Agricultural Biotechnology Development Research Articles

IN MEMORY OF DOCTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR SVITLANA IGNATOVA

Problem. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Svitlana Oleksandrivna Ignatova dedicated her entire life to several scientific institutions in Odesa: V. Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking (1964–1970), All-Union Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute (1970–1991), the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation (1991–1999 and 2012–2018), and the South Plant Biotechnological Center of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences (2000–2012). Her life and work were inextricably linked to the development of agricultural biotechnology in Ukraine. Aim. The purpose of our research was to honor the memory of Professor S. O. Ignatova, to highlight the main biographical data and the results of her scientific and pedagogical activities. Results. S. O. Ignatova fruitfully worked on theoretical and applied problems of agricultural crops biotechnology and was a pioneer in the use of achievements in Ukraine regarding the successful application in the selection process of the source material obtained by in vitro methods of tissue, organ and cell culture. Under the leadership of Svitlana Oleksandrivna, the principles and complete technology of accelerated production of linear varieties of barley and wheat with the use of haploproducers were developed. The barley varieties – Odessky 115th and Prairie, which were sown on a large area in Ukraine, were created using this technology. The great attention of S. O. Ignatova was devoted to the training of scientific personnel (graduate students, interns and students). Conclusions. S. O. Ignatova’s scientific legacy was a long-term fundamental research in the biotechnology of major agricultural crops, which was a significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of Ukrainian and world science. Svitlana Oleksandrivna was the author of more than 300 scientific works, including monographs, patents, scientific and methodological manuals, methodological recommendations, author’s certificates and publications in leading scientific journals. The life story of S. O. Ignatova is continued by her students, remembering the bright image of their professor – an energetic, determined and inspired woman.

Transgenic plants — a threat to local flora?

The paper covers major threats associated with wide-range introduction and cultivation of transgenic plants due to germplasm mixing with that of indigenous species of natural plant communities and risks of transgenic plants adverse impact on the environment. Among them are: influencing non-target species, invasive power, possibility of GMPs escaping into the environment by horizontal gene transfer as well as harmful effect on the soil biota.
 Currently, herbicide- and pest-resistant genetically modified plants (GMP) became an integral part of contemporary agrotechnologies in many economies [1]. However, most countries lack national strategy providing science-based substantiated procedure of creating, distribution and safe production of GMP. Rapid development of agricultural biotechnology and GMP production offered many economical benefits but also caused concern due to their potential environmental impact. To date, truly negative effects of GMP production, revealed in the course of growing, are known: harmful effect of entomocide Cry-proteins (Bt endotoxins) on non-target biota, target phytophage resistance to insecticidal plants, phytophage species succession to replace the species eliminated in the agrocoenosis. Vertical transfer of GMP transgenes (repollination between transgenic plants and wild species or isogenic varieties), as well as slow decomposition of transgenic plants remains all these factors can have remote environmental consequences [2, 3]. Wind-dispersed pollen of insecticidal GMP contaminates soil and open water reservoirs by toxins, thus posing potential hazards for aquatic organisms and geobionts (including rhizospheric organisms).
 Thus, uncontrolled GMP production and introduction, creates a real threat of losing biodiversity and genetic diversity of indigenous plants due to biological contamination. Therefore, GMP cultivation and monitoring in the fields is of exceptional importance and must be regulated by a science-based national strategy. This strategy would allow to exclude agroecological and environmental genetic risks, to keep the genetic diversity of natural plant communities.

Governing Agricultural Biotechnologies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany: A Trans-decadal Study of Regulatory Cultures

Comparative studies of agricultural biotechnology regulation have highlighted differences in the roles that science and politics play in decision-making. Drawing on documentary and interview evidence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, we consider how the “regulatory cultures” that guided national responses to earlier generations of agricultural biotechnology have developed, alongside the emergence of genome editing in food crops. We find that aspects of the “product-based” regulatory approach have largely been maintained in US biosafety frameworks and that the British and German approaches have at different stages combined “process-based” and “programmatic” elements that address the scientific and sociopolitical novelty of genome editing to varying degrees. We seek to explain these patterns of stability and change by exploring how changing opportunity structures in each jurisdiction have enabled or constrained public reasoning around emerging agricultural biotechnologies. By showing how opportunity structures and regulatory cultures interact over the long-term, we provide insights that help us to interpret current and evolving dynamics in the governance of genome editing and the longer-term development of agricultural biotechnology.

