Références sur les Plantes

REFERENCES PGM RECENSEES EN SEPTEMBRE 2010 STATISTIQUES Thèmes

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01) Nombre total références 02) PGM-Résistantes aux insectes 03) PGM-Résistantes aux nématodes 04) PGM-Tolérantes à des Herbicides 05) PGM-Résistantes aux champignons Phytopathogènes 06) PGM-Résistantes aux bactéries 07) PGM-Resistantes aux Virus 08) PGM-Resistantes aux maladies (articles généraux) 09) PGM-Résistantes à l'environnement 10) PGM-Outils de recherche en biologie végétale 11) 9 et 10 12) Résistance des organismes cibles (OC) 13) Impact sur organismes non cibles (ONC) 14) Devenir des transgènes ou/et transprotéines 15) Bioengineering 16) Sante 17) Biotechnologie de l'environnement USA China* India Germany Japan France** United Kingdom Korea Canada Spain Australia Italy Columbia Belgium South Africa The Netherlands Switzerland Taiwan Brazil - Brasil Argentina New Zealand Kenya Malaysia Saudi Arabia Austria Czech Republic Denmark Hungary

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* Revues chinoises de septembre non dépouillées ** dont 11 sur aspects agronomiques

LISTE DES REFERENCES PGM RECENSEES EN SEPTEMBRE 2010 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Aananthi N, Anandakumar CR, Ushakumari R, Shanthi P, Year: 2010 Title: * Agrobacterium – mediated transformation of indica rice under Acetosyringone–free conditions.

(Research Article).

Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 1244-1248 (July 2010) Label: Bioengineering Keywords: indica rice, Agrobacterium –mediated transformation, Acetosyringone (AS) Abstract: The possibility of developing transgenic indica rices through Agrobacterium –mediated transformation in the absence of Acetosyringone at bacterial preinduction or cocultivation or both stages was assessed. Six weeks old, scutellum derived calluses of indica rice viz., ASD 16, White Ponni, Pusa Basmati, Pusa Sugandh 4, Pusa Sugandh 5 were cocultivated with A.tumifaciens strain EHA 105, harbouring the binary vector pCAMBIA 1305.1 with the â-glucouronidase (GUS) and hygromycin phospho transferase genes in the T-DNA region. Addition of Acetosyringone (AS) to the pre induction medium and cocultivation medium induced higher levels of transient GUS expression than that obtained with the addition of AS to either of the stages. Adddition of sucrose to both the media revealed that the transient expression levels were similar to those obtained by the addition of AS. The resultant fertile plants were stable ttransformants as revealed by GUS histochemical assay and PCR analysis for the GUS and HPT genes. The results indicated that the addition of phenolics like AS may not be essential for the induction of vir genes and development of transgenic indica rices are also possible under AS free conditions.

URL: http://7163212528993603940-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/ejpb10/vol-1-43/Vol-1-4-1244-1248.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cqadhIu2_b2jI36ohs7ioClmJOLyl3Yxf5plrbnEHtne8iAfdRj1uGBenszN3o8p3QSRv5VW3ySSGZ8DLd3YzkhKUT

5YMjNwoHq8qIPWuTPtcLnuJnSathWuy0ysC95bEdFKPCACeAgreQwsNoa05VYLRZamcwdT0IzIAsZZ0q2 7iQcFk6fFS5XrSy3p4bz0Ihj913t83aKp5EK6EBzhhq17qlBw%3D%3D&attredirects=0 Author Address: Rice Research Station, Ambasamudram-627401 India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Aananthi N, Anandakumar CR, Ushakumari R, Shanthi P, Year: 2010 Title: * Regeneration study of some indica rice cultivars followed by Agrobacterium – mediated transformation of highly regenerable cultivar, Pusa Basmati 1.

Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 1249-1256 (July 2010).

Label: Bioengineering Keywords: regeneration, indica rice, Agrobacterium –mediated transformation Abstract: Five indica rice (Oryza sativa L.var.) cultivars viz., ASD 16, White Ponni, Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Sugandh 4 and Pusa Sugandh 5 were subjected to tissue culture to study their regenerability in terms of regeneration percent and total number of regenerated plantlets obtained for a fixed sample size per variety.

Regeneration potential was found to be highest (56.03%) for Pusa Basmati 1 and the lowest (30.37%) for White Ponni. The highly regenerating indica rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1 was subjected to genetic transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumifaciens EHA 105 harbouring the virulent Plasmid Pcambia 1305.1. Sucessful transformation events in the infected calli with this strain were assayed by transient GUS assay using 5-bromo 4-chloro 3-indolyl-D glucuronide (X-gluc) as a substrate. The frequency of transformation in terms of transient GUS assay was found to be 44.0 ± 2 S.E URL: http://7163212528993603940-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/ejpb10/vol-1-43/Vol-1-4-12491256.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crJGzmWNy1IQRb_fiGQWbqig4rudtz1pcdNTe3JFMjAS4tdEL61PBNk4NYjIb8 F6LAer1TPibrLbwca_io2CNP7tBReA32TnCyy6MWZdCoAUVdbTVLfRAf2X9eWT88reUi88OdYAjGufyDixw_qR5wZ4vXRbrJCx8I03D2v7U2qhYLfV-wZmE3Wa2hJMOiUDsZl6YWt-dDQR7HZciNNzcjv4BCw%3D%3D&attredirects=0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Aananthi N, Anandakumar CR, Ushakumari R, Shanthi P, Year: 2010 Title: * Agrobacterium – mediated transformation of indica rice under Acetosyringone–free conditions.

(Research Article).

Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 1244-1248 (July 2010) Label: Bioengineering Keywords: indica rice, Agrobacterium –mediated transformation, Acetosyringone (AS) Abstract: The possibility of developing transgenic indica rices through Agrobacterium –mediated transformation in the absence of Acetosyringone at bacterial preinduction or cocultivation or both stages was assessed. Six weeks old, scutellum derived calluses of indica rice viz., ASD 16, White Ponni, Pusa Basmati, Pusa Sugandh 4, Pusa Sugandh 5 were cocultivated with A.tumifaciens strain EHA 105, harbouring the binary vector pCAMBIA 1305.1 with the â-glucouronidase (GUS) and hygromycin phospho transferase genes in the T-DNA region. Addition of Acetosyringone (AS) to the pre induction medium and cocultivation medium induced higher levels of transient GUS expression than that obtained with the addition of AS to either of the stages. Adddition of sucrose to both the media revealed that the transient expression levels were similar to those obtained by the addition of AS. The resultant fertile plants were stable ttransformants as revealed by GUS histochemical assay and PCR analysis for the GUS and HPT genes. The results indicated that the addition of phenolics like AS may not be essential for the induction of vir genes and development of transgenic indica rices are also possible under AS free conditions.

URL: http://7163212528993603940-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/ejpb10/vol-1-43/Vol-1-4-1244-1248.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7cqadhIu2_b2jI36ohs7ioClmJOLyl3Yxf5plrbnEHtne8iAfdRj1uGBenszN3o8p3QSRv5VW3ySSGZ8DLd3YzkhKUT 5YMjNwoHq8qIPWuTPtcLnuJnSathWuy0ysC95bEdFKPCACeAgreQwsNoa05VYLRZamcwdT0IzIAsZZ0q2 7iQcFk6fFS5XrSy3p4bz0Ihj913t83aKp5EK6EBzhhq17qlBw%3D%3D&attredirects=0 Author Address: Rice Research Station, Ambasamudram-627401 India

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Aananthi N, Anandakumar CR, Ushakumari R, Shanthi P, Year: 2010 Title: * Regeneration study of some indica rice cultivars followed by Agrobacterium – mediated transformation of highly regenerable cultivar, Pusa Basmati 1.

Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 1249-1256 (July 2010).

Label: Bioengineering Keywords: regeneration, indica rice, Agrobacterium –mediated transformation Abstract: Five indica rice (Oryza sativa L.var.) cultivars viz., ASD 16, White Ponni, Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Sugandh 4 and Pusa Sugandh 5 were subjected to tissue culture to study their regenerability in terms of regeneration percent and total number of regenerated plantlets obtained for a fixed sample size per variety. Regeneration potential was found to be highest (56.03%) for Pusa Basmati 1 and the lowest (30.37%) for White Ponni. The highly regenerating indica rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1 was subjected to genetic transformation mediated by Agrobacterium tumifaciens EHA 105 harbouring the virulent Plasmid Pcambia 1305.1. Sucessful transformation events in the infected calli with this strain were assayed by transient GUS assay using 5-bromo 4-chloro 3-indolyl-D glucuronide (X-gluc) as a substrate. The frequency of transformation in terms of transient GUS assay was found to be 44.0 ± 2 S.E URL: http://7163212528993603940-a-1802744773732722657-ssites.googlegroups.com/site/ejpb10/vol-1-4-3/Vol-1-4-12491256.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crJGzmWNy1IQRb_fiGQWbqig4rudtz1pcdNTe3JFMjAS4tdEL61PBNk4 NYjIb8F6LAer1TPibrLbwca_io2CNP7tBReA32TnCyy6MWZdCoAUVdbTVLfRAf2X9eWT88reUi88OdYAjGufyDixw_qR5wZ4vXRbrJCx8I03D2v7U2qhYLfV-wZmE3Wa2hJMOiUDsZl6YWt-dDQR7HZciNNzcjv4BCw%3D%3D&attredirects=0 Author Address: Rice Research Station, Ambasamudram-627401 India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Abdallah Naglaa A Year: 2010 Title: * Amflora: Great expectation for GM Crops in Europe.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 109 - 112 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12398 Label: Composition Adoption BioIndustrie Abstract: Amflora provides a plausible reason for commercially cultivation of GM Crops in Europe. For improving the industrial application of potato, the amylose-less Amflora was genetically engineered to produce only amylopectin component in its starch. Amflora was developed by silencing the expression of the starch synthase enzyme using antisense strategy to eliminate the expression of amylose. Amylopectin is known to be the required starch component for industrial purpose because of its thickening properties, in the contrary amylose component has a gelling property which interfere with the industrial processes and it makes the dissolved potato starch unstable. Therefore, it is requested to separate the two components. Seperating amylopectin and amylose in potato starch would require energy and water consumptions and therefore be uneconomical.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12398/ Author Address: Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI); Agricultural Research Center (ARC); 9 Gamaa St.; Giza 12619 Egypt XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Abdallah Naglaa A Year: 2010 Title: * GM Crops in Africa: Challenges in Egypt.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 116 - 119 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12811 Label: Adoption Socioeconomic

Abstract: In Africa, six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday per year (World Bank stats). More than 800 million people go to bed hungry, 300 million of them are children.

"Simply because my people are hungry, that is no justification to give them poison" Small words that were outspoken by President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, who refused to accept milled grains from the United States during the worst food shortage crises that ever faced Africa 2002. Amazingly; African leaders of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique refused to accept food aid, because it was "contaminated" with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Moreover, they claimed that it made food "hazardous to human health". Eventually, African countries gave in and accepted milled GM cereals, but Zambia was only spared from the catastrophe when they received certifiably non-GM aid from Europe.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12811/ Author Address: Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI); Agricultural Research Center (ARC); 9 Gamaa St.; Giza 12619 Egypt XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Abdul Azeez, Sane AP, Tripathi SK, Bhatnagar D, Pravendra Nath, Year: 2010 Title: * The gladiolus GgEXPA1 is a GA-responsive alpha-expansin gene expressed ubiquitously during expansion of all floral tissues and leaves but repressed during organ senescence.

Journal: Postharvest Biology and Technology 58, 1.

Label: Physiol Keywords: biosynthesis; cell growth; flowering; flowers; gene expression; genes; genetic transformation; gibberellins; gynoecium; hypocotyls; inhibition; leaves; paclobutrazol; plant growth regulators; plant tissues; postharvest systems; reporter genes; seedlings; senescence; stamens; transgenic plants; transgenics anthesis; Capparales; cell elongation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; plant growth substances; plant hormones; reporter gene Abstract: The final shape and size of the flower is genetically and developmentally controlled by tight regulation of cell number and cell size with cell expansion playing an important role The gladiolus expansin gene, GgEXPA1, was expressed prominently during phases of active tepal expansion and cell elongation in stamen filaments, gynoecium styles and expanding leaves but not in tissues where expansion had ceased and senescence had been initiated. Within tepals, differential expression between the proximal and distal portions that differ in cell elongation was observed. The expression of the gene was responsive to GA and inhibited by the GA biosynthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol. The promoter of GgEXPA1 showed strong expansion-responsive GUS expression in young agro-infiltrated gladiolus tepals and in etiolated hypocotyls and light grown expanding cotyledonary leaves of transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings. Inhibition of hypocotyl elongation by paclobutrazol blocked the expression of the promoter-driven reporter gene indicating GA responsiveness of the promoter. GgEXPA1 provides an interesting example of a single expansin gene being involved in expansion processes in different plant tissues such as tepals, stamens, pistils and leaves that are both spatially as well as temporally distinct in their development. The studies provide a basis for GA mediated expansion of floral organs via expansins prior to anthesis.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 45 ref.

Author Address: Plant Gene Expression Lab, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Academy of Science of South Africa Year: 2010 Title: 造 Workshop proceedings Report on : GMOs for Africazn Agriculture: Challenges and opportunities.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010 Label: InRe HeTo FuRe BaRe ViRe ReEn DisRe General Socioeconomic Abstract: Foreword: This proceedings report is the product of a two-day workshop hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) from 17-18 September 2009. ASSAf, in partnership with the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and the Uganda National

Academy of Sciences (UNAS) received funding from the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) to conduct a study on ―Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Opportunities and Challenges in Africa‖.

A planning committee comprising Dr Hennie Groenewald (Chair), Dr Antonio Llobell and Prof. Ed Rybicki from South Africa and Prof. Patrick Rubaihayo from Uganda was established. The committee held its first meeting in June 2009 and decided to focus on agricultural crops within the context of the African continent.

The proposed structure for the follow-up scientific workshop was also formulated at this meeting.

The two-day September 2009 scientific workshop was titled ―GMOs for African Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges‖. Invited experts from seven different African countries (South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Mauritius), as well as an expert from the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, attended the meeting to address issues concerning GMOs in agriculture.

Papers presented at the workshop included accounts of research being undertaken in Africa on GM technology, and highlighted the opportunities created by GM technology and the many challenges faced in applying this technology to African agriculture. It was noted that the capacity to develop GM technology and to evaluate risks was available. Scientists in African countries were ready to engage in scientific and funding partnerships to develop GM technology, and the basis on which regulatory systems can be developed already exists.

However, it was recognised that there are numerous challenges that lie ahead, chief of which are those relating to the commercialisation of GM products and the applications of GM technology in the market place.

It was agreed unanimously by participants at the workshop that the conclusions of the workshop should be brought to the attention of policy-makers across Africa and that this should be done through the production of a concise, colourful and digestible policymakers‘ document. The production of the workshop proceedings is the first step in this direction.

This study on GMOs was conducted by ASSAf as a forum study, in which invited experts were assembled to exchange views on a particular topic, and through the presentations and debates were able to draw some conclusions. This particular study was conducted under the umbrella of the ASSAf Committee on Science for Poverty Alleviation, underscoring the potential role of GMOs in food security on the African continent. It is sincerely hoped that this study will assist in the alleviation of poverty in Africa.

I would like to thank the IAP for funding this study and particularly wish to express my thanks to those who assisted in the planning of the workshop and all those who contributed the papers that comprise this proceedings report. Finally, I wish to thank all the staff of ASSAf, particularly Ms Phakamile Mngadi, for the support given to the committee to enable them to complete this task.

Prof. Robin Crewe President: Academy of Science of South Africa Executive Summary The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Africa has the potential to alleviate many problems on the continent – at present, millions of Africans are vulnerable to food insecurity and malnourishment. This is particularly evident in rural areas, where people depend primarily on agriculture for food and income. This report focuses on the potential of biotechnology, through GMOs, to provide solutions to such problems.

Biotechnology is defined as ―any technique that uses living organisms or substances from these organisms, to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses‖ (Office of Technology Assessment of the United States Congress).

Modern biotechnology has been associated with genetic engineering or genetic modification (GM).

Recombinant DNA, or genetic engineering, is a more precise form of biotechnology, allowing a breeder to transfer known, desirable genes into crops, instead of moving large groups of mostly unknown genes into crops, as in most traditional breeding. ―genetically modified crops‖, often known by the acronym ―GM crops‖, are usually received with varying emotions worldwide. Nonetheless, GM application, a component of biotechnology, is gradually finding its niche across the globe. Indeed, plant and crop breeders have been using biotechnology to modify the genetic make-up of crops for thousands of years.

African agriculture has for decades been faced by multiple challenges, ranging from low productivity to poor or non-existent markets and infrastructure. There has been a decline in the production of cereals over the past four years, which has been attributed to lowinput (i.e. farming based on a reduction of fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides) usage, declining soil fertility, erratic climatic conditions and low government commitment to fund development efforts in the sector. Biotechnology offers a mechanism to increase crop productivity, and as such to contribute towards food security and poverty eradication in Africa.

A decade after GM crops were introduced into the world, their production has grown to about 125 million ha globally. Biotechnology first found its way into Africa through Bt maize, which was introduced into South

Africa in 2003. Since its introduction, the technology has been found to reduce losses of maize incurred through damage by stem borers. However, there is still a large untapped potential in biotechnology that can be embraced to address Africa‘s challenges.

Although biotechnology is gradually being embraced across the globe, it nonetheless faces much opposition.

