Detection of GM Canola MS11, DP-073496-4, and MON88302 events using multiplex PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis

As of 2020, 11 GM canola events have been authorized as food for humans in Korea. However, there are no simultaneous multiplex detection methods for 3 GM canola events (DP-073496-4, MON88302, and MS11). Thus, we established the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method coupled with capillary electrophoresis to detect 3 GM canola events. To verify the specificity of event-specific primers, various GM crops of 3 GM soybean events, 6 GM maize events, 2 GM cotton events and 11 GM canola events were prepared. The limit of detection of the developed multiplex PCR was approximately 0.0125% for 3 GM canola events. Certified GM canola and stacked events were analyzed to validate the developed multiplex PCR. This study focuses on establishing multiplex PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis for newly approved GM canola events and contributes to efficient monitoring GM canola samples in Korea.     

Risk assessment of Bt crops on the non‐target plant‐associated insects and soil organisms

Transgenic plants containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes are being cultivated worldwide to express toxic insecticidal proteins. However, the commercial utilisation of Bt crops greatly highlights biosafety issues worldwide. Therefore, assessing the risks caused by genetically modified crops prior to their commercial cultivation is a critical issue to be addressed. In agricultural biotechnology, the goal of safety assessment is not just to identify the safety of a genetically modified (GM) plant, rather to demonstrate its impact on the ecosystem. Various experimental studies have been made worldwide during the last 20 years to investigate the risks and fears associated with non‐target organisms (NTOs). The NTOs include beneficial insects, natural pest controllers, rhizobacteria, growth promoting microbes, pollinators, soil dwellers, aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, mammals and humans. To highlight all the possible risks associated with different GM events, information has been gathered from a total of 76 articles, regarding non‐target plant and soil inhabiting organisms, and summarised in the form of the current review article. No significant harmful impact has been reported in any case study related to approved GM events, although critical risk assessments are still needed before commercialisation of these crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Crops that feed the world 8: Potato: are the trends of increased global production sustainable?

Potato is produced on all continents except Antarctica and is the world??s third most important food crop. Potato production has increased dramatically in developing countries in the past two decades, and has now overtaken that in the developed world, underlining the growing importance of potato as a staple food crop to meet the demands of increasing human populations. Potato is also an important source of starch. It has been adapted for cultivation in a wide range of environments and, with the availability of significant germplasm resources, the potential to further exploit its natural biodiversity is considerable. Potato yields vary considerably across the world, with the lowest being in Sub-Saharan Africa; <75?% of the global average and <30?% of the top producing regions. Many factors contribute to this variation, providing targets for improved agronomic practice and a stimulus to improve varieties to increase production in the poorest-yielding countries. The ability to adapt potato to withstand multiple biotic and abiotic stresses is critical to its future growth as a major food source. In current breeding efforts, strong emphasis is being placed on these traits in attempts to better equip the potato crop in a changing climate. The genomics era is accelerating our understanding of the key genes and mechanisms underlying potato development, physiology, water and nutrient use efficiency and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genomics technologies provide the potential for more rapid, marker-assisted breeding strategies, and afford the opportunity for biotechnological approaches, particularly in the case of major gene resistance to pests and diseases. Continued review of GM policies and regulations, and associated social and political opinions, are needed to guide and determine the safest and most productive routes to potato improvement.     

Trends and Methods in Hemp Breeding in Poland

Abstract

The growth of hemp cultivation area in the world is a result of increasing its multidirectional utilization. This causes an urgent need of creating varieties adapted to requirements of new trends in hemp utilization by interested industries.

To accomplish these goals traditional and biotechnological methods of breeding are being modified. However, due to high costs of employing highly qualified personnel and acquiring materials for breeding, the process of obtaining results could be accelerated by more effective international cooperation. The trends, objectives and methods of breeding realized in Poland are targeted at bringing breeding centers near to cooperation.     