THE PROSPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY TO ENGENDER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian government has openly publicized its intentions in commercializing agricultural biotechnology as an aid to realize food security in the nation. With a population estimated to be 200 million, the avoidance of food crises is at the core of the efforts of the federal government. One of the solutions to this problem adopted by major economies is agricultural biotechnology. Notwithstanding this truism, the country has not benefited exponentially from this technology. This paper will therefore investigate the issues hindering ample development of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria while seeking a potential workable improvement to the trajectory in order to impact economic growth positively. The findings show agricultural biotechnology has the capacity to maneuver the underperforming agricultural sector into a viable one that can drive tremendous growth in Nigeria if a culture of Science and Technology on agric-biotechnology is embarked on, budgetary allocations that can fund research and development in this field is made and close monitoring to ensure compliance and quality control by all stake holders is maintained. Keywords: Biotechnology, Agriculture, Economic Growth, Nigeria.

Formula application of N fixation and P solubilizing isolate from two soil type of paddy field on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa Linn.)

The formula application of biological nitrogen and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (NPSB) were suitable and possible potential for plant growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa Linn.). This study aimed to investigate the formula application effect of NPSB on plant growth and yield components responses at different type soil paddy fields. The experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of the Center for Research and Development of Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, Bogor District, West Java Province, and arranged in a factorial randomized block design with two factor and three replications. Biometrical observations found significantly highest in formula application at vegetative and generative stage. The maximum number of tillers was observed on 107 at alluvial type soil which was 11.0, followed by 105 μmol/ml at latosol type soil which was 10.3. The effectiveness of tiller after 63 DAT was observed on all formulate at alluvial type soil. The linear relationship between the number of tillers per plant and filled grain number per plant as influenced by the application of formulated isolate at alluvial and latosol soil type had only 32.38 % (r = 0.569). The highest filled grain was on 107 μmol/ml formula isolated at latosol soil type which was 826 grain per plant at latosol soil type. The weight of grain per plant had a 96.78% contribution to the total filled grain per plant of rice(r = 0.984) indicates a very strong positive correlation between the weight grain and the number of filled grains per plant.

The problem of the administrative liability for the violation of the GMO'S ban in Russia

The authors analyze the Russian system of prohibitions on work with plants obtained by genomic technologies and penalties for their violation. It is prohibited in Russia to grow plants whose genetic program has been modified by humans using genome technologies. Not all plants obtained by these methods are prohibited, for example, plants obtained using DNA-free genome editing should not fall under this ban. The specialists who are planning work on growing plants obtained by genomic technologies, therefore, should correctly determine what falls under the legal ban and what is the punishment of non-compliance with it. A legislation systematic analysis has shown that there is no liability for non-compliance with this ban, which reduces the efficiency of regulatory measures and creates preconditions for violating the law. Administrative liability is provided only for the cultivation of genetically modified plants without registration. However, it is unclear when such registration should be carried out due to inconsistent amendments to the legislation. It should be stated thereby that the legal risks in growing plants obtained using genomic technologies in the Russian Federation are excessively high. Their minimization is possible by amending the legislation on genetic engineering and environmental protection, which should be preceded by the adoption and compliance at the federal level of an agreed strategy for the development of agricultural biotechnology.

Biotechnological Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Pine Nuts Extract and the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor AaCI-2S.

Protease inhibitors are involved in the regulation of endogenous cysteine proteases during seed development and play a defensive role because of their ability to inhibit exogenous proteases such as those present in the digestive tracts of insects. Araucaria angustifolia seeds, which can be used in human and animal feed, were investigated for their potential for the development of agricultural biotechnology and in the field of human health. In the pine nuts extract, which blocked the activities of cysteine proteases, it was detected potent insecticidal activity against termites (Nasutitermes corniger) belonging to the most abundant termite genus in tropical regions. The cysteine inhibitor (AaCI-2S) was purified by ion-exchange, size exclusion, and reversed-phase chromatography. Its functional and structural stability was confirmed by spectroscopic and circular dichroism studies, and by detection of inhibitory activity at different temperatures and pH values. Besides having activity on cysteine proteases from C. maculatus digestive tract, AaCI-2S inhibited papain, bromelain, ficin, and cathepsin L and impaired cell proliferation in gastric and prostate cancer cell lines. These properties qualify A. angustifolia seeds as a protein source with value properties of natural insecticide and to contain a protease inhibitor with the potential to be a bioactive molecule on different cancer cells.