Challenges to its adoption include: • perceptions and attitudes • access to and use of proprietary technology • biotechnology policy • the cost of biotechnology research.

In order to tap into the potential that biotechnology offers to agricultural productivity and food security, there is a need for greater dedication by African governments towards biotechnology development. This can be done by developing their capacity to negotiate access to intellectual property (IP) rights, and to enact and operationalise IP rights and biosafety policies and guidelines that foster technological innovations, delivery and trade.

In Chapter 1, the situation with respect to GM crop plants in Germany is investigated.

German companies invest large sums of money in plant biotechnology, but much of the research and production is conducted outside Germany due to the hostility of the German public towards GM plants.

The licensing of GM crops for all 27 member states of the European Union (EU) is carried out by the European Council. To date, relatively few products from GM crops have been admitted in the EU for human consumption or fodder and all have to be labelled as GM. It is noted that in Europe a large proportion of the public is opposed to plant gene technology and that politicians have been influenced by this sentiment.

The activities of the German science academies in conjunction with the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) to counteract the misleading campaigns by GM opponent organisations are explored in this chapter.

The ecological and economic aspects of the cultivation of GM insect-resistant varieties of maize, rice and cotton are summarised, and it is concluded that the growth of these crops by small-scale farmers in developing countries can be beneficial.

Chapter 2 focuses on the role of GMOs in food and nutrition security in Africa. In 2000, the UN adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), many of which have a direct connection with food security. By definition, food security is achieved when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Clearly, in the light of this definition, food security poses a major problem for the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where problems of food supply, hunger, under-nutrition and malnutrition exist.

GM technology presents an exciting opportunity to contribute towards the resolution of the African food and nutrition security problem, provided it is carried out within a framework of appropriate biotechnology policy with sufficient financing for human capital development, the construction and equipping of the necessary laboratories and the conducting of rigorously planned, results-oriented GM food research. Research results have shown the possibility of increasing crop yields, improving the storage potential of harvested crops, improving the protein content of starchy foods, biofortification of local foods, and improving the functional potential of local foods.

In Chapter 3, some of the opportunities and challenges in the use of GM technology are explored. The use of GM technology and its products is still in its infancy in Africa. South Africa, which has biosafety regulations in place, is one of the three countries [with Egypt and Burkina Faso] on the continent that are producing commercial GM crops. The GM crops that are produced on a commercial basis have been limited to maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).

These four crops have been transformed for the two traits of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. There is a need in Africa also to develop GM crops with other important traits.

One of the very few transgenic crops with virus resistance that has been commercialised is papaya (Carica papaya L.). Papaya with resistance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is now grown on a commercial basis by farmers on the Hawaiian islands, where GM technology was used to save the local papaya industry from total collapse due to infection by PRSV. The Hawaiian papaya experience can be used as a model to address the many virus problems that have affected African farming communities for a long time.

Various laboratories across the continent are using GM technology to develop transgenic crops with virus resistance. The first all-African-produced modified plant in the form of transgenic maize with resistance to the maize streak virus (MSV) has been developed. This maize is at present being evaluated under containment.

Other projects underway on the continent are also discussed.

As the number of scientists with training in molecular biology, tissue culture and virology increases, there is likely to be a concomitant increase in the number of projects aimed at developing transgenic crops with virus

resistance. Against this background, it is concluded that the future for the development of GMOs in Africa looks promising. GM technology in the form of GMO plants with virus resistance could be the key to unlocking the potential of African agriculture by, among other things, addressing and solving the numerous viral disease problems that have hampered the economic production of Africa‘s major food and commercial crops.

Chapter 4 provides an evidence-based evaluation of the environmental effects of GM crops. Most concerns about GM crops can be categorised as follows: food safety and animal/human health concerns, environmental concerns, agricultural concerns and socioeconomic issues.

Some of the studies that have been conducted on potential impacts of insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM crops are highlighted. In order to effectively evaluate GM crops, an acknowledgment of their potential benefits must be made in addition to an evaluation of the potential damage to the environment and human and animal health.

With a large number of GM crops currently under development in Africa it is evident that regulatory authorities in the continent will continue receiving applications for GM trials and/ or environmental releases. In order to be able to effectively evaluate these applications, it is imperative that they have access to relevant information and appropriate training.

The application of a multidisciplinary systems biology approach to the evaluation of GM crops is described in Chapter 5. The concept of ―substantial equivalence‖ is used to compare GM plants and their non-GM counterparts in terms of changes in gene expression and associated protein and metabolite derivatives as a result of genetic modification. These key compounds have been determined by international standards to form the basis of substantial equivalence. The substantial equivalence approach was adopted by regulatory bodies to ensure that GM plants and foods are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts.

A case study involving the genetic modification of a Bt maize cultivar grown in one location over three years (seasons) with its non-GM maize counterpart is presented.

Chapter 6 documents the lessons learned from the commercialisation of a GM potato in South Africa. It is concluded that only larger multi-institutional and multidisciplinary groups stand any chance of success in the commercialisation process and it is noted that the South African authorities appear to be becoming more conservative and less willing to grant permits. If this is the trend, it may make it more difficult for other African countries to embrace this potentially beneficial technology.

GMOs are produced by one of three methods: recombinant DNA technology, chemical methods, or through nuclear techniques. Chapter 7 focuses on the use of nuclear techniques in GMO production, noting that they are highly competitive in comparison with nonnuclear technologies, and that huge economic benefits have accrued in other regions through the use of radiation-induced mutations.

An opinion paper on sustainable GMO technologies for African agriculture is presented in Chapter 8.

Agricultural sustainability usually refers to agronomic sustainability, including aspects such as agronomic practices, productivity and ecological diversity – all factors that should be considered during the risk assessment of a GM crop before it is released commercially. Most GM crops that have been commercialised to date were developed primarily for large-scale farming systems and would, arguably, not impart the same scale of benefits to small-scale and subsistence farmers, typical of developing countries.

Therefore, to allow developing countries to derive the full potential benefits of biotechnology crops, it is proposed that, in addition to the traditional biosafety aspects mentioned above, technology developers should also more carefully consider factors such as the relevance and accessibility of a particular technology to ensure sustainability. Risk assessment and risk management play a critical role in the successful commercialisation of GM crops and should therefore be considered as an integral part of any GM research and development programme. This chapter develops these concepts and presents a risk analysis framework which can be used in an R&D programme to identify, assess and mitigate potential biosafety and other deployment risks.

The sustainability of GMOs usually revolves around their sustainable use in agricultural systems, focusing predominantly on food/feed and environmental safety. Sustainability is therefore often equated with the postrelease safety of the GMO, an aspect that is regulated in all systems and is therefore carefully considered during the development and risk assessment processes. Potential socioeconomic impacts, by contrast, are currently either not regulated in many countries or are considered only at a very late stage of product development. The fact that most of the current commercial GM crops were designed around the needs of specific markets which differ considerably from those in the developing world, and that they were not developed based on locally established priorities and competencies, has resulted in GM products that are unable to deliver positive socioeconomic impacts to many farmers in developing countries. The sustainable adoption and use of GM technology is also subject to many socioeconomic and practical constraints, which should be considered proactively in ex ante sustainability analyses. By integrating sustainability analyses, including biosafety and

socioeconomic assessments, into a GMO research and development pipeline, the development of both safe and economically sustainable products could be ensured. Such an approach should also improve the overall efficiency of the innovation system because it will help to ensure the development of safe, relevant and accessible products that are truly sustainable.

The penultimate chapter, Chapter 9, recognises that Africa, home to over 900 million people and representing 14% of the world‘s population, is the only continent where food production per capita is decreasing and where hunger and malnutrition afflict at least one in three people. It is the continent that represents by far the biggest challenge in terms of adoption and acceptance of new technologies, and the chapter questions whether agricultural biotechnology can work in Africa.

It is noted that despite the Green Revolution, crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa have hardly changed over the past 40 years and cereal production per capita is steadily declining. It is estimated that with current yields, the projected shortfall of cereals will be 88.7 million tons by 2025.

Biotechnology offers considerable opportunity for addressing many of Africa‘s pressing challenges. Ongoing biotechnology research in Africa focuses largely on attempting to solve local problems associated with food production, health and the environment.

Biotechnology can play a role in increased global crop productivity to improve food, feed and fibre security in sustainable crop production systems that also conserve biodiversity. It can contribute to the alleviation of poverty and hunger, and the augmentation of traditional plant breeding, and can reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture, mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the costeffective production of biofuel. Agricultural biotechnology is vital for addressing the chronic food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa.

GM technology is employed in only a few African countries, namely South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi, and to a lesser extent in Mauritius. Of all these countries, only South Africa, Egypt and Burkina Faso have reached the commercialisation stage.

Most countries in Africa have ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) and have received United Nations Environment Programme – Global Environment Facility (UNEPGEF) assistance to formulate their biosafety frameworks, yet only a few have functioning biosafety legislation that allows field trials of GM products (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania).

With the commercialisation of biotechnology products in other parts of Africa, South Africa is no longer the sole producer of biotechnology products in Africa. However, the country remains the pioneer of the technology and is a role model for the rest of Africa. South Africa is seen as the hub of agricultural biotechnology for Africa as it is one of the few countries in Africa that has a well-developed regulatory system and the expertise to manage the technology. However, South Africa seems to be moving towards stricter legislation, contrary to available scientific evidence.

There is therefore a need in South Africa to ensure that decision-makers who develop policies and amend and enforce the existing legislation and regulations are continually educated and informed on biosafety and biotechnology.

Chapter 10 presents the experience of a technology developer in the regulation of GMO activities in South Africa and concludes with some recommendations. Challenges are experienced at various levels: in the design of the legislative framework, in the operational procedures and in the authorisations granted. It is recommended that legislative frameworks should be functional, practical and operational, while providing protection of the developer‘s investment in terms of IP. Application forms should be activity specific, easily accessible and science-based. Assessment of applications by regulators should be timely, transparent and focused on information that will assist in determining the safety of the proposed activity and product. Concerns, decisions and reasons for decisions should be communicated in a timely fashion and be clearly stated. Conditions should be activity-specific, based on agricultural practice and remain consistent to enable implementation, unless supported by scientific evidence that would necessitate any amendment to the conditions. Applications should be processed within the time periods described in legislative frameworks.

Notes: Content : About the Academy v Foreword vii Acknowledgements x Executive Summary xi List of Figures xxii List of Tables xxiii

List of Acronyms xxiv Introduction and Problem Statement, Dr Gospel Omanya 1 1. The Situation Concerning GM Crop Plants in Germany, Prof. Hans-Walter Heldt 11 2. The Role of GMOs in Africa: Food and Nutrition Security, Prof. Carl M.F. Mbofung 41 3. Transgenic Plants with Virus Resistance: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa, Dr Augustine Gubba 57 4. Challenges for GM Technologies: Evidence-based Evaluation of the Potential Environmental Effects of GM Crops, Dr Dennis Obonyo, Ms Lilian Nfor, Dr Wendy Craig and Mr Decio Ripandelli 67 5. Systems Biology Approach to the Evaluation of GM Plants . A Case Study, Dr Eugenia Barros 93 6. Commercialisation of a GM Potato (A Case Study . Lessons Learned), Mr Gurling Bothma 101 7. The Use of Nuclear Techniques to Produce Improved Varieties of Food Crops in Africa, Dr Yousuf Maudarbocus 113 8. Opinion Paper: Sustainable GMO Technologies for African Agriculture, Dr Jan.Hendrik Groenewald 121 9. Agricultural Biotechnology: Does it work in Africa?, Mrs Remi Akanbi 131 10. Regulation of GMO Activities in South Africa: Experience from a Technology Developer, Ms Michelle Vosges 141 Appendix 1: 147 Committee Members 148 Speakers 150 Staff Members 154 Appendix 2: Workshop Programme 155 URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ahmad Parvaiz, Jaleel Cheruth Abdul, Salem Mohamed A, Nabi Gowher, Sharma Satyawati Year: 2010 Title: * Roles of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in plants during abiotic stress.

Journal: Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 30, 3, 161-175.

Label: ReEn Physiol Review Keywords: Antioxidants, ROS, redox signaling, calcium, ABA Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in plants as byproducts during many metabolic reactions, such as photosynthesis and respiration. Oxidative stress occurs when there is a serious imbalance between the production of ROS and antioxidant defense. Generation of ROS causes rapid cell damage by triggering a chain reaction. Cells have evolved an elaborate system of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants which help to scavenge these indigenously generated ROS. Various enzymes involved in ROSscavenging have been manipulated, over expressed or downregulated to add to the present knowledge and understanding the role of the antioxidant systems. The present article reviews the manipulation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in plants to enhance the environmental stress tolerance and also throws light on ROS and redox signaling, calcium signaling, and ABA signaling.

URL: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07388550903524243 Author Address: 1Biochemistry laboratory, CRDT, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India 2Department of Botany, Baramulla College, 193101, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 3Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110062, India 4Department of Aridland Agriculture, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin 17555, United Arab Emirates XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Akagi Takashi, Ikegami Ayako, Yonemori Keizo, Year: 2010 Title: * DkMyb2 wound-induced transcription factor of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.), contributes to proanthocyanidin regulation.

Journal: Planta 232, 5, 1045-1059.

Label: Physiol DisRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Cis-motif - DkMyb2 - DkMyb4 - Persimmon - Proanthocyanidin Abstract: Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are secondary metabolites that contribute to the protection of a plant against biotic and abiotic stresses. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) accumulates abundant PAs in each plant organ, and some potential Myb-like transcription factors (Myb-TFs) involved in the production of PAs have been isolated.

In this study, we aimed to molecularly characterize one of them, DkMyb2, which was placed in a subclade including a PA regulator of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), TRANSPARENT TESTA2 (TT2), and was coinduced with PA pathway genes after wound stress. Ectopic DkMyb2 overexpression caused significant upregulation of PA pathway genes in transgenic persimmon calluses and significant accumulation of PA, and increased mean degree of polymerization of PAs in transgenic kiwifruit calluses. Analysis of the DNA-binding ability of DkMyb2 by electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that DkMyb2 directly binds to the AC-rich cis-motifs known as AC elements in the promoters of the two PA pathway genes in persimmon, DkANR, and DkLAR. Furthermore, a transient reporter assay using a dual-luciferase system demonstrated direct transcriptional activation of DkANR and DkLAR by DkMyb2. We also discuss subfunctionalization of two PA regulators in persimmon, DkMyb2 and DkMyb4, as well as PA regulators in other plant species from the viewpoint of their ability to bind to cis-motifs and their functions in transcriptional activation. Our results provide insight into the multiple regulatory mechanisms that control PA metabolism by Myb-TFs in persimmon.

Notes: 67 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1241-7 Author Address: (1) Laboratory of Pomology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan (2) Laboratory of Pomology, Department of Bioproduction Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Nonoichi Ishikawa, 921-8836, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Akanbi Remi Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Agricultural Biotechnology: Does it work in Africa?

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Socioeconomic Adoption Abstract: Full text : 1 Introduction Africa is home to over 900 million people representing 14% of the world‘s population. It is the only continent where food production per capita is decreasing and where hunger and malnutrition afflict at least one in three people (James, 2008). Africa is recognized as the continent that represents by far the biggest challenge in terms of adoption and acceptance of new technologies.

Present agricultural practices in Africa are not producing adequate amounts of food for its growing population (Blancfield et al., 2008). For this reason farmers are putting additional pressure on the environment in their quest to feed more and more people. Success in meeting these challenges will depend on the unearthing of new information and knowledge, and the development and use of new technologies. If these are combined with the broader adaptation of existing technologies, it will allow increased crop production on the continent.

Africa is yet to fulfil its food production potential and it is especially vulnerable in terms of food security (Brink et al., 1998). To meet Africa‘s food requirements, it is therefore necessary to increase the efficiency of food production. Several key factors including plant biotechnology are required for improved crop production.

New technologies need to be assessed to determine the role they can play in improving crop yield, controlling diseases and pests and improving nutritional content. Africa is very poor and challenges to the development and effective use of biotechnology exist not only in financial constraints but also in policy, national capacities, information access and the regulatory environment.

2 Agricultural biotechnology Agricultural biotechnology has been around for centuries. Mankind has been manipulating living organisms for thousands of years. Three thousand years ago civilisations were using yeast to make bread, beer and wine and using bacteria to extract minerals from ore; for the past 500 years we have been selectively breeding crops and since 1920 we have been able to increase crop yields six-fold (Evansa & Fischerb, 1999). Agricultural

biotechnology is vital for addressing the chronic food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the Green Revolution, crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa have hardly changed over the past 40 years and cereal production per capita is steadily declining. It has been estimated that with current yields the projected shortfall of cereals will be 88.7 million tons by 2025 (Thompson, 2002).

3 The role of biotechnology in Africa Biotechnology offers considerable opportunity for addressing many of Africa‘s pressing challenges. Ongoing biotechnology research in Africa focuses largely on attempting to solve local problems associated with food production, health and the environment. Biotechnology can play a role in increased global crop productivity to improve food, feed and fibre security in sustainable crop production systems that also conserve biodiversity. It can contribute to the alleviation of poverty and hunger, augmentation of traditional plant breeding, reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture, mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to the cost-effective production of biofuel.

4 The status of biotechnology in Africa Genetic modification technology is being employed only in a very few African countries, namely South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi, and to a lesser extent in Mauritius. Of all these countries, only South Africa, Egypt and Burkina Faso have reached the commercialisation stage. The remaining countries have either only recently approved contained trials of crops such as cotton and maize (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi), or do not as yet have any regulatory or scientific capacity to conduct such trials.