An overview of genetically modified crop governance,issues and challenges in Malaysia

The application of agricultural biotechnology attracts the interest of many stakeholders. Genetically modified (GM) crops, for example, have been rapidly increasing in production for the last 20 years. Despite their known benefits, GM crops also pose many concerns not only to human and animal health but also to the environment. Malaysia, in general, allows the use of GM technology applications but it has to come with precautionary and safety measures consistent with the international obligations and domestic legal frameworks. This paper provides an overview of GM crop technology from international and national context and explores the governance and issues surrounding this technology application in Malaysia. Basically, GM research activities in Malaysia are still at an early stage of research and development and most of the GM crops approved for release are limited for food, feed and processing purposes. Even though Malaysia has not planted any GM crops commercially, actions toward such a direction seem promising. Several issues concerning GM crops as discussed in this paper will become more complex as the number of GM crops and varieties commercialised globally increase and Malaysia starts to plant GM crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cotton in the new millennium: advances,economics, perceptions and problems

Cotton is the most significant natural fibre and has been a preferred choice of the textile industry and consumers since the industrial revolution began. The share of man-made fibres, both regenerated and synthetic fibres, has grown considerably in recent times but cotton production has also been on the rise and accounts for about half of the fibres used for apparel and textile goods. To cotton’s advantage, the premium attached to the presence of cotton fibre and the general positive consumer perception is well established, however, compared to commodity man-made fibres and high performance fibres, cotton has limitations in terms of its mechanical properties but can help to overcome moisture management issues that arise with performance apparel during active wear.

This issue of Textile Progress aims to:

1. Report on advances in cotton cultivation and processing as well as improvements to conventional cotton cultivation and ginning. The processing of cotton in the textile industry from fibre to finished fabric, cotton and its blends, and their applications in technical textiles are also covered.

2. Explore the economic impact of cotton in different parts of the world including an overview of global cotton trade.

3. Examine the environmental perception of cotton fibre and efforts in organic and genetically-modified (GM) cotton production. The topic of naturally-coloured cotton, post-consumer waste is covered and the environmental impacts of cotton cultivation and processing are discussed. Hazardous effects of cultivation, such as the extensive use of pesticides, insecticides and irrigation with fresh water, and consequences of the use of GM cotton and cotton fibres in general on the climate are summarised and the effects of cotton processing on workers are addressed. The potential hazards during cotton cultivation, processing and use are also included.

4. Examine how the properties of cotton textiles can be enhanced, for example, by improving wrinkle recovery and reducing the flammability of cotton fibre.

     

Recent advances in banana (musa spp.) biofortification to alleviate vitamin A deficiency

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies that disproportionately affects low income populations in developing countries. Traditional breeding and modern biotechnology have significant potential to enhance micronutrient bioavailability in crops through biofortification. Bananas (Musa spp.) are economically important fruit crops grown throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where VAD is most prevalent. Some banana genotypes are rich in provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs), providing an opportunity to use bananas as a readily available vehicle for provitamin A delivery. This review summarizes the progress made in carotenoid research in bananas relative to banana diversity and the use of conventional breeding and transgenic approaches aimed at banana biofortification to address vitamin A deficiency. Existing reports on sampling strategies, pVAC retention and bioavailability are also evaluated as essential components for a successful banana biofortification effort. The wide variability of pVACs reported in banana cultivars coupled with recent advances in unraveling the diversity and genetic improvement of this globally important but often-neglected staple fruit crop underscores their importance in biofortification schemes.     

Event-specific detection system of stacked genetically modified maize by using the multiplex-PCR technique

Stacked genetically modified (GM) crops are becoming popular for their enhanced production efficiency and improved functional properties. In this study, we developed an event-specific PCR method for simple qualitative detection of stacked events combining more than 2 transgenic traits. Ten primer sets were designed, including 9 that were event-specific and 1 that was specific for a maize endogenous gene. Five event-specific multiplex-PCR systems were built, based on the main type of stacked GM events approved in Korea. Multiplex PCR was performed with mixtures of template DNA extracted from certified reference materials. PCR amplicons (3 or 4 by type) of expected sizes and mutually similar intensities were detected. The limit of detection was approximately 0.1%(v/v) for stacked GM maize in all event-specific PCRs. This method may be useful for the specific detection and monitoring of stacked GM maize lines and individual parent GM maize lines, by effectively distinguishing genestacked events.     

