewable water availability per person has continued to decline by a further 7 per cent over the past decade, while pressure on already scarce freshwater resources is increasing in several regions, according to the 2025 AQUASTAT Water Data Snapshot released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The update provides a global overview of how water availability and use are evolving, presenting new data on irrigation, efficiency, and water stress reported through the 2024 AQUASTAT cycle

Cassava is a crucial staple crop in Africa, but its productivity is increasingly threatened by the worsening impacts of drought caused by climate change. To address this challenge, an integration of "omics" and genome editing technologies has emerged as indispensable tools for understanding the complex mechanisms that govern cassava's response to drought stress. This article provides an overview of the progress and significant contributions of "omics" technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, in elucidating the molecular basis of cassava's ability to withstand drought stress

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its global partners have introduced Green Nutritious Super Rice (GNSR), a new generation of rice varieties designed to address the twin challenges of global malnutrition and climate change. Building on the successful Green Super Rice (GSR) initiative launched in 2008, the GNSR program focuses on developing high-yielding, multi-stress-tolerant rice that is also nutrient-rich and environmentally sustainable.

A study conducted by researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute finds that genetically modified (GM) pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea significantly improves farm yields and profits for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The researchers compared PBR cowpea with conventionally improved varieties using a large cluster randomized controlled trial in two major cowpea-growing states.