Most countries in Africa have ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) and have received United Nations Environment Programme – Global Environment Facility (UNEP-GEF) assistance to formulate their biosafety frameworks. Only a few have functioning biosafety legislation that allows field trials of GM products (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania).

5 Challenges • A third of the African population suffers from chronic hunger.

• There is a volatile political environment in most African countries.

• Lack of biosafety regulation is the biggest limitation to biotech growth in Africa.

Changing regulatory regimes or lack of them have serious implications for the development of biotechnology in Africa. Biosafety regulations and legislation are in place only in a few countries in Africa, and such a limitation is a serious constraint that impairs the use, evaluation and release of GMOs. • Extension services are virtually non-existent.

• The media and anti-biotechnology groups: three countries in Africa have commercialized biotechnology crops and a few are conducting or are on the verge of conducting confined or field trials. Anti-biotech campaigners will increasingly target these countries.

• Public awareness and acceptance – biotechnology regulation is essential to promote public interest and ensure safety. Consumer acceptance will increase when there is confidence in the checks and balances that biosafety regulations offer.

6 Opportunities There is political will for biotech in Africa. The lack of priority setting in agricultural research is evident in many African countries, which is reflected in a lack of awareness and commitment by the national governments. Continuous technical and financial support will assist Africa to create an enabling environment for biotechnology to thrive.

Over 90% of sub-Saharan Africa relies on rain-fed agriculture. Severe drought occurs approximately every eight years. Drought-tolerance technology could help farmers to maximise their inputs and management practices and protect their investments in times of water shortages. Without Africa-focused R&D, capacity building and policies that enable the safe and beneficial use of biotechnology, African farmers may be denied access to drought-tolerance technology.

Biotechnology products in the pipeline that will revolutionise agriculture in Africa for the poor are droughttolerant, nitrogen-efficient and biofortified crops. South Africa has the capacity, expertise, experience, enabling legislations and resources to lead the continent in R&D, innovations and expanding crop acre. South Africa‘s experience and vast capacity should be shared with the rest of Africa.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), launched in 2000 (MDG Africa Steering Group, 2008), consist of eight key objectives, one of which is the eradication of poverty and hunger in Africa by 2015. The G8 nations have, however, been lagging behind in their commitments to boost aid to Africa. With rising food prices, hunger and poverty the G8 leaders are under immense pressure to do something.

We need to ensure the renewal of the G8‘s commitments by developing an initiative to tap into the G8‘s resources and those of other organisations, such as the World Bank and the FAO, which would help Africa to realise some key MDGs. Networking and training opportunities in Africa should be continued. Linkages between African countries as well as with the developed world should be stimulated through existing networks and joint projects.

7 The South African experience South Africa became the first country in Africa to adopt GM crops when it approved its first transgenic crops for commercial use in 1997. To date the commercial release of insectresistant (Bt) cotton and maize as well as herbicide-tolerant (RR) soya beans, cotton and maize have been approved in South Africa. In October 2005, stacked-gene cotton (Bt & RR) was approved and in March 2007 the stacked-gene maize (Bt & RR) was approved. The present national GM crop percentages are: cotton 90%, white maize 56%, yellow maize 72% and soya 80% (James, 2008).

Figure 9.1: Adoption of GM crops in South Africa (James, 2008) For the first 12 years of commercialisation of biotech crops from 1996 to 2007, South Africa was the only country on the African continent to benefit from commercialising biotech crops. In 2008, Burkina Faso grew 8 500 ha of Bt cotton for seed multiplication and initial commercialisation, and Egypt grew 700 ha of Bt maize for the first time (James, 2008).

Table 9.1: Total area of GM crops planted in South Africa in 2008 (James, 2008) Crop Total area Area GM % GM Remarks Maize White maize 1 600 000 ha 891 000 ha* 56% * Bt/HT 164 000 ha (83%) HT 148 000 ha (9%) Bt 576 000 ha (8%) Yellow maize 1 000 000 ha 720 000 ha* 72% * Bt/HT 138 000 ha (83%) HT 131 000 ha (9%) Bt 455 000 ha (72%) Soybeans 230 000 ha 184 000 ha* 80% * HT soybeans Cotton 13 000 ha 12 000 ha* 92% * Bt/HT 10 000 ha (83%) HT 1 000 ha (9%) Bt 950 ha (8%) 8 Socioeconomic benefits of GM crops in South Africa In South Africa a study published in 2005 involving 368 small and resource-poor farmers and 33 commercial farmers, the latter divided into irrigated and dry-land maize production systems. The data indicated that under irrigated conditions, Bt maize resulted in an 11% higher yield (from 10.9 MT to 12.1 MT/ha), a cost savings in insecticides of US$18/ha equivalent to a 60% cost reduction, and an increased income of US$117/ha. Under rainfed conditions, Bt maize resulted in an 11% higher yield (from 3.1 to 3.4 MT/ha), a cost saving on insecticides of US$7/ha equivalent to a 60% cost reduction, and an increased income of US$35/ha (Gouse et al., 2005). Farmers are paying premium prices for the use of the technology because of increased productivity and efficiency gains (Brookes & Barfoot, 2008).

South Africa is estimated to have increased farming income from biotech maize, soybean and cotton by US$383 million in the period between 1998 and 2007, with benefits for 2007 alone estimated at US$227 million (Brookes & Barfoot, 2009).

9 Conclusion With the commercialisation of biotechnology products in other parts of Africa, South Africa is no longer the sole producer of biotechnology products in Africa. However, the country remains the pioneer of the technology and is a role model for the rest of Africa. South Africa is seen as the hub of agricultural biotechnology for Africa as it is one of the few countries in Africa that has a well-developed regulatory system and the expertise to manage the technology. However, South Africa seems to be moving towards stricter legislation which is not based on scientific fact. There is therefore a need in South Africa to ensure that decision-makers who develop policies, amend and enforce the existing legislation and regulations are continuously educated and well informed on biosafety and biotechnology. GM crops can contribute to improved food security and poverty alleviation in Africa.Developing farmers in Africa have shown that they are able to access the benefits of GM crops, but they need good governance, financial support, skills training, market access, the support of competent extension services and an adequate rural infrastructure.

Bibliography

Blanchfield, J.R., Lund, D. & Spiess, W. 2008. Report on the Food Security Forum. Held in conjunction with the 14th World Congress of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai, China, 19-23 October 2008.

Brink, J.A., Woodward B.R. & DaSilva, E.J. 1998. Plant biotechnology: a tool for development in Africa.

Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 1(3).

Brookes, G. & Barfoot, P. 2008. GM crops: global socio-economic and environmental impacts 1996–2006.

Dorchester, UK: PG Economics Ltd, 118 p.

Brookes, G. & Barfoot, P. 2009. GM crops: global socio-economic and environmental impacts 1996–2007.

Dorchester, UK: PG Economics Ltd. Evansa, L.T. & Fischerb, R.A. 1999. Yield potential: its definition, measurement, and significance. Crop Science, 39: 1544-1551.

Gouse, M., Pray, C., Kirsten, J.F. & Schimmelpfennig, D. 2005. A GM subsistence crop in Africa: the case of Bt white maize in South Africa. International Journal of Biotechnology, 7(1/2/3): 84-94.

James, C. 2008. Global status of commercialised biotech/GM crops: 2008. ISAAA Brief No. 39. Ithaca, NY: International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA).

MDG Africa Steering Group. 2008. Recommendations of the MDG Africa Steering Group launched at African Union Summit on 1 July 2008. Available at: http://www.mdgafrica.org/pdf/MDG Africa Steering Group Recommendations - English - HighRes.pdf2008.

Thompson, J.A. 2002. Research needs to improve agricultural productivity and food quality, with emphasis on biotechnology. Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: AfricaBio, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Akhtar TA, Orsomando G, Mehrshahi P, Lara-Nunez A, Bennett MJ, Gregory JF, Hanson AD, Year: 2010 Title: * A central role for gamma-glutamyl hydrolases in plant folate homeostasis.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Folate polyglutamate gamma-glutamyl hydrolase vacuole tomato Abstract: SUMMARY Most cellular folates carry a short poly-γ-glutamate tail, and this tail is believed to impact their efficacy and stability. The tail can be removed by -glutamyl hydrolase (GGH, EC 3.4.19.9), a vacuolar enzyme whose role in folate homeostasis remains unclear. In order to probe the function of GGH, we modulated its level of expression and subcellular location in Arabidopsis plants and tomato fruit. Three-fold overexpression of GGH in vacuoles caused extensive deglutamylation of folate polyglutamates and lowered total folate content by approximately 40% in Arabidopsis and tomato. No such effects were seen when GGH was overexpressed to a similar extent in the cytosol. Ablation of either of the major Arabidopsis GGH genes (AtGGH1 and AtGGH2) alone did not significantly affect folate status. However, a combination of ablation of one gene plus RNAi-mediated suppression of the other (which lowered total GGH activity by 99%) increased total folate content by 34%. The excess folate accumulated as polyglutamate derivatives in the vacuole. Taken together, these results suggest a model in which (i) folates continuously enter the vacuole as polyglutamates, accumulate there, are hydrolyzed by GGH, and exit as monoglutamates, and (ii) GGH consequently has an important influence on polyglutamyl tail length and hence on folate stability and cellular folate content.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04330.x Author Address: 1Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA 2Dipartimento Patologia Molecolare e Terapie Innovative, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy 3Plant Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UKingdom 4Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Aksenova NP, LA Wasserman, LI Sergeeva, TN Konstantinova, SA Golyanovskaya, AV Krivandin, IG Plashchina, W Blaszczak, J Fornal, GA Romanov,

Year: 2010 Title: * Agrobacterial rol genes modify thermodynamic and structural properties of starch in microtubers of transgenic potato.

Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology Volume 57, Number 5, 656-663.

Original Russian Text © N.P. Aksenova, L.A. Wasserman, L.I. Sergeeva, T.N. Konstantinova, S.A. Golyanovskaya, A.V. Krivandin, I.G. Plashchina, W. Blaszczak, J. Fornal, G.A. Romanov, 2010, published in Fiziologiya Rastenii, 2010, Vol. 57, No.5, pp. 703–710.

Label: Physiol Composition Keywords: Solanum tuberosum - rolB - rolC - transgenes - tubers - starch - lamellae - melting temperature Abstract: Wild-type (WT) plants of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and their transgenic forms carrying agrobacterial genes rolB or rolC under the control of B33 class I patatin promoter were cultured in vitro on MS medium with 2% sucrose in a controlled-climate chamber at 16-h illumination and 22°C. These plants were used as a source of single-node stem cuttings, which were cultured in darkness on the same medium supplemented with 8% sucrose. The tubers formed on them were used for determination of the structure of native starch using the methods of differential scanning microcalorimetry (DSC), X-ray scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that, in starch from the tubers of rolB-plants, the temperature of crystalline lamella melting was lower and their thickness was less than in WT potato. In tubers of rolC plants, starch differed from starch in WT plants by a higher melting temperature, considerably reduced melting enthalpy, and a greater thickness of crystalline lamellae. Deconvolution of DSC thermogram makes it possible to interpret the melting of starch from the tubers of rolC plants as the melting of two independent crystalline structures with melting temperatures of 65.0 and 69.8°C. Electron microscopic examination confirmed the earlier obtained data indicating that, in the tubers of rolC plants, starch granules are smaller and in the tubers of rolB plants larger than in WT plants. Possible ways of influence of rol transgenes on structural properties of starch in amyloplasts of potato tubers are discussed.

Notes: 25 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/4112121920154931/ Author Address: Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Alam Badre, Jacob James, Earl Hugh J, Year: 2010 Title: * Photosynthetic efficiency of transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) over-expressing mtlD gene under drought and paraquat stress.

Journal: Indian Journal of Plant Physiology 15, 2, 186-191.

Label: Physiol Abstract: genetically transformed tobacco plants over-expressing mannitol 1-phosphate dehydrogenase (mtlD) in maintaining better photosynthetic activity than the untransformed wild plants during water deficit stress and in combination with paraquat stress. Inhibitions in the rates of net CO2 assimilation (PN) and the non-cyclic photosynthetic electron transport across photosystem II (ETR) due to water deficit stress were much smaller in the mtlD transformed plants (22% and 9%, respectively) than in the untransformed wild ones (55% and 52%, respectively). These differences were even more marked when the plants experiencing water deficit stress were treated with paraquat, which blocks the photosynthetic electron transfer chain and diverts the excitation energy into producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The minimal inhibitions in the photochemical activity (9-10%) of mtlD transformed plants resulting from the environmental stresses agree with their expected efficient use of photosynthetic electrons. Results of the present study thus suggest that mtlD transformed tobacco plants tolerated the stress better than the untransformed wild plants which is noteworthy for further attention.

Author Address: 1Plant Physiology Division, Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam-686 009, India.

2Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Plant Sciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 306027272, USA. 3Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada ON N1G 2W1.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Albajes Ramon, Lumbierres Belén, Pons Xavier, Year: 2010

Title: * Managing weeds in herbicide-tolerant GM maize for biological control enhancement.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 1-8.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: HeTo Resistance IPM Abstract: Deployment of transgenic herbicide-tolerant maize that allows post-emergence treatment with broad-spectrum herbicides may lead to changes in the composition and abundance of weed flora.

The consequences of these changes on maize arthropods and particularly on insect pest natural enemies are studied in this work. Weeds, insect herbivores and their natural enemies were monitored in maize plots treated twice with glyphosate (V4 and V8) in comparison with plots treated once with conventional pre-emergence herbicides. Plots were sampled by visual observation, pitfall and yellow sticky traps during two consecutive years (2007 and 2008). In spite of the significant differences recorded in weed abundance between the two herbicide treatments, there were very few significant differences in the arthropod groups monitored, in contrast with results of a previous study comparing plots with two glyphosate treatments (as in the present work) and with no herbicide treatment in order to identify the most responsive arthropod to weed abundance alteration. It seems that when maize weed abundance is not drastically altered, populations of arthropod herbivores and natural enemies are not greatly affected. However, more studies are needed to determine the potential impacts of modifying herbicide use on arthropods and particularly on conservation biological pest control.

Author Address: Spain ?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ali S, Hameed S, Masood S, Ali GM, Zafar Y, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Status of Bt Cotton Cultivation in Major Growing Areas of Pakistan.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany 42, 3, 1583-1594.

Label: Adoption InRe Keywords: expression; plants Abstract: A survey of 10 districts in Sindh and 11 in Punjab was conducted during cotton growing season of 2007-08. Samples were collected from a total of 126 locations. Two samples from each location were subjected to ImmunoStrip analysis for the detection of Bt-Cry protein which revealed that 81% (34/42) and 90% (76/84) samples from Sindh and Punjab provinces, respectively, were positive for Bt protein and harbored CryIAc gene.

However, none of the sample was found to have Cry2Ab and Cry1F genes. The samples were further analyzed to confirm their transgenic nature by ELISA for npt-II (Kanamycin) selection marker gene encoded protein.

Another limited survey was conducted in 2009-10 to re-assess the situation. Both surveys revealed that Bt transgenic cotton is widely grown in the cotton growing areas of Sindh and Punjab. This is the first science based study to estimate the extent of Bt cotton spread in the country Notes: Cited Reference Count: 12 Author Address: Natl Agr Res Ctr, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Álvarez-Alfageme Fernando, Franz Bigler, Jörg Romeis, Year: 2010 Title: * Laboratory toxicity studies demonstrate no adverse effects of Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 to larvae of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): the importance of study design .

Journal: Transgenic Research - Received: 26 April 2010 Accepted: 10 July 2010 Published online: 26 August 2010 Label: InRe ImpactBiol Keywords: Environmental risk assessment - MON810 - MON88017 - Non-target effects - Study design Abstract: Scientific studies are frequently used to support policy decisions related to transgenic crops. Schmidt et al., Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 56:221–228 (2009) recently reported that Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb were toxic to larvae of Adalia bipunctata in direct feeding studies. This study was quoted, among others, to justify the ban of Bt maize (MON 810) in Germany. The study has subsequently been criticized because of methodological shortcomings that make it questionable whether the observed effects were due to direct toxicity of the two Cry

proteins. We therefore conducted tritrophic studies assessing whether an effect of the two proteins on A. bipunctata could be detected under more realistic routes of exposure. Spider mites that had fed on Bt maize (events MON810 and MON88017) were used as carriers to expose young A. bipunctata larvae to high doses of biologically active Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1. Ingestion of the two Cry proteins by A. bipunctata did not affect larval mortality, weight, or development time. These results were confirmed in a subsequent experiment in which A. bipunctata were directly fed with a sucrose solution containing dissolved purified proteins at concentrations approximately 10 times higher than measured in Bt maize-fed spider mites. Hence, our study does not provide any evidence that larvae of A. bipunctata are sensitive to Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 or that Bt maize expressing these proteins would adversely affect this predator. The results suggest that the apparent harmful effects of Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 reported by Schmidt et al., Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 56:221–228 (2009) were artifacts of poor study design and procedures. It is thus important that decision-makers evaluate the quality of individual scientific studies and do not view all as equally rigorous and relevant.

Keywords Environmental risk assessment - MON810 - MON88017 - Non-target effects - Study design Notes: From : GMO Safety - Sep 3, 2010 http://www.gmo-safety.eu/news/1220.study-maize-harmfulladybirds.html Genetically modified maize and non-target organisms New study: Bt maize not harmful to ladybirds Genetically modified maize has no harmful impacts on the two-spotted ladybird. This is the finding of a scientific study published in August 2010. It contradicts a similar study published in 2008, which the German minister of agriculture, Ilse Aigner, cited when justifying the German ban on cultivating MON810 Bt maize.