Agricultural biotechnology development challenges in Africa: lessons from Ethiopia

Developing countries in Africa such as Ethiopia need to transition from subsistence to modern agriculture through adopting an array of technologies including genetically modified (GM) crops. However, progress in testing and adoption of GM crops in Ethiopia is hindered by prohibitive biosafety law issued in 2009 and by lack of clear guidelines with respect to the regulation of GM crops. Ethiopia should integrate development exigencies with environmental concern in decision making, forge partnership with technology providers and resolve indecision and regulatory encumbrances to make use of less contentious GM crops such as Bt-cotton. Engaging influential individuals that champion the technology and enhancing experience of scientists for interaction with the outside world, including the international private sector may help circumvent the challenges. An independent public biotechnology knowledge system may improve accurate information flow among stakeholders, in the end, leading to informed decision making by policy makers and the public at large.

Agricultural biotechnology development challenges in Africa: lessons from Ethiopia

Agricultural biotechnology development challenges in Africa: lessons from Ethiopia

Application of biofungicides Bisolbifit and Bisolbisan for protection of cabbage from diseases

Relevance The main diseases that affect cabbage crops during the growing season are bacterioses, alternariosis, fusarium and others. Despite the success of breeding to create resistant varieties and hybrids in some years, there is a massive disease defeat of cabbage. Therefore, preventive measures aimed at reducing the level of cabbage diseases are of paramount importance. In recent years, in connection with the development of agricultural biotechnology for the prevention of cabbage diseases, biologics have been proposed based on the products of bacterial metabolism: antibiotics, enzymes, phytohormones, vitamins, etc. Methods In the Laboratory of Cole Crop Breeding and Seed Production of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in 2017-2018 conducted tests of biofungicides. The article presents the results of tests of biofungicides BisolbiSana and BisolbiFita to protect cabbage from diseases. Results The biological effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of seeds and vegetative plants with biofungicides against cabbage altenariosis was 53.3-57.1%, against bacterial mucosa 40.2-47.8% depending on the variety (hybrid). Plant yield increased by 7-8.5%.

The Interaction Between Science, Policy and Law in the Field of Food Security: Can Biotechnology Contribute to Sustainable Agriculture?

Food security is a global issue. The main challenge to global agricultural economics and policy is the need to meet the food demands of the world’s growing population. The growth of the world’s population requires innovative solutions to issues in food security. Genetic engineering is said to provide a number of possible solutions for improving nutrition, increasing yield and enhancing crop resilience. On the other hand, the rapid development of agricultural biotechnology has raised debates on risks associated with genetically modified organisms. New techniques of genome editing seem to provide ample means to overcome limitations inherent in conventional plant breeding, but it is obvious that their industrial applicability depends on regulatory environment and political decision making. Close interaction between science, policy and law is required to realize the potential of modern biotechnology to contribute to food security, wealth and sustainable development.

Large-scale phenomics analysis of a T-DNA tagged mutant population.

Rice, Oryza sativa L., is one of the most important crops in the world. With the rising world population, feeding people in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way becomes increasingly important. Therefore, the rice research community needs to share resources to better understand the functions of rice genes that are the foundation for future agricultural biotechnology development, and one way to achieve this goal is via the extensive study of insertional mutants. We have constructed a large rice insertional mutant population in a japonica rice variety, Tainung 67. The collection contains about 93 000 mutant lines, among them 85% with phenomics data and 65% with flanking sequence data. We screened the phenotypes of 12 individual plants for each line grown under field conditions according to 68 subcategories and 3 quantitative traits. Both phenotypes and integration sites are searchable in the Taiwan Rice Insertional Mutants Database. Detailed analyses of phenomics data, T-DNA flanking sequences, and whole-genome sequencing data for rice insertional mutants can lead to the discovery of novel genes. In addition, studies of mutant phenotypes can reveal relationships among varieties, cultivation locations, and cropping seasons.