Parallelised real-time PCR for identification of maize GMO events

Identification of specific material derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) present in food, feed or seed samples screened positive for the presence of genetic modification(s) is mandatory for the official food and feed control in the European Union. Since the introduction of regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 in 2004, the number of maize GMO events either approved in the EU or with a pending application grew constantly. By the sheer multitude of events and crossed events (stacks), maize poses a special challenge on official food and feed control. We developed a modular qualitative detection system for the parallel identification of maize GMO events to cope with the increasing number of GMO potentially present in routine samples. This system is based on validated real-time PCR assays in a microtitre plate format grouped modularly by crop species. The maize module identifies in parallel, i.e. simultaneously, 15 maize events and RoundupReady soy in a single analytical run of approximately 2 h. Maize modules can be conveniently prepared in advance and stored at −20 °C until use. Ready-to-use reference DNA mixtures serve as positive controls. The modular approach is flexible as it allows easy change or addition of individual detection reactions, if necessary, e.g. when new validated methods become available. 23 food, 14 feed and 8 seed samples were successfully analysed with the maize module. The parallel detection of nine different GMO maize and soy events in single routine samples demonstrated the usefulness of the parallelised modular approach for routine GMO analysis.     

静电技术在农作物种植上的研究进展与应用

静电技术在农作物种植中的农作物灭虫、授粉和育种等方面均有应用。利用静电技术防治农作物病虫害的方法主要有静电喷药法和静电放电法,前者利用静电技术使药液雾化带电,在静电场的作用下使其吸附到目标上,可以有效减少施药量:后者利用高压静电场杀死害虫,从而避免农药的使用。利用静电技术进行农作物授粉的方法主要为静电涂覆法,其原理是使花粉颗粒带电,并在静电场的作用下运动到花柱头上,完成有效授粉。利用静电技术进行农作物育种主要利用静电场对种子进行处理,改善种子的生理生化指标,实现农作物增产。本文主要介绍了静电技术在农作物灭虫、授粉和育种3个方面的应用现状及研究成果,并提出相应展望,静电技术已广泛应用于农作物种植上,随着该技术的不断发展和完善,必将大力推进农业的发展。     

Monitoring of Bt11 and Bt176 genetically modified maize in food sold commercially in Brazil from 2005 to 2007

BACKGROUND: The first genetically modified (GM) maize lines were approved for trading in Brazil after December 2007 and they were T25, MON810, Bt11, NK603 and GA21. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was employed to monitor the presence of Bt11 and nested PCR was used to detect the presence of Bt176 in 81 maize‐derived products (maize flour, corn meal, maize flour flakes and polenta) that were sold in Brazilian market from 2005 to 2007, before the release of GM maize in Brazil. RESULTS: The PCR detection limit for Bt11 was 10 g kg^?1 and for nested PCR of Bt176 it was 1 g kg^?1. All Brazilian samples analyzed showed no positive signal for these GM maize events. CONCLUSION: Bt11 and Bt176 GM maize lines were not detected by specific PCR in 81 maize‐derived food samples sold in Brazil from 2005 to 2007, before the commercial release of GM maize in Brazil. These Brazilian food industries were in compliance with the rules stipulated by the current legislation with respect to consumer requirements about GMO labeling. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dietary exposure assessment of synthetic food colours using analytical concentrations in Korea

ABSTRACT

The safety of nine synthetic colour additives approved in Korea were assessed through hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment, and risk characterisation. Hazard identification and characterisation were conducted using new risk information based on toxicology data. Exposure assessment calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the nine colours. Finally, the risk was evaluated by comparing the EDIs of the colours with the acceptable daily intake (ADI). 1,114 samples (24 food categories) among a total of 1,454 samples contained colour additives either at a level that was not detectable or up to a quantified maximum of 288 mg kg^?1. The likelihood of risk of exposure to all food colours, evaluated by comparing the EDI with the ADI, was less than 0.52% of the ADI for the general population. These results indicate that use of synthetic food colour in Korea is safe and does not result in excessive exposure to any population group.     