Ladybirds are among the insects that live in maize fields. The 2009 ban on cultivating MON810 Bt maize was based in part on a study that had found harmful effects on ladybirds. Now a new study has been published with different findings.

The conclusions in the 2008 study contradict numerous other studies that have found no negative impacts of Bt maize or Bt proteins on ladybirds. As part of the study, ladybird larvae were fed on flour moth eggs that had been sprayed with Bt protein solutions in various concentrations. The scientists found a higher mortality rate among the larvae fed in this way than in the control groups and concluded that the two-spotted ladybird might be harmed by Bt maize. The publication was used, along with others, to justify the ban on MON810 cultivation announced by Germany‘s minister of agriculture, Ilse Aigner, in April 2009.

Other scientists expressed serious doubts about the study findings, saying among other things, that no clear dose-effect relationship had been found. The mortality rate did not increase in line with the Bt protein concentration sprayed on the flour moth eggs. In addition, the mortality rate in some control groups, in which the food had not been sprayed with Bt protein, was unusually high. Moreover, the study was criticised for the fact that it was not clear how much Bt protein had been applied to the eggs and how many moth eggs the larvae had eaten. In the view of the study‘s critics, the larvae could not have eaten any appreciable quantity of Bt protein anyway, because young ladybirds only suck their food dry.

The new study reassessed the possible impact that Bt proteins might have on two-spotted ladybirds. It aimed to clarify, first of all, whether the larvae eat flour moth eggs in their entirety or whether they just suck them dry.

Young ladybird larvae were given individual flour moth eggs and were observed while they consumed the eggs.

It was found that they only suck the eggs dry. In no cases were larvae found to have eaten even a part of the outside.

To ensure that the ladybird larvae ingested a biologically relevant quantity of Bt protein, the new study used red spider mites as a food source. Red spider mites feed on maize, among other things, and of the ladybird‘s natural prey organisms they are the ones that accumulate the most Bt protein. The exact amount was measured using an ELISA test. Ladybird larvae were fed exclusively on red spider mites that had previously been fed on Bt maize.

The mortality of these larvae was not significantly different from that of the control group, which was given red spider mites that had been fed on conventional maize.

Finally, the ladybird larvae were fed with purified Bt protein in a nutrient solution, at a concentration ten times higher than that found in the red spider mites. No significant differences in larval development were observed between this group and the control group that received the nutrient solution without Bt protein. In another control group, substances were added to the nutrient solution that are known to be toxic to ladybirds. In this group, the mortality rate was significantly higher and the surviving larvae developed more slowly. This shows that the trial design is suitable in principle for demonstrating harmful effects of components of the feed solution.

Since the ladybird larvae in the experiment were exposed to much higher Bt protein quantities than they would be expected to consume in the field, the authors conclude that the cultivation of Bt maize has no harmful effects on the two-spotted ladybird.

Author Address: Agroscope Reckenholz-T채nikon Research Station ART, Reckenholzstr. 191, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Amudha J, Balasubramani G, Malathi VG, Monga D, Bansal KC, Kranthi KR, Year: 2010 Title: * Cotton transgenics with Antisense AC1 gene for resistance against cotton leaf curl virus. (Research Article) Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 360-369 (July 2010).

Label: ViRe Keywords: Antisense RNA based resistance, Cotton leaf curl virus, rep, npt II, Agrobacterium mediated transformation, G.hirsutum.

Abstract: Cotton leaf curl virus is a devastating pest in the North India and in small pockets of Southern states.

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is caused by a Geminivirus, transmitted by whitefly Bemisia tabaci vector.

This is a serious problem in the northern region and leads to yield losses up to 58% and 69% (ICAC recorder, 1999). Genetic engineering for cotton transgenics resistant to leaf curl disease (CLCuD) through antisense RNA approach is potential to tackle the disease in cotton. Cotton transgenics resistant to leaf curl disease (CLCuD) using Antisense (rep) (Replicase protein) gene was developed via Agrobacterium mediated transformation. A binary vector carrying the Antisense rep gene along with the npt II (neomycin phospho transferase) gene driven

by CaMV-35S promoter and NOS (nopaline synthase) terminator was used for transformation. The confirmation of the rep and npt II genes in the transgenic plants were verified by PCR and integration of TDNA into the plant genome was confirmed by Southern analysis. The individual transgenics were raised in the green house and screened for the virus resistance. T2 progeny analysis showed classical Mendelian pattern of inheritance.

Author Address: Central Institute for Cotton Research, Post Box No:2, Shankar Nagar(PO),Nagpur,440 010 Maharashtra,India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: An Fengying, Zhao Qiong, Ji Yusi, Li Wenyang, Jiang Zhiqiang, Yu Xiangchun, Zhang Chen, Han Ying, He Wenrong, Liu Yidong, Zhang Shuqun, Ecker Joseph R., Guo Hongwei, Year: 2010 Title: * Ethylene-Induced Stabilization of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 and EIN3-LIKE1 Is Mediated by Proteasomal Degradation of EIN3 Binding F-Box 1 and 2 That Requires EIN2 in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2384-2401.

Label: Physiol Abstract: Plant responses to ethylene are mediated by regulation of EBF1/2-dependent degradation of the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) transcription factor. Here, we report that the level of EIL1 protein is upregulated by ethylene through an EBF1/2-dependent pathway. Genetic analysis revealed that EIL1 and EIN3 cooperatively but differentially regulate a wide array of ethylene responses, with EIL1 mainly inhibiting leaf expansion and stem elongation in adult plants and EIN3 largely regulating a multitude of ethylene responses in seedlings. When EBF1 and EBF2 are disrupted, EIL1 and EIN3 constitutively accumulate in the nucleus and remain unresponsive to exogenous ethylene application. Further study revealed that the levels of EBF1 and EBF2 proteins are downregulated by ethylene and upregulated by silver ion and MG132, suggesting that ethylene stabilizes EIN3/EIL1 by promoting EBF1 and EBF2 proteasomal degradation. Also, we found that EIN2 is indispensable for mediating ethylene-induced EIN3/EIL1 accumulation and EBF1/2 degradation, whereas MKK9 is not required for ethylene signal transduction, contrary to a previous report. Together, our studies demonstrate that ethylene similarly regulates EIN3 and EIL1, the two master transcription factors coordinating myriad ethylene responses, and clarify that EIN2 but not MKK9 is required for ethylene-induced EIN3/EIL1 stabilization. Our results also reveal that EBF1 and EBF2 act as essential ethylene signal transducers that by themselves are subject to proteasomal degradation.

Notes: The recently controversial ethylene signaling pathway has been reexamined in this study with results supporting a linear signaling pathway, in which EIN2 and EBF1/EBF2, but not MAP KINASE KINASE9, are essential signaling components required for ethylene-induced EIN3 and EIL1 protein stabilization.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2384 Author Address: a National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China b Division of Biochemistry and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211 c Plant Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: AN Xin-min, JING Yan-ping, LIU Jun-mei, ZHANG Zhi-yi, Year: 2010 Title: ?? A Novel Technology for Removing Potential Risks from Genetically Modified Plants.

Journal: China Biotechnology 2010, 2.

Label: EvaluationRisque Keywords: "Gene-deletor" technology Genetically modified plants Ecological risk Food safety Abstract: Scientists have been searching an effective tool for solving the safety issue of GM(genetically modified) plants for many years.The group led by Chinese American scientist Yi Li,a professor at University of Connecticut,made a great breakthrough in this field after 6 years' intensive research: his group published the "Gene-deletor" technology in 2007.The technology was developed from two recombination systems Cre/Loxp and FLP/FRT,and FLP/Cre was driven by Organ/Tissue-specific promoter,all transgenic foreign genes will be thoroughly removed from pollen,fruit and seed after they have accomplished function.It could effectively prevent GM gene flow into non-biotech plants or weeds,and may help alleviate public concerns on ecological risks and food safety caused by GM plants.Here the concept,principle of "gene-deletor" technology were introduced and its applications in genetic engineering research were discussed.

Author Address: National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding,Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants,Ministry of Education,Beijing Forestry University,Beijing 100083,China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: ANDERSON CD, EPPERSON BK, FORTIN MJ, HOLDEREGGER R, JAMES PMA, ROSENBERG MS, SCRIBNER KT, SPEAR S, Year: 2010 Title: * Considering spatial and temporal scale in landscape-genetic studies of gene flow.

Journal: Molecular Ecology 19, 17, 3565-3575.

Label: Dispersion Keywords: autocorrelation dispersal gene flow sampling space-time processes spatial genetic structure Abstract: Landscape features exist at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and these naturally affect spatial genetic structure and our ability to make inferences about gene flow. This article discusses how decisions about sampling of genotypes (including choices about analytical methods and genetic markers) should be driven by the scale of spatial genetic structure, the time frame that landscape features have existed in their current state, and all aspects of a species life history. Researchers should use caution when making inferences about gene flow, especially when the spatial extent of the study area is limited. The scale of sampling of the landscape introduces different features that may affect gene flow. Sampling grain should be smaller than the average home-range size or dispersal distance of the study organism and, for raster data, existing research suggests that simplifying the thematic resolution into discrete classes may result in low power to detect effects on gene flow.

Therefore, the methods used to characterize the landscape between sampling sites may be a primary determinant for the spatial scale at which analytical results are applicable, and the use of only one sampling scale for a particular statistical method may lead researchers to overlook important factors affecting gene flow.

The particular analytical technique used to correlate landscape data and genetic data may also influence results; common landscape-genetic methods may not be suitable for all study systems, particularly when the rate of landscape change is faster than can be resolved by common molecular markers.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04757.x http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2010.04757.x/abstract

Author Address: 1Center for Evolutionary Medicine and Informatics, The Biodesign Institute, and School of Life Sciences, PO Box 875301, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501 2126 Natural Resources Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA 3Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 4WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute, Z端rcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland 5Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB 6Department of Fisheries & Wildlife and Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 7Project Orianne: The Indigo Snake Initiative, 579 Highway 441 South, Clayton GA 30525 8Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, P.O. Box 441136, Moscow, ID 83844, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Anderson Jill T, Thomas Mitchell-Olds Year: 2010 Title: * Ecological genetics and genomics of plant defences: evidence and approaches.

Journal: Functional Ecology Article first published online: 28 SEP 2010 Label: InRe Review Keywords: candidate gene;genome wide association studies;plant defence;population genomics;transgenics;quantitative trait loci Abstract: 1. Herbivores exert significant selection on plants, and plants have evolved a variety of constitutive and inducible defences to resist and tolerate herbivory. Assessing the genetic mechanisms that influence defences against herbivores will deepen our understanding of the evolution of essential phenotypic traits.

2. Ecogenomics is a powerful interdisciplinary approach that can address fundamental questions about the ecology and evolutionary biology of species, such as: which evolutionary forces maintain variation within a population? and What is the genetic architecture of adaptation? This field seeks to identify gene regions that influence ecologically important traits, assess the fitness consequences under natural conditions of alleles at key quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and test how the abiotic and biotic environment affects gene expression.

3. Here, we review ecogenomics techniques and emphasize how this framework can address long-standing and emerging questions relating to anti-herbivore defences in plants. For example, ecogenomics tools can be used to investigate: inducible vs. constitutive defences; tradeoffs between resistance and tolerance; adaptation to the local herbivore community; selection on alleles that confer resistance and tolerance in natural populations; and whether different genes are activated in response to specialist vs. generalist herbivores and to different types of damage.

4. Ecogenomic studies can be conducted with model species, such as Arabidopsis, or their relatives, in which case myriad molecular tools are already available. Burgeoning sequence data will also facilitate ecogenomic studies of non-model species. Throughout this paper, we highlight approaches that are particularly suitable for ecological studies of non-model organisms, discuss the benefits and disadvantages of specific techniques and review bioinformatic tools for analysing data.

5. We focus on established and promising techniques, such as QTL mapping with pedigreed populations, genome wide association studies, transcription profiling strategies, population genomics and transgenic methodologies. Many of these techniques are complementary and can be used jointly to investigate the genetic architecture of defence traits and selection on alleles in nature.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2010.01785.x/abstract Author Address: Department of Biology, Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Andersson Meike S, Carmen de Vicente M Year: 2010 Title: // Gene flow between crops and their wild relatives.

Label: Dispersion Notes: Comment from : Simard MJ - Evolutionary Applications 2010, 3, 4, 402-403.

Gene flow between crops and their wild relatives

Gene flow from domesticated plants to free-growing relatives was a rather trivial issue before the advent of transgenic crops. Gene flow into crops was relatively more important, especially to plant breeders trying to introduce new genes in a crop, or to breeders and seed growers wanting to ensure the genetic purity of a cultivar. Genes can now be transferred from bacteria, or potentially any plant or animal species into crops and so, crop to weed gene flow is not so trivial anymore. What if these transgenes can persist in the environment?

Anyone interested in this biosafety issue will soon realize that potential gene flow from crops is highly variable depending on the crop species and the presence of wild relatives where the crop is currently cultivated. While information on specific crops abounds, especially in scientific journals, most reviews that include multiple crops are published as regulatory reports and focus on crops grown in developed countries. The main objective of this book was to compile information on relationships between cultivated crops and their wild relatives in order to promote the conservation and utilization of crop genetic resources. Therefore, crops uncommon in developed countries but grown in areas of high biodiversity are included. Andersson and de Vicente, have worked and collaborated with multiple institutions and scientists around the world (Costa Rica, Germany, Colombia, USA and Italy, to name a few) to write this review. It is a good reference source, especially for regulators and policymakers, but also of interest to breeders, plant evolutionists, ecologists, conservationists, agronomists and botanists. The book allows the rapid assessment of gene flow potential by crop (each chapter from 2 to 22 focuses on a single crop) and by geographical location (world maps are presented at the end of the book). Each crop is introduced with a nice picture of its inflorescence. Chapters are in alphabetical order according to crop common name. Crop names are also found at the bottom right of odd pages, providing a simple index that allows rapid consultation.

Chapter one outlines the importance of crop diversity and gene flow, as more and more genetically modified (GM) crops are planted. The authors define terms such as: gene flow, hybridization, introgression and ecological effects of introgression. Chapter two essentially describes the methodology for selecting and gathering the information. The method used for the modeled likelihood of introgression for each crop (the innovative world maps) is described with more details on pages 549–560. Subsequent chapters each focus on a single crop selected according to three criteria (i) world production area, (ii) advances in GM technology and (iii) relative contribution to food security. For each crop, the number of domesticated species is mentioned along with the reason for selecting one or two species. The center(s) of origin and diversity are listed, followed by information on flowering, pollen biology, reproduction, seed dispersal and dormancy, persistence, weediness/invasiveness, crop wild relatives (also listed in a Table) and hybridization. Finally, there is information on bridge species, pollen flow (sometimes illustrated as a figure presenting outcrossing as a function of distance), isolation distances, state of the GM technology for the crop, agronomic management recommendations to minimize gene flow, crop production area, research gaps and conclusions.

The first chapter provides a good introduction to the subject although some statements are over simplistic. For example, stating that ‗seed dormancy of some GM canola is significantly higher than non-GM controls under some field conditions (Linder. 1998. Ecological Applications 8:1180–1195)‘ without mentioning that the GM trait modifies oil composition, is misleading. Oil composition can potentially alter seed dormancy since seed oils are sources of energy prior to the initiation of photosynthesis (in Linder and Smith. 1995. Ecological Applications 5:1056–1068, in the references).

I wish the method used to rank and select the twenty crops was described or some explanation given as to why sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) [24 million ha (M ha) in 2008], sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (25 M ha in 2008) (http://faostat.fao.org/) or all forage crops were left out in favor of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense) (33 M ha, advances in GM technology, but how much does it contribute to food security?), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) (4.6 M ha, no commercial GM production) or finger millet (Eleusine coracana) (4 M ha, no transformation protocols). I salute the inclusion of food crops produced essentially in India (pigeon peas) and Africa (finger millet), but expected to find sugarcane or alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Perhaps it should have been specified that high biodiversity in the center of origin of the crop was also decisive in crop selection, if that is the case.

The wealth of information provided for each crop is sometimes redundant as seed dormancy, persistence of volunteers and weediness are often interrelated, but I trust, most of the important information has been covered (at least from my knowledge of a few crops). Also, the source for agronomic management recommendations is unclear as none are provided for most crops (13/20) and few to no references are listed to support the four to seven recommendations. Finally, it is difficult to assess the accuracy of the maps showing the modeled likelihood of introgression since a detailed description of the geographic mapping methodology, which is based on a few known geographical locations of the species and bio-climatic variables, is in preparation (Andersson et al. in prep.) and therefore cannot be consulted. Although I recognize that the maps want to give an indication of

the potential gene flow if wild relatives occupy and expand their entire ranges based on bio-climatic requirements, this can easily lead to overestimations as climate is not the only variable limiting species ranges.

As a case in point, the Brassica napus (canola) and Triticum aestivum (wheat) maps essentially suggest that there is moderate to high likelihood of gene flow in cultivated areas across Canada. However, both B. napus fields and Brassica rapa weeds are infrequent in Southern Ontario, no known wild Triticum species exist in Canada (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/bio/dir/biodoce.shtml) and Aegilops cylindrica has a very limited distribution in a single province (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/invenv/pestrava/aegcyl/aegcylfse.shtml). That said, I acknowledge that mapping gene flow potential on a world scale is not an easy task and maps will initially be rudimentary.