Governing GMOs in the USA: science, law and public health.

Controversy surrounds the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Proponents argue that GMO food sources represent the only viable solution to food shortages in an ever-growing global population. Science reports no harm from GMO use and consumption so far. Opponents fear the potentially negative impact that GMO development and use could have on the environment and consumers, and are concerned about the lack of data on the long-term effects of GMO use. We discuss the development of GMO food sources, the history of legislation and policy for the labeling requirements of GMO food products, and the health, environmental, and legal rationale for and against GMO food labeling. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food with GMOs within a coordinated framework of federal agencies. Despite mounting scientific evidence that GMO foods are substantially equivalent to traditionally bred food sources, debate remains over the appropriateness of GMO food labeling. In fact, food manufacturers have mounted a First Amendment challenge against Vermont's passage of a law that requires GMO labeling. Mandatory GMO labeling is not supported by science. Compulsory GMO labels may not only hinder the development of agricultural biotechnology, but may also exacerbate the misconception that GMOs endanger people's health.

Consumers' perceptions on GM food safety in urban China

The debate about the safety of genetically modified (GM) food has attracted public attention in concurrence with the rapid development of agricultural biotechnology. This paper examines the consumers' perceptions on the safety of GM food in China. Based on a unique survey dataset, this study shows that consumers in urban China have significantly changed their perceptions on GM food safety. The percentage of consumers who perceived such food as unsafe for consumption increased by more than 30% in the 2002–2012 period. Approximately half of the consumers did not have an opinion on this issue. Major shifts have been occurred after 2010, likely because of the increasing influence of negative media reports on GM technology in recent years. Several individual and household's characteristics are shown to significantly affect consumers' perceptions on GM food safety, such as gender, education, food allergy experience and resident city size. The paper concludes with policy implications.

Peningkatan Toleransi Rendaman Padi Lokal Rawa Lebak dengan Introgresi Gen Sub1

<p>ABSTRACT</p><p>One of efforts to increase rice production at swamp area which is frequently flooded is the use of submergence tolerant rice varieties. The objectives of this research was to improve plant tolerance after submergence stress for 14 days in BC1F1 of crosses between local superior varieties and Sub1 gen donor (FR13A). The studies were carried out in two stages: 1) Crossing local superior varieties, i.e., Pegagan (Pgn), Siam (Sm), Payak Selimbuk (Pys), dan Pelita Rampak (Plr) to submergence tolerant variety FR13A; and 2) submergence tolerance evaluation of the progeny. The first study was conducted at green house of Graduate Study Sriwijaya University, Palembang. The second study was carried out at field experiment of Central Research and Development of Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources in Bogor. All studies were conducted from March 2011 until March 2013. The first study was the introgression of Sub1 gene into local genotypes Payak Selimbuk, Pegagan, Siam and Pelita Rampak from FR13A. The second study was evaluation of BC1F1 plant performance after submergence treatment for 14 days. The results showed that introgression of Sub1 gene into local varieties improved submergence tolerance as indicated by higher percentage of survived plants, lower decrease of plant dry weight, and lower decrease of grain weight per panicle compared to parents.</p><p>Keywords: Sub1 gene, local swamp rice, submergence tolerant</p>

Crop plant genotyping by real-time PCR analysis of crude extracts of seeds.

Development of agricultural biotechnology requires rapid and convenient methods for crop plant genotyping. Real-time PCR is sensitive and reliable, and has been a routine technique in plant research. However, its application is limited by the cumbersome DNA template preparation procedures. We tested three PCR master mixes for direct amplification of crude seed DNA extracts without extensive purification. One mix had higher resistance to plant-derived PCR inhibitors and was shown to be applicable to various important crop plants. Furthermore, this method is capable of detecting single-copy genes from 2 mg pieces of seeds repetitively. Meanwhile, melting curve analysis could detect amplicons directly without electrophoresis manipulations. Taken together, this direct real-time PCR method provides a rapid and convenient tool for seed genotypic screening in crop plants.