Targeting carbon for crop yield and drought resilience

Current methods of crop improvement are not keeping pace with projected increases in population growth. Breeding, focused around key traits of stem height and disease resistance, delivered the step‐change yield improvements of the green revolution of the 1960s. However, subsequently, yield increases through conventional breeding have been below the projected requirement of 2.4% per year required by 2050. Genetic modification (GM) mainly for herbicide tolerance and insect resistance has been transformational, akin to a second green revolution, although GM has yet to make major inroads into intrinsic yield processes themselves. Drought imposes the major restriction on crop yields globally but, as yet, has not benefited substantially from genetic improvement and still presents a major challenge to agriculture. Much still has to be learnt about the complex process of how drought limits yield and what should be targeted. Mechanisms of drought adaptation from the natural environment cannot be taken into crops without significant modification for the agricultural environment because mechanisms of drought tolerance are often in contrast with mechanisms of high productivity required in agriculture. However, through convergence of fundamental and translational science, it would appear that a mechanism of sucrose allocation in crops can be modified for both productivity and resilience to drought and other stresses. Recent publications show how this mechanism can be targeted by GM, natural variation and a new chemical approach. Here, with an emphasis on drought, we highlight how understanding fundamental science about how crops grow, develop and what limits their growth and yield can be combined with targeted genetic selection and pioneering chemical intervention technology for transformational yield improvements. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Real-time multiplex PCR: An accurate method for the detection and quantification of 35S-CaMV promoter in genetically modified maize-containing food

A very sensitive and new real-time multiplex PCR method for the quantification of genetically modified (GM) maize crops in food materials was developed and validated for an ABI Prism 7700 Sequence Detection System. In the assay described, fluorescence-labelled TaqMan probes were chosen to detect the amplified DNA fragments during PCR. In this multiplex approach, maize-specific DNA (zein) and 35S-CaMV promoter-specific DNA fragments are amplified in the same tube. The method was tested for the detection and quantification of the four maize events that are approved in Europe and contain the 35S-CaMV promoter: Bt11, Bt176, Mon810 and T25 maize. Quantification was based on a standard curve prepared from certified maize flour reference material prepared by the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements. Quantification within the range of the standard curve (0.05-1% GM maize) and up to 100% was possible. Repeatability of the method for each GM maize event was determined; coefficients of variations ranged from 28-40%. In addition, three internal Nestlé laboratories successfully applied this method and comparable results were obtained.     

Monitoring of genetically modified food and feed in the Tunisian market using qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) invade more and more the agricultural production in the world. Although there are no legislations on GM labeling and cultivation of GM crops in Tunisia, the present study aims to check the status of GMO in Tunisian market using qualitative and quantitative real time-PCR (QRT-PCR). Three-hundred-sixty five samples were collected and different DNA extraction methods were adapted and optimized. Specific primers targeting 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and nopaline synthase terminator from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (At) were used for the detection of the GMO insert and Taxon specific primers for the detection of plant species. Validated Taqman® probes (EU-RL) targeting event specific regions of the maize events MON810, Bt11, and the soybean event RRS were used for the quantification studies. Seven food and feed products showed different amounts of RRS (1.9%), MON810 (2.1%), and Bt11 (1.6%). The results demonstrate for the first time the presence of GMO in Tunisian markets reinforcing the need for the development of accurate quantitative methods in routine analyses.     