These maps are publicly available on the web (not at the location indicated in the book, but at http://gisweb.ciat.cgiar.org/geneflow/) and will possibly be refined as more information becomes available. I had problems trying to map the data provided and, as I do not like to spend time on that type of technical problem, I abandoned the visualization of the web maps.

In spite of the few inevitable minor errors, over simplistic statements, omissions and mismatched references here and there, I learned much more than I could criticize from this 564 page book. For example, I learned that there is little information on the pollen biology of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.), that finger millet (E. coracana) and wild relatives are among the least analysed crops, that some teosintes (Zea mays subspecies and Zea spp.) are rare and endangered, that the main constraint for developing transgenic peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) is the lack of agronomically useful genes, that some wild relatives of cotton (Gossipium spp.) are endemic, that potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) have complex hybridization barriers, that the origin of shattercane (Sorghum bicolor weed) still awaits clarification and that ants can disperse rice (Oryza sativa) seeds.

Having read the entire book, I wish the authors would have included a general conclusion regarding gene flow between crops and their wild relatives. It is important to recognize that most crops have low outcrossing rates, informal seed exchange systems, low seed dormancy and shattering (as a consequence of domestication), wild relatives in their center(s) of origin (since crops come wild plants) and that information on pollen duration and viability is lacking for a number of crop species.

The book certainly achieves its goal to compile available information on relationships between cultivated crops and their wild relatives. As mentioned in the foreword by Norman C. Ellstrand, an authority on gene flow, assembling information for so many crops was undoubtedly a titanic task. All this work generated a solid initial reference book for anyone dealing with, or interested in, the transfer of genes between cultivated and freegrowing plants. This book will undoubtedly promote awareness on biodiversity in the context of plant domestication and cultivation.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00138.x Author Address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Québec, QC, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Andriotis VME, Pike M, Bunnewell S, Hills MJ, Smith AM, Year: 2010 Title: * The plastidial glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate antiporter GPT1 is essential for morphogenesis in Arabidopsis embryos.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 128-139.

Label: Physiol Keywords: glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate antiporter GPT1 plant embryo development Arabidopsis plastid seed abortion lipid synthesis Abstract: Summary The glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate antiporter GPT1 is a major route of entry of carbon into non-photosynthetic plastids. To discover its importance in oilseeds, we used a seed-specific promoter to generate lines of Arabidopsis thaliana with reduced levels of GPT1 in developing embryos. Strong reductions resulted in seed abortion at the end of the globular stage of embryo development, when proplastids in normal embryos differentiate and acquire chlorophyll. Seed abortion was partly dependent on the light level during silique development. Embryos in seeds destined for abortion failed to undergo normal morphogenesis and were ‘raspberry-like’ in appearance. They had ultrastructural and biochemical defects including proliferation of peroxisomes and starch granules, and altered expression of genes involved in starch turnover and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. We propose that GPT1 is necessary for early embryo development because it catalyses import into plastids of glucose-6-phosphate as the substrate for NADPH generation via the

oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. We suggest that low NADPH levels during plastid differentiation and chlorophyll synthesis may result in generation of reactive oxygen species and triggering of embryo cell death.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04313.x Author Address: 1Department of Metabolic Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK 2Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Antofie MM, Sand C Year: 2009 Title: * Insights into the biotech policy and Europeans tendency.

Journal: Research Journal of Agricultural Science 41, 2.

Label: Adoption Reglement Keywords: agricultural policy; biosafety; biotechnology; directives; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; legislation; maize; regulations; reviews; risk assessment; transgenic plants Common Market; corn; EC; EEC; European Communities; European Economic Communities; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; rules Abstract: This paper reviews the evolution of biotechnology policies and legislation in the European Union, focusing on genetically modified crops as a major biotechnological breakthrough. Policies that aim to address biosafety issues associated with transgenic crops are discussed. A case study on the political and legislative aspects of the release of maize MON810 in Austria is presented.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 9 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103226534 Author Address: Universitatea "Lucian Blaga" Sibiu, Str. Oituz nr. 31, Sibiu, Sibiu County, Romania.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Antonopoulou Lina, Papadas Christos, Targoutzidis Antonis, Year: 2009 Title: * The Impact Of Socio-Demographic Factors And Political Perceptions On Consumer Attitudes Towards Genetically Modified Foods: An Econometric Investigation.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Review>Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2009 Label: Adoption Conso Keywords: Globalization political genetically modified food econometric Abstract: This survey-based paper investigates the impact of socio-demographic factors, along with political perceptions, as expressed by attitudes towards globalization, on consumer attitudes towards GM foods, in Greece. Different aspects of consumer attitudes regarding GM foods are examined, such as general preference, banning, labeling, intention to purchase them at a sufficiently low price, the nutritional category of food product and the proximity of the genetic modification to the final product. Econometric analysis using Logit and Probit models was conducted. Estimates clearly show that in general, attitudes towards GM foods are not affected by socio-demographic characteristics. However, political perceptions are a significant influential factor.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/58062 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/58062/2/10_2_7.pdf Author Address: Department of Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, Botanikos 11855, Athens, Greece Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, 26 Octovriou 90, 54628 Thessaloniki, Greece XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Apel W, Schulze WX, Bock R, Year: 2010 Title: * Identification of protein stability determinants in chloroplasts.

Journal: Plant Journal 63, 636-650.

Label: Physiol Abstract: Although chloroplast protein stability has long been recognised as a major level of post-translational regulation in photosynthesis and gene expression, the factors determining protein stability in plastids are largely unknown. Here, we have identified stability determinants in vivo by producing plants with transgenic chloroplasts that express a reporter protein whose N- and C-termini were systematically modified. We found that major stability determinants are located in the N-terminus. Moreover, testing of all 20 amino acids in the position after the initiator methionine revealed strong differences in protein stability and indicated an important role of the penultimate N-terminal amino acid residue in determining the protein half life. We propose that the stability of plastid proteins is largely determined by three factors: (i) the action of methionine aminopeptidase (the enzyme that removes the initiator methionine and exposes the penultimate N-terminal amino acid residue), (ii) an N-end rule-like protein degradation pathway, and (iii) additional sequence determinants in the Nterminal region.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04268.x/abstract Author Address: Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ariel Federico, Diet Anouck, Verdenaud Marion, Gruber Veronique, Frugier Florian, Chan Raquel, Crespi Martin, Year: 2010 Title: * Environmental Regulation of Lateral Root Emergence in Medicago truncatula Requires the HD-Zip I Transcription Factor HB1.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2171-2183.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Physiol Abstract: The adaptation of root architecture to environmental constraints is a major agricultural trait, notably in legumes, the third main crop worldwide. This root developmental plasticity depends on the formation of lateral roots (LRs) emerging from primary roots. In the model legume Medicago truncatula, the HD-Zip I transcription factor HB1 is expressed in primary and lateral root meristems and induced by salt stress.

Constitutive expression of HB1 in M. truncatula roots alters their architecture, whereas hb1 TILLING mutants showed increased lateral root emergence. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, promoter mutagenesis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR assays revealed that HB1 directly recognizes a CAATAATTG ciselement present in the promoter of a LOB-like (for Lateral Organ Boundaries) gene, LBD1, transcriptionally regulated by auxin. Expression of these genes in response to abscisic acid and auxin and their behavior in hb1 mutants revealed an HB1-mediated repression of LBD1 acting during LR emergence. M. truncatula HB1 regulates an adaptive developmental response to minimize the root surface exposed to adverse environmental stresses.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2171 Author Address: a Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, CP 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina b Institut des Sciences du Végétal, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F91198 Gif sur Yvette, France c Université Paris Diderot Paris 7, Les Grands Moulins, F-75205 Paris Cedex 13, France d Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes Micro-organismes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Arshad M, A Suhail Year: 2010 Title: * Studying the sucking insect pests community in transgenic Bt cotton.

Journal: Int. J. Agric. Biol., 12: 764–768 Label: InRe RavageurSecond Efficacite Keywords: Transgenic Bt cotton; Sucking insect pests; Population density; Seed treatment; Insecticide

Abstract: Cotton jassid, whitefly and thrips are important sucking insect pests in cotton fields in the Punjab, Pakistan. The seasonal dynamics of these pests were compared on transgenic Bt cotton line, â&#x20AC;&#x2022;IR-FH-901â&#x20AC;&#x2013; expressing Cry1Ac insecticidal protein with its parent non-transgenic cotton cultivar, FH-901. There was no significant difference in population densities of theses pests in Bt and non-Bt cotton, when nothing was sprayed. However, insecticide application effectively controlled theses pests in both Bt and non-Bt cotton. In conclusion, there is no difference in transgenic Bt and non-Bt cotton for jassid, whitefly and thrips attack and application of suitable insecticide is required to theses pests on transgenic cotton.

URL: http://www.fspublishers.org/ijab/past-issues/IJABVOL_12_NO_5/23.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ashikawa Ikuo, Abe Fumitaka, Nakamura Shingo, Year: 2010 Title: * Ectopic expression of wheat and barley DOG1-like genes promotes seed dormancy in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant Science 179, 5, 536-542.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis Barley DOG1 Seed dormancy Abstract: To develop strategies for manipulating the level of crop seed dormancy, it is necessary to search for the genes that control dormancy. In this study, we investigated whether wheat and barley homologues of the Arabidopsis dormancy gene DOG1 (Delay of Germination 1), TaDOG1L1 and HvDOG1L1 (respectively), also induce seed dormancy. Because their sequence similarity to DOG1 is low and the tissue-specific expression pattern of DOG1 was not conserved in either of these genes, these genes do not appear to retain the function of DOG1. However, ectopic overexpression of either of these DOG1 homologues in transgenic Arabidopsis markedly increased seed dormancy. Furthermore, dormancy release during dry seed storage in the transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing the Triticeae genes occurred similarly to that in a transgenic line overexpressing DOG1. This evidence demonstrates conservation of the function of DOG1 in both TaDOG1L1 and HvDOG1L1. Thus, these DOG1-like genes in wheat and barley are good candidate transgenes for reducing preharvest germination in wheat.

Research highlights > Wheat and barley contain a family of DOG1-like genes in their genomes. > The seed dormancy function of DOG1 is conserved in these Triticeae genes. > Dormancy induced by these genes decays within several weeks after seed ripening.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TBH-50S8PFN1/2/5675b5f74af897a0453605d4d92c224b Author Address: NARO, National Institute of Crop Science, 2-1-18 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8518, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Avesani L, Bortesi L, Santi L, Falorni A, Pezzotti M, Year: 2010 Title: * Plant-made pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases: where are we?

Journal: Expert Review of Vaccines 9, 8, 957-969.

Label: Biopharming Keywords: autoantigen; autoimmune disease; oral tolerance; plant-made pharmaceutical; recombinant protein; transgenic plant collagen-induced arthritis; human tissue transglutaminase; toxin-b-subunit; nonobese diabetic mice; recombinant human interleukin-4; acid decarboxylase gad65; insulin fusion protein; ii-collagen; choleratoxin; transgenic plants Abstract: Molecular farming in plants or plant cell cultures represents a viable alternative technology that holds great promise for the low-cost and large-scale production of recombinant proteins. The particular case of plant-based vaccines for the prevention of autoimmune diseases is addressed here, presenting a comprehensive overview of the different molecules and expression technologies that have been investigated so far in both academia and industry. The potential of plants not only as bioreactors but also as delivery systems for pharmaceuticals is discussed, and the advantages of oral delivery of autoantigens for the induction of immune tolerance are highlighted.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 Cited Reference Count: 96 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281104800016 Author Address: Univ Verona, Dipartimento Biotecnol, I-37134 Verona, Italy.

Univ Roma Tor Vergata, Dipartimento Biol, I-00133 Rome, Italy.

Univ Perugia, Dipartimento Med Interna, I-06126 Perugia, Italy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Avesani L, Vitale A, Pedrazzini E, DeVirgilio M, Pompa A, Barbante A, Gecchele E, Dominici P, Morandini F, Brozzetti A, Falorni A, Pezzotti M, Year: 2010 Title: * Recombinant human GAD65 accumulates to high levels in transgenic tobacco plants when expressed as an enzymatically inactive mutant.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal 8, 8, 862-872.

Label: Biopharming Keywords: T1DM GAD65 transgenic plant Abstract: The 65-kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) is the major autoantigen implicated in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The bulk manufacture of GAD65 is a potential issue in the fight against T1DM but current production platforms are expensive. We show that a catalytically inactive form of GAD65 (GAD65mut) accumulates at up to 2.2% total soluble protein in transgenic tobacco leaves, which is more than 10-fold the levels achieved with active GAD65, yet the protein retains the immunogenic properties required to treat T1DM. This higher yield was found to be a result of a higher rate of protein synthesis and not transcript availability or protein stability. We found that targeting GAD65 to the endoplasmic reticulum, a strategy that increases the accumulation of many recombinant proteins expressed in plants, did not improve production of GAD65mut. The production of a catalytically inactive autoantigen that retains its immunogenic properties could be a useful strategy to provide high-quality therapeutic protein for treatment of autoimmune T1DM. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00514.x Author Address: 1Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy 2Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milano, Italy 3Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Awaji Sushma M, V Nagaveni Prashantkumar, S Hanjagi, DN Madhvi, VR Sashidhar, Rohini Sreevathsa Year: 2010 Title: * Simple yet stringent screening methodologies for evaluation of putative transformants for abiotic stress tolerance: salt and cadmium stress as a paradigm.

Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants Volume 16, Number 2, 115-121, Label: Detection ReEn Metaux Salin Keywords: Abiotic stress - evaluation - methodology - transgenics Abstract: Rigorous and stringent screening methodologies to select transformants at both seedling and plant level under cadmium or NaCl stress were developed. At seedling level, two screening strategies were standardized. One involved germination on filter paper/agar in the presence of either CdCl2 (125 µM) or NaCl (350–450 mM) for 9 days and selection of tolerant putative transformants. The other involved germination of the seedlings on soilrite by irrigation of 450 mM NaCl. Further, at plant level, in vitro evaluation for stress tolerance involved a simple leaf senescence bioassay. Combination of the seedling and plant level screening strategies would result in the initial identification of promising transformants for further analysis.

Author Address: Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore – 560 065, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Axelsson E. Petter, Joakim Hjältén, Carri J. LeRoy, Riitta Julkunen-Tiitto, Anders Wennström & Gilles Pilate, Year: 2010 Title: Can Leaf Litter from Genetically Modified Trees Affect Aquatic Ecosystems?

Secondary Title: Ecosystems 12, 7, 1049-1059.

Label: Composition Physiol ImpactBiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences Abstract: In addition to potential benefits, biotechnology in silviculture may also be associated with environmental considerations, including effects on organisms associated with the living tree and on ecosystems and processes dependent on tree residue. We examined whether genetic modification of lignin characteristics (CAD and COMT) in Populus sp. affected leaf litter quality, the decomposition of leaf litter, and the assemblages of aquatic insects colonizing the litter in three natural streams. The decomposition of leaf litter from one of the genetically modified (GM) lines (CAD) was affected in ways that were comparable over streams and harvest dates. After 84Â days in streams, CAD-litter had lost approximately 6.1% less mass than the non-GM litter. Genetic modification also affected the concentration of phenolics and carbon in the litter but this only partially explained the decomposition differences, suggesting that other factors were also involved.

Insect community analyses comparing GM and non-GM litter showed no significant differences, and the two GM litters showed differences only in the 84-day litterbags. The total abundance and species richness of insects were also similar on GM and non-GM litter. The results presented here suggest that genetic modifications in trees can influence litter quality and thus have a potential to generate effects that can cross ecosystem boundaries and influence ecosystem processes not directly associated with the tree. Overall, the realized ecological effects of the GM tree varieties used here were nevertheless shown to be relatively small.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10021-010-9373-y Author Address: (1) Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden (2) Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington 98505, USA (3) Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, 80101, Finland (4) Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden (5) INRA, UR0588, Amélioration Génétique et Physiologie Forestières, CS 40001 Ardon, 45075 Orléans Cedex 2, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Azhar MT, MU Rehman, S Aftab, S Mansoor, Year: 2010 Title: * Utilization of natural and genetically-engineered sources in Gossypium hirsutum for the development of tolerance against cotton leaf curl disease and fiber characteristics.

Journal: Int. J. Agric. Biol., 12: 744–748 Label: Composition Qualite Keywords: Genetically-engineered; Gossypium hirsitum; Natural sources; Introgression; CLCuD; Fiber Abstract: The present study efforts have been made to combine natural and genetically-engineered resistance to get enhanced tolerance against cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) and improvement in fiber characteristics.

Maximum number of tolerant plant against CLCuD was observed in the families of NIBGE-115 × transgenic Coker-312 expressing antisense rep, whilst minimum number of plants was in the families of FH-1000 × transgenic rep Coker-312 cotton. It was noted that ginning out turn; fiber fineness was significantly increased in F1 and F2 of NIBGE-115 × transgenic antisense rep Coker-312. Significant increase for fiber length was observed in the families of CIM-496 × transgenic antisense Coker-312 but non-significant differences were observed in all of the families of the crosses. The positive and highly significant correlation coefficient was observed between fiber length and fiber strength. The sample of parent plant material was small in the present study and did not represent the whole of the germplasm of G. hirsutum, therefore it would be worth-while to conduct another experiment involving large number of parents from the germplasm in a crossing program to substantiate the present findings.