RNA-guided transcriptional regulation in planta via synthetic dCas9-based transcription factors.

Targeted genomic regulation is a powerful approach to accelerate trait discovery and development in agricultural biotechnology. Bacteria and archaea use clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) regulatory systems for adaptive molecular immunity against foreign nucleic acids introduced by invading phages and conjugative plasmids. The type II CRISPR/Cas system has been adapted for genome editing in many cell types and organisms. A recent study used the catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9) protein combined with guide-RNAs (gRNAs) as a DNA-targeting platform to modulate gene expression in bacterial, yeast, and human cells. Here, we modified this DNA-targeting platform for targeted transcriptional regulation in planta by developing chimeric dCas9-based transcriptional activators and repressors. To generate transcriptional activators, we fused the dCas9 C-terminus with the activation domains of EDLL and TAL effectors. To generate a transcriptional repressor, we fused the dCas9 C-terminus with the SRDX repression domain. Our data demonstrate that dCas9 fusion with the EDLL activation domain (dCas9:EDLL) and the TAL activation domain (dCas9:TAD), guided by gRNAs complementary to selected promoter elements, induce strong transcriptional activation on Bs3::uidA targets in plant cells. Further, the dCas9:SRDX-mediated transcriptional repression of an endogenous gene. Thus, our results suggest that the synthetic transcriptional repressor (dCas9:SRDX) and activators (dCas9:EDLL and dCas9:TAD) can be used as endogenous transcription factors to repress or activate transcription of an endogenous genomic target. Our data indicate that the CRISPR/dCas9 DNA-targeting platform can be used in plants as a functional genomics tool and for biotechnological applications.

Concerns Regarding Food Biotechnology: An Ongoing Debate

The development of agricultural biotechnology has led to the production of numerous types of genetically modified crops with improved traits. The prevalence of genetically modified food is increasing globally. The Rapid progress in the development of genetically modified food has significantly however increased public concern about food safety in recent years. The appearance of such foods in the global market has lately resulted in debate and scientific discussion. This debate is likely to continue, probably in the broader context of other uses of biotechnology and their consequences for human societies. To date, regulations and policies which mandate the labeling of genetically modified food are strictly adhered to in many countries to allow consumers both right for knowledge and freedom of choice. Nonetheless, several countries have not yet implemented policies that would oblige food producers to label modified food products. Main concerns about the safety of genetically modified food include allergenicity, emergence of antibiotic resistance and out-crossing of wild type crop. On the other hand, genetically modified crops can successfully reduce maturation time and improve quality by increasing tolerance to stress and some plant diseases. In fact many debate and believe that genetically modified food is the solution of world hunger because it increases food security every day and guarantees adequate nutrition. The debate would likely continue in the future but until clear evidence is provided, all concerns can be considered relative and dealt with transparency and objectivity to reveal both the good and evil side of biotechnology.

Patents and China's research and development in agricultural biotechnology

A study assesses Chinese scientists' knowledge of patents and the relationship between scientists' patent-using behaviors and their organizations' mandates.

An overview of intellectual property rights in relation to agricultural biotechnology

The majority of the population in developing nations depends on agriculture. Agricultural biotechnology involves genetic modification and promises a number of important benefits, such as improving agricultural yields by increasing the resistance of crops to pests and facilitating them to flourish in harsh natural environments, improving the productivity of crops, and reducing pesticide use. Also, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts of genetic modification. To promote research and development in agricultural biotechnology, intellectual property rights (IPRs) are one of the primary tools. Based on the fact that high investment is required to develop new genetically modified (GM) technologies and products, stronger intellectual property protection is necessary to stimulate research and to allow recovery of investment. As international rules increasingly raise the level of intellectual property protection, there is rising concern about the potential negative impacts on the dissemination of knowledge and important products, further Research and Development, food security, and the conservation of biodiversity among other fundamental areas of public policy. It is thus an important policy challenge to determine application of laws, rules and legislations to agricultural biotechnology. IPRs are woven into innovations, enable entrepreneurship and they allow the leveraging of private resources for resolving the problems of hunger and poverty. Keywords: Biotechnology, intellectual property rights, patents, genetic modification