Crop protection products are one of several tools used for controlling insects, weeds and diseases that, if left unchecked, would ruin the game of golf!
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – September 2016
Category Archives: Latest News
INSIDE THE WORLD’S MOST DIVERSE GARDEN
Visited by more than a million tourists each year the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens are one of London’s top attractions with the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants. Sara Redstone, plant health and quarantine officer at Kew, discusses the importance of plant science tools, such as crop protection products and Integrated Pest Management, to keep the garden in good condition as well as safeguard rare and endangered plants.
What plant science tools does Kew use to maintain the gardens?
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – September 2016
VIOLETS ARE BLUE AND ROSES CAN BE TOO
Roses are red and violets are blue, says the old romantic poem. But nowadays, roses can be blue, too, thanks to modern biotechnology!
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – September 2016
Plant Science News and Updates – August 2016
Time To Move Beyond GMO Controversy And Take Advantage Of Scientific Progress
Source: www.forbes.com
“The scientific consensus for the safety of GM crops is clear, yet controversy remains. To make the most informed decisions about the food we eat, it’s important to listen to the science, not the myths.” (Image Credit: GMO Answers)
HOW TO SAVE 125 MILLION TONS OF CROP EVERY YEAR
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – August 2016
More than 600 million people could be fed each year if fungal diseases were controlled in the world’s five most important crops – rice, wheat, maize, soybeans and potatoes. Fungal infections destroy at least 125 million tons of these top crops each year, which provide the majority of calories consumed by people. Other crops like coffee and grapes can also be hugely impacted by fungi, with estimated crop losses globally of 15 and 20 percent, respectively. We need resistant varieties and crop protection products to keep our foods healthy.
TACKLING WHEAT’S ARCH ENEMY
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – August 2016
The stem rust fungus ‘Ug99’ is one of the greatest threats to global wheat production today. It has been called the “polio of agriculture” due to its virulence and far and fast reach. This wind-traveling mutant strain produces millions of spores – all of which can cause infection. Fungicides are very effective in controlling Ug99 but plant scientists are also working on resistant wheat varieties. Dr. Sridhar Bhavani, wheat breeder, pathologist and international coordinator for stem rust research in East Africa at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center’s (CIMMYT’s) regional office in Nairobi, Kenya explains his work in combatting Ug99. Continue reading…
THE FUNGUS FELONS DESTROYING OUR FOOD
Source: CropLife International Plant Science Post – August 2016
Fungus destroy at least 125 million tons of food every year. They take their energy from the plants on which they live. They are responsible for a great deal of damage to crops and are characterized by wilting, scabs, moldy coatings, rusts, blotches and rotted tissue. Check out the crime files of our top 5 Fungus Felons:
1 – WANTED: Anthracnose AKA The Extreme Exterminator
2 – WANTED: Coffee Rust AKA The Caffeine Fiend
3 – WANTED: Grey Mold AKA The Toxic Intruder
4 – WANTED: Rice Blast AKA The Virulent Villain
5 – WANTED: Stem Rust AKA The Comeback Killer
EVALUATION OF ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF A GLOBAL GMO BAN
Researchers from Purdue University investigated the global economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts of GM crops by modeling two counterfactual scenarios and assessing them apart and in combination. The first scenario explored the effect of global GMO ban, while the second one modelled the effect of increased GMO penetration with specific focus on the impact on price, welfare, and GHG emissions linked to GM technologies.
Results showed that food prices might increase from 0.27 to 2.2 percent, depending on the region. Total welfare losses linked to GM technology ban may sum up to $9.75 billion. Aside from economic effects of loss of importantbiotech traits, environmental effects can also take place. Full environmental analysis was not conducted in the study, but possible land use change due to loss of GMO traits and GHG emissions were analyzed. It was predicted that a significant increase in GHG emissions will occur if GMO technology is banned.
Download a copy of the paper in AgEcon.
PLANT BIOTECH NEWS & UPDATES – July 2016
107 Nobel laureates sign letter blasting Greenpeace over GMOs
Dear Greenpeace: It’s Time To Stand Up For Science
Australia
Plant Science Industry Welcomes Appointment of New Federal Ministry
India
Centre eyes agriculture university farms for trials of GM crops
GM technology: India missing the boat – yet again
Indonesia
Japan
Japanese Scientists develop Super Plants thru Simple Gm
Four newly-identified genes could improve rice
Philippines
University of the Philippines College of Law Holds Forum on GM Crops
New circular binds five agencies for renewed GMO testing push
Other plant biotechnology news and updates
U.S. House of Representatives passes GM Food Labeling Bill
Voices and Views: Addressing Biotech Critics
How Square Watermelons Get Their Shape, and Other G.M.O. Misconceptions