URL: http://www.fspublishers.org/ijab/past-issues/IJABVOL_12_NO_5/19.pdf Author Address: Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), P O Box 577, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Baburam, Singh Year: 2010 Title: ?? Genetically modified (GM) crops and controversies.

Journal: Orissa Review May-June 2010 - 73-75. Issue: May-June Label: Review Abstract: Full text : Ever since the introduction of first transgenic tomato for commercial cultivation in USA in the Year 1995, the area under GM crops has gone up 74-fold in the world. In 1996 the global area under transgenic was only 1.7 million hectares while in 2008 the global area is 125 million hectares. It took about 10 years for the area to cross the first billion mark while to cross the second billion acre mark it took only 3 years signifying the rapid expansion of the GM crops through out the world.

In 1996, the cultivation of biotech crop was confined to USA but now 25 countries have adapted its cultivation.

In addition, 30 countries have granted regulatory approval for import of GM product and their release in open environment. Of the countries where GM crops are cultivated at present, 15 are from developing countries and remaining 10 are from developed countries. The number of biotech farmers increased significantly during these 13 years and at present it stands at 13.3 million. Notably 90 % (12.3 million ) of them are resource poor farmers from developing countries.

Starting with one crop species in 1995, now the numbers of species in which transgenic have been developed has gone up to 24. Out of 66 principal crops cultivated through out the world, scientists are actively engaged in transgenic development in 57 crop species. It is excepted that by 2020-25 world will have transgenic in most important crop species.

The above development indicates the rate at which the technology is spreading and perhaps it may be the fastest spreading technology in the agriculture sector.

The leading countries where transgenic crops are extensively grown include USA with 62.5 million hectare, followed by Argentina (21.0 million hectares), Brazil (15.8 million hectares). India (7.6 million hectares), Canada (6.7 million hectares), China (3.8 million hectares, Paraguay (2.7 million hectares), South Africa (1.8 million hectares), Uruguay (0.7 million hectares), Bolivia (0.6 million hectares), Philippines (0.4 million hectares), Australia (0.2 million hectares), Mexico and other 12 countries with less than 0.1 million hectares.

India finds a place in the top 5 megabiotech countries of the world.

Scenario of GM crops in India : In India the first transgenic ( Bt Cotton) was cleared for cultivation in the year 2002. Within a span of seven years the area under Bt cotton has gone beyond 7.6 million hectares and it constitutes approximately 82% of the total cotton area of the country. Important States where Bt cotton is grown extensively include Maharastra (3.13 million hectares- representing almost half of 42% of Bt cotton area in India) followed by Gujarat (1.36 million hectares), Andhra Pradesh (1.32 million hectares), Madhya Pradesh (620.000 ha). It is claimed that with the introduction of Bt cotton in India and with rapid expansion of its area, India got transformed from a net importer to a net exporter of cotton. Export of cotton registered a sharp increase from a meagre 0.05 million bales in 2001-02 to 8.5 million bales in 2006-08.

Field trial on 10 crops ( brinjal, cabbage, castor, cauliflower, corn, ground-nut, okra, potato, rice and tomato) is going on at present in India. After Supreme Court lifted its restriction on experimental field trial of GM crops in 2008, the Apex Regulatory Body - Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has recommended for the field trial of Bt brinjal in the country. If it is allowed by government for its commercial cultivation it will be the first GM food crop to be cultivated in open environment in India. Several other GM food crops (cabbage, cauliflower, corn, ground-nut, okra, potato, rice and tomato) are in the pipe line to follow.

The GM Debate: Lot of debates are going on relating to the prospect and risks associated with the GM crops.

The argument which are adduced in favour of GM technology are (i) higher yield (ii) better quality (iii) high degree of uniformity (iv) eco-friendly (vii) cost-effective and (viii) affordable price.

The arguments which are adduced against this technology are (i) cost-intensive (ii) hazardous to environment and health and (iii) detrimental to our livelihood security and sovereign rights of our farmers.

Contradicting claims and counter claims about the technology has kept all including farmers in a state of utter confusion.

Impact on Agriculture: Promoters of GM technology claim that spread of GM crops will boost our agricultural production significantly through their high yielding ability and resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. It will also ensure our food and nutritional security through development of nutritionally rich food grains like beta-carotene rich golden rice. It will reduce pressure on land and other natural resources due to high productivity of crops and thus can play a significant role in checking deforestation for agricultural purpose.

Where as the opponents of the technology claim that there is no significant gain in the productivity of the GM crops in comparison to some of the best high yielding varieties/ hybrids available in the country. They argue that cultivation of few GM varieties with narrow genetic base in large scale will make crops more vulnerable to diseases and pests due to genetic uniformity. Large scale cultivation of transgenic will also bring reduction in biodiversity though squeeze in varietal and crop diversity. There is risk of transfer of introduced foreign gene into other varieties and non-target species and it may lead to gene pollution and contamination of our genetic resources. Cultivation of transgenic will encourage more application of fertilizers and chemicals and cultivation of herbicide tolerant GM varieties will boost herbicide application in the field. Increase in application of these agrochemicals will ultimately lead to environmental pollution. Apprehensions are also made that cultivation of disease and pest resistant transgenic will lead to development of resistance in the pests and may hasten their coevolution. Similarly transfer of herbicide tolerant/ resistant gene from transgenic to associate weed species may lead to development of super-weeds causing serious problem in future for their control.

Impact on Biodiversity: The promoters of GM technology argue that introduction of GM crops will help in conservation of biodiversity through reduction in application of pesticides. They are also of opinion that extensive cultivation of GM crops will reduce pressure on the land and other natural resources and it will reduce deforestation activity for agriculture purpose. Whereas the opponents are of the view that introduction of transgenic particularly herbicide tolerant ones will encourage increased application of herbicides in the agricultural field. This will have adverse effect on the environment as well as biodiversity. In addition squeeze in varietal diversity and gene pollution will also adversely affect our rich biodiversity. Since biodiversity is the key to our food security any reduction in it will adversely affect our food security.

Impact on Health: The promoters of GM technology argue that introduction of GM varieties capable of producing more nutrients and vitamins like golden rice will help to mitigate mal- nutrition problem in the under nourished people.

Technologies are now also available to produce GM varieties that can produce therapeutical proteins and drugs in the plant systems and it may help in solving our health related problem. Whereas the opponents are of the view that the introduction of foreign gene in the food crop system will lead to production of a foreign protein that may cause Allergy, Cancer, Stomach ailment and various other ailments. They also cite some case studies in their support.

Impact on Economics: Promoters of GM technology claim higher return due to reduction in the cost of production which can make food grains affordable to poor people. Because of its high degree of uniformity it can facilitate mechanization in agriculture and better market.

The counter claims are that it will be cost intensive and our resource poor farmer can not afford it. Besides the market access of GM foods it will have less appreciation in the market. Seeds of GM crops / technology have been patented and so it will be monopoly of multinationals who will indirectly control the price of seed and their availability and so it will affect sovereign rights of our farmers.

State approach to the problem: Orissa is considered as the secondary centre of origin of rice due to occurrence of wide natural variability (genetic diversity). Similarly Orissa is considered as the gene center for several other crops like brinjal, gourds, cucumber, minor millet etc. The State should take a cautious approach as regards to GM crops are concerned to avoid any potential risk gene contamination and reduction in its rich biodiversity.

Through studies need to be made on aspects to aspects to assess its long term impact on environment, health and biodiversity prior to taking a policy decision on introduction of relevant GM crops.

References: 1. International Service for the acquisition of agribiotech application report 2009 2. Genetic Roulette-Jeffrey M. Smith (2008). A South Against genetic Engineering and Deccan Development Society publication.

Dr. Baburam Singh is a Professor, Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://20103259730 Author Address: Plant Breeding & Genetics, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bakshi DK, Arora JK Year: 2007 Title: * Genetically modified crops in Indian perspective: an overview.

Journal: Journal of Plant Science Research 23, 1/2.

Accession Number: CABI:20103043262 Label: Bioengineering Adoption Review Keywords: aubergines; cold resistance; cold stress; commercial hybrids; cotton; crop quality; crop yield; cultivation; disease resistance; drought; drought resistance; genetic transformation; groundnuts; heat resistance; heat stress; herbicide resistance; hybrid varieties; Indian mustard; pest resistance; plant diseases; plant pests; plant water relations; potatoes; rice; salinity; salt tolerance; tomatoes; transgenic plants; water stress brinjal; Capparales; cold hardiness; drought tolerance; eggplants; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; Lycopersicon esculentum; paddy; peanuts; rai; resistance to disease Abstract: In India, vigorous efforts have been initiated for development of GM crops, in view of their potential and importance. As of now, Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop approved for commercial cultivation in the country. Since its introduction in 2002, there has been a phenomenal increase in the area under Bt cotton which presently stands at 3.5 million hectare. As of now, 111 hybrids and 4 events viz. Bollgard 1 (BG-1), Bollgard 2 (BG-2), Event 1 and GFM event of Bt cotton are approved for commercial cultivation in the country. The first GM food crop of India i.e. Bt brinjal is in pipeline for introduction in the market. In fact, with the release of Bt brinjal, India is likely to take global lead in introduction of first GM eggplant. Further, various other GM crops including rice, potato, tomato, mustard, groundnut and several other food crops are under different stages of development and trials in the country. The genetic modification is primarily targeted at introduction of crop protection traits which include: resistance to pests, disease & herbicides; abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, cold or salinity and quality traits for enhanced nutrition, shelf life, improved taste, colour, fragrance & increased productivity. The results of socio-economic impact assessment studies on Bt cotton are encouraging in terms of economic and environmental benefits.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 50 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103043262 Author Address: Biotechnology Division, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh - 160 019, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ballester A, Cervera M, Peña L, Year: 2010 Title: * Selectable marker-free transgenic orange plants recovered under non-selective conditions and through PCR analysis of all regenerants.

Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Volume 102, Number 3, 329-336.

Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Clean vector - Citrus - Fruit plants - Genetic transformation - Stacking - Woody plants Abstract: Selectable marker (SM) genes have been considered necessary to achieve acceptable rates in the generation of transgenic plants. Genes encoding antibiotic or herbicide resistance are widely used for this purpose. In most cases, once transgenic plants have been regenerated, permanence of SM genes in the plant genome is no longer necessary, and it becomes a matter of public concern. Moreover, the removal of SM genes from transgenic plants could facilitate gene stacking through successive transformations, particularly when the availability of these markers is rather limited for most crop plants. In the genus Citrus, with highly heterozygotic species of long generation cycles, methods implying the segregation and removal of marker transgenes in the progeny are not feasible. Here, we have evaluated the direct production of SM-free citrus plants under non-selective conditions, using a ―clean‖ binary vector carrying only the transgene of interest, and

through the recovery of transformants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of all regenerated shoots.

The response of two different citrus genotypes, Carrizo citrange (intergeneric hybrid of C. sinensis L. Osb. X Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) and Pineapple sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osb.), was evaluated. Our results indicate that, in this system, the competence between transgenic and non-transgenic cells is the main factor determining final transgenic regeneration frequencies. For Carrizo citrange, no transgenic plant could be recovered. For Pineapple sweet orange, marker-free transformation efficiency was 1.7%, paving the way for the viable production of orange transformants carrying only the transgene(s) of interest.

Notes: 32 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/t873xg11171785g6/ http://www.springerlink.com/content/t873xg11171785g6/fulltext.html Author Address: Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Apartado Oficial, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Balog Adalbert, Ágnes Szénási, Dóra Szekeres, József Kiss Year: 2010 Title: * Staphylinids (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in genetically modified maize ecosystems: species densities and trophic interactions.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 9-15.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: Abstract: In this paper we present results on rove beetles (species, guilds, densities) from a threeyear field experiment conducted in Hungary with Bt maize (MON810, Cry1Ab) and its corresponding near isogenic variety. According to our results there were no significant differences in density for species belonging to the non-aphidophagous predator and parasitoid guilds; however the aphidophagous guild showed differences between the two maize varieties in some years. The abundance of aphidophagous staphylinids did not correlate with the total annual and monthly Rhopalosiphum padi density (its prey) in the same year but higher aphid density in one year may have influenced the larval development of rove beetles in that year influencing beetle densities in the following year.

Author Address: Hungary XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bambawale OM, R K Tanwar, O P Sharma, B B Bhosle, R C Lavekar, S B Patil, A Dhandapani, T P Trivedi, P Jeyakumar, D K Garg, A A Jafri, B L Meena Year: 2010 Title: * Impact of refugia and integrated pest management on the performance of transgenic (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Journal: Indian J agri Sci Vol. 80 No. 8 p. 730 New Delhi August 2010.

Label: InRe Resistance Author Address: India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bao LiangShuai, Gong ZhenHui, Li DaWei, Huang Wei, Lu MingHui, Chen RuGang, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Construction and transformation of the plant expression vector carrying ML gene of pepper.

Journal: Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica 30, 5, 901-904.

Accession Number: CABI:20103213811 Label: FuRe Keywords: pepper ML gene plant expression vector genetic transformation Abstract: In order to analyse the effect of ML gene to Phytophthora capsici,plant expression vector pBI121ML was constructed by using the vector pBI121.The expressed vector pBI121-ML was transferred into

Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 by means of rapid frozen thaw method successfully.Pepper susceptible Cv.B12 was transformed with pBI121-ML by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation.PCR and RT-PCR detection confirmed that four transgenic lines of pepper were obtained Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-DNYX201005008.htm Author Address: College of Horticulture,Northwest A&F University,Yangling,Shaanxi 712100,China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bao-Rong L, Hui X Year: 2008 Title: 造 The fitness of hybrids and progenies between weedy rice and insect-resistant Bt (cryIAc) rice.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion InRe Abstract: Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) is a serious weed infesting paddy fi elds in both tropic and temperate rice cultivation regions worldwide. It is the third or fourth most noxious weed threatening rice production (Delouche et al. 2007), particularly in regions where direct seeding or no-till cultivation is replacing rice transplanting practices. Weedy rice can successfully thrive and expand in paddy fields, largely due to its excellent adaptation to agricultural practices and ecological conditions, in addition to its seed shattering and seed dormancy characteristics, which allow it to survive in soil seed banks. Weedy rice can also mimic the morphological and physiological characteristics of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) grown in the same fi elds. This makes the control of weedy rice extremely difficult once it infests a rice fi eld, causing reductions of rice yield and quality (Delouche et al. 2007). Rapid adaptive evolution of weedy rice may have played an essential role in its successful invasion and infestation of the managed agro-ecosystems. Hypothetically, the rapid adaptive evolution of weedy rice might be intimately associated with hybridization and introgression of weedy rice with the concomitant rice varieties, because the elite crop genes can be continuously incorporated into weedy rice populations through recurrent hybridization and introgression. It is proven that weedy rice can easily hybridize and introgress with cultivated rice because of its conspecific status with cultivated rice (Cao et al. 2006), which may increase genetic diversity of weedy rice and complicate the process of its fi eld control. Recently, there has been a great concern over gene fl ow from genetically modifi ed (GM) rice to weedy rice through outcrossing (hybridization/introgression) that may cause unwanted environmental consequences (see Lu and Snow 2005).

The incorporation of novel and unique functional transgene(s) resistant to biotic (e.g. herbicide and insect) and abiotic stresses (e.g. drought and cold) from GM rice may enhance fi tness and change evolutionary potential of weedy rice containing the transgenes. This may largely alter the population dynamics of weedy rice and increase the diffi culties for controlling weedy rice populations that have picked up transgenes. Spontaneous gene fl ow from cultivated rice to weedy rice has been reported in a number of studies with a considerable frequency (Chen et al. 2004; Shivraina et al. 2007). Our unpublished molecular experimental data aimed to measure the mating system of weedy rice populations collected from different rice fi elds showed variable outcrossing rates between 0.4~12%, indicating a high potential of gene fl ow. All the data suggested that transgene flow from GM rice to weedy rice is unavoidable in the region where cultivated and weedy rice coexist. As a result, the assessment of environmental consequences caused by transgene fl ow from GM rice to weedy rice is important for predicting the extent of weedy rice problems, and for sustainable agriculture.

In order to understand the fitness change of weedy rice that contains transgenes, we produced F1 hybrids and F2 progenies from artifi cial crosses between insect-resistant GM rice lines (Bt CryIAc and CpTI) and weedy rice strains collected from different sources. Comparative analysis of field performances of the artificial hybrids, F2 progenies, and weedy rice parents was conducted under field experiments with different insect pressure and pure or mixed cultivation styles. From the experiment involving F1 hybrids and the weedy parents under pure or mixed cultivation of weedy rice or/and F1 hybrids, results showed signifi cantly better performances for some traits e.g., number of spikelets per plant and 1000-seed weight with insect pressure, but poor performances for number of seeds per plant under the same insect pressure. Results further showed that there was a significant correlation between 1000-seed weight and seed germination rates or seedling survival rates of F1 hybrids and weedy rice parents. The F1 study indicated that productive potential and better seeds

from the crop-weedy hybrids may enhance the possibility of transgene introgression into weedy rice populations.

From the experiment involving F2 progenies with or without the transgenes under normal or low insect pressure, results showed slightly better performance of F2 progenies with the transgenes than those without the transgenes under normal insect pressure. However, there were no signifi cant differences between F2 progenies with or without the transgenes. The small sample size and insuffi cient contrast of insect pressure in our experiment may have caused the insignificant results, but results from the F2 study demonstrated that transgenes can be introgressed into and persist in the weedy rice populations. Further fi tness studies involving a larger sample size of F2 and F3 progenies with or without the transgenes under more ideal insect pressure are ongoing, in order to develop a better understanding of the fi tness changes in weedy rice containing transgenes.