Co-existence of GM,conventional and organic crops in developing countries: Main debates and concerns

ABSTRACT

The co-existence approach of GM crops with conventional agriculture and organic farming as a feasible agricultural farming system has recently been placed in the center of hot debates at the EU-level and become a source of anxiety in developing countries. The main promises of this approach is to ensure “food security” and “food safety” on the one hand, and to avoid the adventitious presence of GM crops in conventional and organic farming on the other, as well as to present concerns in many debates on implementing the approach in developing countries. Here, we discuss the main debates on (“what,” “why,” “who,” “where,” “which,” and “how”) applying this approach in developing countries and review the main considerations and tradeoffs in this regard. The paper concludes that a peaceful co-existence between GM, conventional, and organic farming is not easy but is still possible. The goal should be to implement rules that are well-established proportionately, efficiently and cost-effectively, using crop-case, farming system-based and should be biodiversity-focused ending up with “codes of good agricultural practice” for co-existence.     

Physicochemical, technological properties, and health-benefits of Cucurbita moschata Duchense vs. Cehualca: A Review

Squash (Cucurbita moschata D.), is a vegetable crop native from México. Since ancient times it has been essential in the diet of rural communities and some urban areas worldwide, mainly in the nowadays squash is a marginalized crop in terms of cultivation, marketing, industrialization and research. There are few of scientific studies on its physical, chemical, physicochemical, nutrimental, functional and technological characteristics. Some scientific literature on squash highlights its importance as a source of α and β-carotene, lutein, vitamin C, dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds. These nutrimental and bioctive components are very important in providing human health benefits. Different researchers agree in indicating that more scientific studies are needed to achieve greater and better utilization of this important crop. This review will focus on the physical, chemical, nutritional, and technological aspects of the squash (C. moschata).     

多品系混杂转基因大豆样品中复合品系的检测

摘要：目的 确认一份多品系混杂转基因大豆样品中是否含有复合性状转基因大豆。方法 采用实时荧光定性PCR方法对实验室留存的一份转基因初筛阳性大豆样品进行品系筛查检测,后分别采用单粒多靶点筛查检测和清洗后单粒多靶点筛查检测方法进行复合性状品系的确认。结果 经鉴定,该大豆样品中混杂了5种转基因大豆品系,检出复合性状转基因大豆为MON87708×MON89788品系,该品系为中国未经批准进口的转基因大豆品系。结论 鉴于目前缺乏完整的检测技术体系和技术标准,这种多品系混杂样品中掺杂未批准复合性状品系的行为非常具有隐蔽性和欺骗性,国内的农业安全监管部门和海关检疫部门都应该对此高度重视。     

Cichorium intybus L – cultivation,processing, utility,value addition and biotechnology,with an emphasis on current status and future prospects

Cultivation of chicory plants for various applications, such as utilisation of the root biomass for preparation of a coffee adjuvant, utilisation as a vegetable and, recently, utility of the plants for important phytochemicals, has received global attention. Chicory is widely grown in countries of different geographical locations owing to the economic importance of this crop. This review addresses cultivation, utility, phytochemical studies and pharmacological aspects, with an emphasis on biotechnological developments in recent years and safety evaluation of genetically modified chicory crops. These aspects are dealt with in detail to bring out the current status and future prospects of cultivation and utility of this economically important crop. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adaptation of the ToxRTool to Assess the Reliability of Toxicology Studies Conducted with Genetically Modified Crops and Implications for Future Safety Testing

To determine the reliability of food safety studies carried out in rodents with genetically modified (GM) crops, a Food Safety Study Reliability Tool (FSSRTool) was adapted from the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods’ (ECVAM) ToxRTool. Reliability was defined as the inherent quality of the study with regard to use of standardized testing methodology, full documentation of experimental procedures and results, and the plausibility of the findings. Codex guidelines for GM crop safety evaluations indicate toxicology studies are not needed when comparability of the GM crop to its conventional counterpart has been demonstrated. This guidance notwithstanding, animal feeding studies have routinely been conducted with GM crops, but their conclusions on safety are not always consistent. To accurately evaluate potential risks from GM crops, risk assessors need clearly interpretable results from reliable studies. The development of the FSSRTool, which provides the user with a means of assessing the reliability of a toxicology study to inform risk assessment, is discussed. Its application to the body of literature on GM crop food safety studies demonstrates that reliable studies report no toxicologically relevant differences between rodents fed GM crops or their non-GM comparators.