References Cao QJ, Lu B-R, Xia H, Rong J, Sala F, Spada A & Grassi F. 2006. Genetic diversity and origin of weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) populations found in Northeastern China revealed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Annals of Botany, 98: 1241–1252.

Chen LJ, Lee DS, Song ZP, Suh HS & Lu B-R. 2004. Gene fl ow from cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) to its weedy and wild relatives. Annals of Botany, 93: 67-73.

Delouche JC, Burgos NR, Gealy DR, Zorilla-San MG, Labrada R & M. Larinde. 2007. Weedy rices: origin, biology, ecology and control.

Rome: FAO of the United Nations.

Lu B-R & Snow AA. 2005. Gene fl ow from genetically modified rice and its environmental consequences.

BioScience, 55: 669-678.

Shivraina VK, Burgos NR, Andersb MM, Rajgurua SN, Moorea J & Salesa MA. 2007. Gene flow between ClearfieldTM rice and red rice.

Crop Protection, 26: 349-356.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Barbi T, Irons SL, Pepponi I, Hawes C, Ma JK-C, Drake PMW Year: 2010 Title: * Expression and plasma membrane localization of the mammalian B-cell receptor complex in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 22 SEP 2010 Label: Biopharming Keywords: B-cell receptor - transgenic plants - antibody Abstract: The B-cell antigen receptor (BCR), displayed on the plasma membrane of mature B cells of the mammalian immune system, is a multimeric complex consisting of a membrane-bound immunoglobulin (mIg) noncovalently associated with the Igα/Igβ heterodimer. In this study, we engineered transgenic tobacco plants expressing all four chains of the BCR. ELISA, Western blotting and confocal microscopy demonstrated that the BCR was correctly assembled in plants, predominantly in the plasma membrane, and that the noncovalent link was detergent sensitive. This is the first example of a noncovalently assembled plasma membrane-retained heterologous receptor in plants. In B cells of the mammalian immune system, following antigen binding to mIg, BCR is internalized and tyrosine residues on Igα and Igβ are phosphorylated activating a signaling cascade through interaction with protein kinases that ultimately leads to the initiation of gene expression. Expression of the BCR may therefore be an important tool for the study of plant endocytosis and the identification of previously unknown plant tyrosine kinases. The specificity and diversity of the antibody repertoire, coupled to the signal transduction capability of the Igα/Igβ heterodimer, also indicates that plants expressing BCR may in future be developed as environmental biosensors.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00566.x http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00566.x/abstract

Author Address: 1) Molecular Immunology Unit, Centre for Infection and Immunology, Division of Clinical Sciences, St. George‘s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK 2) School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Barik Bishnu Year: 2010 Title: // Ian Scoones: Science, agriculture and the politics of policy: the age of biotechnology in India Secondary Title: Agriculture and Human Values 27, 3, 377-378.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0889-048X Label: SocioEconomic Keywords: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Abstract: The book under review is a part of a larger project involving collaboration with India, China and Southern Africa. The insights narrated are gathered through three hundred semi-structured interviews with a diverse range of informants, carried out during numerous visits to India between 2000 and 2002. Through the narratives Scoones provides a detailed examination of the development of biotechnology in India, with a focus on agriculture. Biotechnology as a science, as a business, as politics, as symbol and as narrative is investigated to gauge the vision of development and the discourse on the policy framework.

The author‘s remark on the context of India stands correct. He notes that India has been a land of extreme contrast where overall poverty has declined but inequality has grown, particularly between the urban areas that have profited from new economic activities such as Information Technologies (IT) and the rural areas where the agricultural economy has stagnated. In the case of Karnataka State, the author further magnifies his argument by stating that the State has vast areas of dry rural hinterlands along with its fast growing hitech Bangalore—the capital of the State; no other city and State better exemplify the contrast, contradiction and challenges of modern India than Bangalore. The author further emphasizes that Bangalore being known as an IT hub not only in Asia, let alone in the world, houses over 10,000 industries and has had positive economic impact on the State. Despite this positive economic impact, there is visible and marked inequality in income and opportunities, which means that there are pockets in the State having extreme wealth and whereas large areas of State real under extreme poverty; more than 20% of the State population lives below poverty. Additionally, farmers committing suicide is a routine phenomena in the State; during 2003–2004, 650 farmers committed suicide because of failures in managing agriculture.

Scoones observes that on the surface India is shining. The country has 40 million tons of foodgrain reserves with a $100 billion foreign exchange surplus. India‘s economic growth rate was 8% during past four. To meet the food requirements of the fast growing population, India has to increase food production by 105 million tons by 2020, and according to several interviewees, this can only be achieved if biotechnology is introduced in Indian agriculture. Biotechnology is seen as a sunrise industry- one that could be at the forefront of an economic transformation through revitalizing agriculture. As Mazumdar Shaw claimed, the biotechnology sector had the potential to generate $5 billion in revenue and create one million skilled jobs in the country over 5 years. Manju Sharma, the Indian Secretary of Science and Technology, predicted that the biotechnology market of India would yield 5% share of the global $50–60 billion market by 2005.

Then Chief Minister Mr. S. M. Krishna promoted the idea of establishing a biotechnology hub in Bangalore, alongside IT, and provided all the required infrastructure facilities for its speedy growth. Mr. Krishna appointed Mazumdar Shaw as the chairperson of the high level committee to plan and guide the State government in the direction of executing the necessary decision on the matter. Several policy decisions were taken at the State and central government level. Bureaucrats, technocrats, policy makers and politicians were involved in the process to give a proper shape to the biotechnology hub at Bangalore by integrating science and technology to planning.

On its website, the multinational company Monasanto India also stated that India has to increase food production dramatically and that biotechnology can help grow this food without affecting the environment.

Monasanto in alliance with Mayhco officially released Bt cotton for commercial sale. Before releasing the seed in the market, it conducted field trials in several locations in the State. However, the field trials encountered severe protests by the local farmers. The protests were supported by established NGOs and farmers‘ leaders in the State who maintained that Bt cotton will undermine farming communities‘ livelihoods, destroy bio-diversity and cause human health risks. Vandana Shiva describes the field trials as ―illegal and unscientific‖ (p. 326).

Shiva argued that there was no yield gain, in fact there was yield reduction and no reduction in pesticide use to counter cotton bollworm. She agitated on the fact that the field trial results were not made public and that the introduction of BT cotton only helped to expand the monopoly of the multinational company to gain maximum benefit.

Let us now analyze the real situation and impact of biotechnology on crop productivity, protecting the environment, creating employment opportunities and the economic status of farming communities. Agriculture in India, and Karnataka in particular, is at a crossroad. The effects of the Green Revolution are already over.

Indian agriculture no longer is in a position to provide gainful employment opportunities or viable opportunities for livelihoods. Over the years, farming communities have experienced severe crises and as reported, several hundred farmers have committed suicide in the country and from Karnataka alone. Now the Indian villages are looking deserted as more and more youths are leaving the countryside for gainful employment in towns and metropolitan cities. The Indian economy is facing a serious meltdown. Although the growth rate was predicted to be at 8%, this rate was too difficult to accomplish and maintain. The IT sector in Bangalore also is facing severe crisis. In this meltdown situation no one talks about biotechnology, neither the bureaucrats nor the technocrats, including the policy makers.

Professor Ian Scoones deserves praise for writing a classical monument on biotechnology. The book is well written with a huge amount of data gathered from different sources. The style of presentation is very lucid, emphasizing the point of arguments logically. Frankly speaking, the style of presentation is fascinating and superb. Not a single mistake is noticed throughout the book. Social scientists, policy makers and students of science and technology should read this book.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10460-010-9276-8 Author Address: School of Social Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, 431606, Maharashtra, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Barrett Michael Year: 2010 Title: + Weed Scientists Tackle Glyphosate Resistance Problems.

Journal: Plant Management Network Number 104: September 28, 2010 Label: HeTo Resistance Abstract: Full text : Lexington, Kentucky (September 20, 2010)--In recent years, glyphosate-resistant weeds common north and south of Kentucky have appeared in the state. While glyphosate-resistant marestail is widespread in Kentucky, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are new problems in certain counties. Weed scientists in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture are exploring different methods of control for these weeds with the hopes of containing them to the already-infested areas.

Palmer amaranth and waterhemp share many similarities. They are in the pigweed family, are similar in appearance, produce male and female plants that must cross to reproduce and are problems in soybeans.

Although both species have been in Kentucky for more than 10 years, problems controlling them with glyphosate did not appear until the past few years.

Fulton County growers were the first to observe control problems with Palmer amaranth. A recent survey found that glyphostate-resistant Palmer amaranth is now in all four Kentucky counties that border the Mississippi River. Native to the Southwest, Palmer amaranth has spread across the Southeast. In states to the south, it's a major problem in cotton as well as in soybeans.

"Kentucky is different from the states to our south, in that most of our grain crop acreage is rotated; so our growers have used multiple weed management practices on the fields. It's kept us from having a lot of weed problems," said Michael Barrett, UK weed scientist.

The ground in Fulton County with the greatest concentration of Palmer amaranth is in the Mississippi River bottom lands. It is not conducive to traditional Kentucky crop rotation, because annual floods from the river cover the ground well into the spring. Only soybeans have been successfully raised on this ground, said Cam Kenimer, Fulton County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources.

Palmer amaranth can grow 6- to 7-feet tall, and each plant produces thousands of seeds. The weed takes moisture away from the crop, which can reduce yields, Kenimer said.

Barrett began a weed management trial for Palmer amaranth at Jim Major's farm along the Mississippi River bottoms in Fulton County this year.

"We've had Palmer amaranth on a limited basis for the last three or four years, but last year, it mushroomed out of proportion," Major said. "It's spreading out more to upland ground."

To minimize the spread of Palmer amaranth, growers need to control the weed before it goes to seed.

"We are still gathering information, but we should have specific recommendations shortly," Barrett said. "It appears it's going to be a combination of a soil-applied herbicide and a post-emergence herbicide. These two things should reduce the likelihood that the plant develops resistance to one of the treatments. We are considering adding information on both Palmer amaranth and waterhemp into the 2011 edition of AGR-6, Weed Control Recommendations for Kentucky Grain Crops."

Waterhemp is a common weed in the Midwest and has been in Kentucky for many years. But glyphosateresistant plants only started showing up in the past few years. Glyphosate-resistant waterhemp is found in Western Kentucky from Hancock County to Fulton County but is most prolific along the Green and Ohio rivers. Like Palmer amaranth, glyphosate-resistant varieties may have entered the state on field equipment. In Illinois, weed specialists have found some waterhemp plants that are resistant to several different herbicide classes.

Waterhemp can be anywhere from 4- to 12-feet tall and produces thousands of seeds.

"It's a weed that can get out of hand really quickly because of the number of seeds it produces," said William Witt, UK weed scientist.

Witt and graduate student, Blake Patton, have confirmed the weed is glyphosate resistant in several counties and are working to determine if it is resistant to any other herbicides at a trial in Union County.

"Most of the worst cases of glyphosate resistance are in fields along the Ohio River, but glyphosate-resistant weeds are also found further back from the river," said Rankin Powell, Union County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources.

Witt believes growers will be able to control both Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, but it will require a different weed-management plan.

"We controlled weeds before we had products containing glyphosate, and we will control them again," he said.

While control trials for this weed are just beginning, growers can do a couple of things to minimize the spread of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp including removing the weeds while small to prevent seed production and rotate the field with corn. There is an effective herbicide against glyphosate-resistant waterhemp, but it's only available for use in corn.

Producers, who believe they have either weed on their property, should contact their county agriculture and natural resources extension agent, so the weed can be identified.

URL: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/cm/news/2010/GlyphosateResistance/ Author Address: University of Kentucky Press Release. www.ca.uky.edu USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Barros E, Nelson SW Year: 2010 Title: * Creation of a High-Yielding Recombinant Maize Hybrid for the Production of a Microbicide to Prevent Hiv-1 Transmission.

Journal: South African Journal of Science 106, 5-6, 77-81.

Accession Number: WOS:000281421400014 Label: Biopharming Abstract: The aim of this study was to use conventional breeding to increase the production in maize of the human monoclonal antibody 2G12, known to have potential therapeutic properties in the prevention of HIV-1 transmission. The recombinant antibody, together with a fluorescent marker, was introduced into two South African high-performing maize elite inbred lines by crossing them with a transgenic maize line that had been transformed with the monoclonal antibody 2G12. The effect of breeding to produce high-expressing recombinant hybrid seed was evaluated by comparing 2G12 production in the different breeding lines with the original maize line. 'Good production practice standards' were followed throughout the breeding programme.

'Conventional drug regulations' adapted to plant-made pharmaceuticals were also followed, with the seeds being stored in a 'master seed bank'. The maize hybrid expressed a higher level of the antibody than the recombinant maize elite lines. This plant-derived antibody provides a means of producing a microbicide component that could be used with other HIV-neutralising antibodies as an additional approach to prevent HIV infection.

URL: <Go to ISI>://000281421400014

Author Address: 1CSIR Biosciences, Pretoria, South Africa 2Nelson Genetics CC, Bryanston, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Barros Eugenia Year: 2010 Title: 造 Systems Biology Approach to the Evaluation of GM Plants . A Case Study.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Composition EvaluationRisque Expression ImpactExpression Abstract: A common element in the assessment of food safety of transgenic crops is centred on a comparative analytical evaluation with the conventionally bred crop plant assuming that these products have a history of safe use. This complies with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) principle of substantial equivalence. Non-targeted analytical approaches of gene, transcript, protein and metabolite levels are, however, the methods of choice to investigate the physiology of genetically modified (GM) plants as comprehensively as possible, thus increasing the chances of detecting unintended effects. In South Africa, the use of non-targeted analytical approaches to validate the concept of substantial equivalence in GMO plants is being investigated.

While the results of the first study have been submitted for a scientific publication, this report summarises some of the outcomes of a specific data set. This case study evaluated the effect of genetic modification and environmental variation of one Bt maize cultivar grown in one location over three years (seasons) with its nonGM maize counterpart. Four non-targeted methods were used. The study showed that the variation observed in the two maize lines was mainly due to environmental factors.

Full text : 1 Introduction In the early stages of production and commercialisation of foods derived from GM plants, international consensus was reached regarding the principles of food-safety evaluation. The concept of substantial equivalence became the starting point of the safety evaluation framework based on the idea that existing foods can serve as a basis to compare the properties of GM foods with the appropriate counterpart (Kuiper et al., 2001). However, the controversy regarding GM plants and their potential impact on human health and the environment have led to the development of additional methods for risk assessment. Risk assessment focuses on potential adverse effects which could result from unintended effects of genetic modifications. Unintended effects can also occur in conventional breeding. The best way to detect unintended effects is through nontargeted analysis by using profiling techniques. These techniques allow screening of potential changes in the physiology of the modified host plant at different cellular integration levels that include the genome level, during gene expression and protein translation and at the metabolic pathway level (Rischer & OksmanCaldentey, 2006). Other factors, such as genetic characteristics (cultivar, isogenic lines), agronomic factors (soil, fertilisers) and environmental influences (location, weather, stress), also need to be considered during GM versus non-GM evaluations because they could contribute to some alteration that is not necessarily due to the genetic modification. There is therefore a need to use some of these profiling techniques to evaluate a GM plant versus a non-GM plant under different conditions to be able to determine their application in future risk assessment evaluations as more complex genetic traits are introduced into plants.

2 Targeted versus non-targeted approach to detect unintended effects The evaluation of GM plants using targeted analysis looks at the compositional variation in the GM plant compared to the non-GM counterpart using a selection of analytes of interest. These key compounds have been determined by international standards to form the basis of substantial equivalence. The substantial equivalence approach was adopted by regulatory bodies to ensure that GM plants and foods are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts (Kuiper and Kleter, 2003). The analytes or key compounds that are included in the baseline analysis of targeted studies include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and other nutritional/anti-nutritional compounds that may affect the nutritional value and safety of the crop (Kuiper et al., 2001). The selection of compounds may be limited to a restricted number representing essential biochemical/physiological pathways in the plant. The targeted approach has many limitations with respect to unknown antinutrients and natural toxins. Furthermore, any unforeseen, unintended effects of the genetic modification may escape detection using the targeted approach. Thus analyses using non-targeted profiling technologies have been developed that allow the screening of potential changes in the physiology of the plant at

different cellular integration levels that include gene expression, protein translation and at the metabolic pathway level. These system biology technologies are also known as ―omics‖ technologies, which refer to the comprehensive analysis of biological systems. In this case study four profiling technologies were used to evaluate one GM maize (Bt) and its non-GM counterpart. The effect of genetic modification and the environmental variation were included in the study by growing the two maize cultivars in one location over three growing seasons.

3 Data analysis Profiling techniques generate a large amount of data even when a limited number of samples are used. To obtain a meaningful analysis of the profiles from the GM maize and its non-GM counterpart, the first stage of data analysis took into account all the compounds at once to give an overall view of the data. The multivariate analysis used in this study to identify the main sources of variation in the data set was the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This technique reduces multidimensional data sets to smaller numbers of new variables called components that still retain most of the variation in the data. Once the major sources of variation are identified the next step is to examine each component individually using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), taking into account all the relevant features of the experimental design (Davies, 2009). Compounds are then listed in order of significant level.

3.1 Transcriptomics The microarray technology is the most common approach for gene expression profiling. cDNA microarrays have been used to investigate changes in gene expression during maize kernel development. One drawback of cDNA microarrays is the false discovery rate that results from cross-hybridisation among family members of the plant being studied. By contrast, oligo arrays can achieve hybridisation patterns of transcript levels relatively accurately and there are a few that are commercially available. The microarray used in this study was obtained from the Maize Oligonucleotide Array Project (US). In total 3 541 spots were included in the data analysis and PCA results showed a separation of the samples according to season and genotype. When the drivers of variation were investigated using ANOVA, the largest variation was due to year, whereas a much lower variation was due to genotype. This suggests that the variation found between GM and non-GM maize at the gene expression level was not significant.

3.2 Proteomics The main approach currently used in protein profiling studies is two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis.

This technology allows the comparative analyses of protein patterns, changes in protein concentrations or posttranslational modifications triggered by environmental factors or genetic modification. There are, at present, two major shortcomings with this technology: the first is that only highly expressed proteins can be detected in a complex protein mixture and the second is that there is not sufficient protein sequence data for identification purposes. The protein profiles generated by 2-D electrophoresis of the two maize cultivars showed that 714 proteins were included in data analysis, and PCA results showed that the samples could be separated according to season and genotype. The ANOVA tests showed that the effect of year was stronger than the effect of genotype. There was a very slight separation between genotypes which suggests that no significant variation was observed between GM and non-GM maize at the protein level.

3.3 Metabolomics The analysis of plant metabolites is generally complicated due to their highly complex nature and vast chemical diversity. There is a range of technologies that can be used to identify individual compounds that could represent alterations in the content of cellular compounds such as sugars, fats, acids and other metabolites.

These include Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Fourier-transform (near) infrared spectroscopy. Both 1HNMR and GC-MS were the metabolite profiling techniques used in this case study.

1H-NMR fingerprinting plays a central role in dissecting the relationship between sequence and biological function. Although there is incomplete coverage of the plant metabolome, 1H-NMR was sensitive enough to produce metabolic profiles of the two maize cultivars (15 500 complex data points were examined). Thirty-six compounds were identified for data analysis and the results showed a separation among the three seasons but no visible separation between the genotypes (GM and non-GM).

GC-MS metabolite profiling provides valuable information on the structural identity of compounds, but limitations of this technology include its restriction to low molecular weight constituents and the range of detectable analytes that is dependent on the choice of solvents used in metabolite extraction. Using GC-MS, 120 compounds were included in the data analysis and a separation was observed for seasons and for genotypes. The effect of season was greater than that of genotype.

4 CONCLUSION

The application of systems biology as a multidisciplinary approach to validate the concept of substantial equivalence as part of the safety assessment of GM plants can provide relevant information regarding changes in gene expression and associated protein and metabolite derivatives as a result of genetic modification. The non-selective comparison of GM maize with its non-GM counterpart offers unlimited possibilities for the identification of unintended effects. In this ―case study‖ non-targeted molecular profiling technologies were used to provide insight into the extent of variation in the maize transcriptome, proteome and metabolome by analysing two maize genotypes grown in the same location in three different years. The results showed that the variation observed was mainly caused by growing season and the associated environmental factors and was not due to genotype. Although the environment was the dominant source of variation, no common drivers of variation could be identified in this dataset. The differences that were observed between the Bt maize and the non-GM counterpart using the four technologies were not statistically significant. Since only two maize lines were used the possibility of identifying differences due to natural variation was not part of the scope of this study.

This study also highlighted the possibilities, as well as the challenges, of profiling analysis for food-safety evaluation. A big challenge of the ―omics‖ technologies is the vast amount of data that they generate, making it extremely complex to evaluate individual GM lines and making a meaningful interpretation difficult. Other challenges include the many gaps related to the number of genes for which a function has been identified and the limited coverage of the proteome and metabolome. These technologies still need to be validated before they can be used for routine safety assessment. They are not intended to replace existing analyses but to confirm and supplement current targeted analytical approaches.

References Davies, H. 2009. A role for ―omics‖ technologies in food-safety assessment. ScienceDirect. Available at: doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2009.03.002.

Kuiper, H.A., Kleter, G.A., Noteborn, P.J.M. & Kok, E.J. 2001. Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods. The Plant Journal, 27: 503-528.

Kuiper, H.A. & Kleter, G.A. 2003. The scientific basis for risk assessment and regulation of genetically modified foods. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 14:.277-293.

Rischer, H. & Oksman-Caldentey, K.M. 2006. Unintended effects in genetically modified crops: revealed by metabolomics? Trends in Biotechnology, 24: 102-104.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Biosciences, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bart RS, Chern M, Vega-Sánchez ME, Canlas P, Ronald PC, Year: 2010 Title: * Rice Snl6, a Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase-Like Gene Family Member, Is Required for NH1-Mediated Immunity to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Journal: PLoS Genet 6(9): e1001123. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1001123 Label: BaRe Abstract: Rice NH1 (NPR1 homolog 1) is a key mediator of innate immunity. In both plants and animals, the innate immune response is often accompanied by rapid cell death at the site of pathogen infection. Over-expression of NH1 in rice results in resistance to the bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), constitutive expression of defense related genes and enhanced benzothiadiazole (BTH)- mediated cell death. Here we describe a forward genetic screen that identified a suppressor of NH1-mediated lesion formation and resistance, snl6. Comparative genome hybridization and fine mapping rapidly identified the genomic location of the Snl6 gene. Snl6 is a member of the cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR)-like gene family. We show that Snl6 is required for NH1-mediated resistance to Xoo. Further, we show that Snl6 is required for pathogenesis-related gene expression. In contrast to previously described CCR family members, disruption of Snl6 does not result in an obvious morphologic phenotype. Snl6 mutants have reduced lignin content and increased sugar extractability, an important trait for the production of cellulosic biofuels. These results suggest the existence of

a conserved group of CCR-like genes involved in the defense response, and with the potential to alter lignin content without affecting development.

Author Summary Plants possess potent and effective endogenous methods for responding to pathogen attacks, referred to as plant innate immunity. In this report we further our understanding of rice innate immunity through characterization of the Snl6 gene. The snl6 mutant was identified from a mutant screen for positive regulators of immunity. While innate immunity represents a powerful agronomic tool, identification of desirable genes from crop species is limited by the slow and laborious nature of map-based cloning. Here we describe our methodology of combining comparative genome hybridization and fine mapping to rapidly identify the Snl6 gene. Snl6 is distantly related to members of the cinnamoyl-CoA reductase gene family, is required for pathogenesis gene expression and resistance to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Snl6 mutants have reduced lignin content and increased sugar extractability, an important trait for the production of cellulosic biofuels.

URL: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1001123 Author Address: 1 Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America, 2 Joint Bioenergy Institute, Emeryville, California, United States of America USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Baschet Jean-François, Pingault Nathanaël Year: 2009 Title: £ La réduction des usages de pesticides : le plan Ecophyto 2018 : Le rôle des indicateurs d‘utilisation pour évaluer l‘atteinte des objectifs.

Journal: Ministère de l‘Agriculture et de la Pêche - Secrétariat Général - Service de la statistique et de la prospective - Sous-direction de la prospective et de l‘évaluation - Analyse N° 4 Février 2009 Label: ImpactPesticide Abstract: La réduction des usages de pesticides est un dossier complexe à plus d‘un titre. Du fait d‘abord du nombre important de substances actives et de produits commerciaux qui peuvent s‘utiliser à des doses très différentes, de quelques grammes à plusieurs dizaines de kilos par hectare. Le nombre d‘acteurs concernés est également très élevé, qui par leurs décisions influent directement ou indirectement sur ces usages : exploitants agricoles, transformateurs et distributeurs, consommateurs, etc. Enfin, il reste encore des lacunes au niveau de la connaissance des différents impacts et même de l‘importance des usages. La question de la mesure, c‘est-àdire des indicateurs de suivi, est donc essentielle ; elle est au coeur de ce plan présenté en septembre 2008.

URL: http://agriculture.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Analyse_4_Ecophyto_indicateurs-2.pdf Author Address: France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Batista Rita, Oliveira Margarida Year: 2010 Title: * Plant natural variability may affect safety assessment data.

Journal: Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology - In Press, Uncorrected Proof - August 27/10.

Label: EvaluationRisque Composition Keywords: Genetically modified food Food safety evaluation Plant natural variability "omics" technologies Proteomics 2-D gel electrophoresis Maize Environmental effects Abstract: Before market introduction, GE food products, like any other novel food product, are subjected to extensive assessment of their potential effects on human health. In recent years, a number of profiling technologies have been explored aiming to increase the probability of detecting any unpredictable unintended effect and, consequently improving the efficiency of GE food safety assessment. These techniques still present limitations associated with the interpretation of the observed differences with respect to their biological relevance and toxicological significance. In order to address this issue, in this study, we have performed 2D-gel electrophoresis of five different ears of five different MON810 maize plants and of other five of the nontransgenic near-isogenic line. We have also performed 2D-gel electrophoresis of the pool of the 5 protein extractions of MON810 and control lines. We have notice that, in this example, the exclusive use of data from 2D-electrophoresed pooled samples, to compare these two lines, would be insufficient for an adequate safety evaluation. We conclude that, when using "omics" technologies, it is extremely important to eliminate all

potential differences due to factors not related to the ones under study, and to understand the role of natural plant-to-plant variability in the encountered differences.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPT-50X2NM91/2/aa2409681582a19be3778c9cd477e5b2 Author Address: a National Institute of Health, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal b Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica/Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Quinta do Marquês, 2784-505 Oeiras, Portugal XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Baud Sébastien, Ana Belen Feria Bourrellier, Marianne Azzopardi, Adeline Berger, Julie Dechorgnat, Françoise Daniel-Vedele, Loïc Lepiniec, Martine Miquel, Christine Rochat, Michael Hodges, Sylvie FerrarioMéry, Year: 2010 Title: * PII is induced by WRINKLED1 and fine tunes fatty acid composition in seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 12 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Composition Keywords: PII WRINKLED1 seed fatty acid composition Arabidopsis oil metabolism Abstract: The PII protein is an integrator of central metabolism and energy levels. In Arabidopsis, allosteric sensing of cellular energy and carbon levels alters the ability of PII to interact with target enzymes such as Nacetyl-L-glutamate kinase and heteromeric acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, thereby modulating the biological activity of these plastidial ATP- and carbon-consuming enzymes. A quantitative reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction approach revealed a three-fold induction of the AtGLB1 gene (At4g01900) encoding PII during early seed maturation. The activity of the AtGLB1 promoter was consistent with this pattern. A complementary set of molecular and genetic analyses showed that WRINKLED1, a transcription factor known to induce glycolytic and fatty acid biosynthetic genes at the onset of seed maturation, directly controls AtGLB1 expression. Immunoblot analyses and immunolocalization experiments using anti-PII antibodies established that PII protein levels faithfully reflected AtGLB1 mRNA accumulation. At the subcellular level, PII was observed in plastids of maturing embryos. To further investigate the function of PII in seeds, comprehensive functional analyzes of two pII mutant alleles were carried out. A transient increase in fatty acid production was observed in mutant seeds at a time when PII protein content was found to be maximal in wild-type seeds.

Moreover, minor though statistically significant modifications of the fatty acid composition were measured in pII seeds, which exhibited decreased amounts of modified (elongated, desaturated) fatty acid species. The results obtained outline a role for PII in the fine tuning of fatty acid biosynthesis and partitioning in seeds.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04332.x Author Address: 1Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, UMR 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, INRA Centre de VersaillesGrignon, Route de Saint-Cyr (RD10), 78026 Versailles Cedex, France.

2Institut de Biologie des Plantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8618, Université Paris-Sud 11, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bayat F, B Shiran, DV Belyaev, NO Yur'eva, GI Sobol'kova, H Alizadeh, M Khodambashi, AV Babakov, Year: 2010 Title: * Potato plants bearing a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter HvNHX2 from barley are characterized by improved salt tolerance.

Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology Volume 57, Number 5, 696-706.

Original Russian Text © F. Bayat, B. Shiran, D.V. Belyaev, N.O. Yur‘eva, G.I. Sobol‘kova, H. Alizadeh, M. Khodambashi, A.V. Babakov, 2010, published in Fiziologiya Rastenii, 2010, Vol. 57, No.5, pp. 744–755.

Label: ReEn Salin Keywords: Solanum tuberosum - vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter - salt tolerance - genetic engineering Abstract: Two cultivars of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were transformed with a barley antiporter gene HvNHX2 driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. The expressed transgene conferred a higher NaCl tolerance to one of the cultivars. Under salt stress, the more salt-tolerant transgenic plants had longer roots, higher dry

weight, and suppressed cell expansion as compared to wild-type plants. The salt tolerance of the plants grown in vitro was not accompanied by elevated total sodium in any plant organs tested. Instead, higher potassium was found in roots of transgenic plants. Possible mechanisms of plant salt tolerance are discussed.

Notes: 24 Ref. Author Address: Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bellocchi G, Giacomo M de, Foti N, Mazzara M, Palmaccio E, Savini C, Domenicantonio C di, Onori R, Eede G van den, Year: 2010 Title: * Testing the interaction between analytical modules: an example with Roundup Ready soybean line GTS 40-3-2.

Journal: BMC Biotechnology 10, 55 Pages: (5 August 2010) Accession Number: CABI:20103261641 Label: Detection HeTo Abstract: Background The modular approach to analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) relies on the independence of the modules combined (i.e. DNA extraction and GM quantification). The validity of this assumption has to be proved on the basis of specific performance criteria.

Results An experiment was conducted using, as a reference, the validated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module for detection of glyphosate-tolerant Roundup Ready速 GM soybean (RRS). Different DNA extraction modules (CTAB, Wizard and Dellaporta), were used to extract DNA from different food/feed matrices (feed, biscuit and certified reference material [CRM 1%]) containing the target of the real-time PCR module used for validation. Purity and structural integrity (absence of inhibition) were used as basic criteria that a DNA extraction module must satisfy in order to provide suitable template DNA for quantitative real-time (RT) PCR-based GMO analysis. When performance criteria were applied (removal of non-compliant DNA extracts), the independence of GMO quantification from the extraction method and matrix was statistically proved, except in the case of Wizard applied to biscuit. A fuzzy logic-based procedure also confirmed the relatively poor performance of the Wizard/biscuit combination.

Conclusions For RRS, this study recognises that modularity can be generally accepted, with the limitation of avoiding combining highly processed material (i.e. biscuit) with a magnetic-beads system (i.e. Wizard).

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6750/10/55/abstract Author Address: 1 European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit, via E. Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy 2 Italian National Institute of Health, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, GMO and Mycotoxins Unit, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Benekos Kostantinos, Kissoudis Christos, Nianiou-Obeidat Irini, Labrou Nikolaos, Madesis Panagiotis, Kalamaki Mary, Makris Antonis, Tsaftaris Athanasios, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of a specific soybean GmGSTU4 isoenzyme improves diphenyl ether and chloroacetanilide herbicide tolerance of transgenic tobacco plants.

Journal: Journal of Biotechnology 150, 1, 195-201.

Label: HeTo Bioengineering Keywords: Tobacco GST Herbicide detoxification Diphenyl ether Chloroacetanilide Abstract: Plant glutathione transferases (GSTs) superfamily consists of multifunctional enzymes and forms a major part of the plants herbicide detoxification enzyme network. The tau class GST isoenzyme GmGSTU4 from soybean, exhibits catalytic activity towards the diphenyl ether herbicide fluorodifen and is active as glutathione-dependent peroxidase (GPOX). Transgenic tobacco plants of Basmas cultivar were generated via Agrobacterium transformation. The aim was to evaluate in planta, GmGSTU4's role in detoxifying the diphenyl

ether herbicides fluorodifen and oxyfluorfen and the chloroacetanilides alachlor and metolachlor. Transgenic tobacco plants were verified by PCR and Southern blot hybridization and expression of GmGSTU4 was determined by RT-PCR. Leaf extracts from transgenic plants showed moderate increase in GST activity towards CDNB and a significant increase towards fluorodifen and alachlor, and at the same time an increased GPOX activity towards cumene hydroperoxide. GmGSTU4 overexpressing plants when treated with 200 [mu]M fluorodifen or oxyfluorfen exhibited reduced relative electrolyte leakage compared to wild type plants. Moreover all GmGSTU4 overexpressing lines exhibited significantly increased tolerance towards alachlor when grown in vitro at 7.5 mg/L alachlor compared to wild type plants. No significant increased tolerance was observed to metolachlor. These results confirm the contribution of this particular GmGSTU4 isoenzyme from soybean in the detoxification of fluorodifen and alachlor, and provide the basis towards the development of transgenic plants with improved phytoremediation capabilities for future use in environmental cleanup of herbicides.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T3C-50J9GPX5/2/93fa4a9c4c036593444c7fe6492b544f Author Address: a Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 261, Thessaloniki GR-54124, Greece bInstitute of Agrobiotechnology, CERTH, 6th km Charilaou-Thermis Road, P.O. Box 361, Thermi GR-57001, Thessaloniki, Greece c Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, GR-11855 Athens, Greece XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bereœ Pawe K Year: 2010 Title: * Reduction of damage caused by Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in south-eastern Poland in 2007 through the cultivation of transgenic maize varieties.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 17-21.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe Efficacite Abstract: The objective of the study carried out in 2007 was to evaluate the susceptibility of selected varieties of Bt-transgenic maize (DKC3421YG and Bacilla; transformation event MON 810) and their conventional types without the Cry1Ab protein (DKC3420 and Clarica) to damage caused by the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) under the conditions of south-eastern Poland. The study confirmed the high resistance of the Bt maize varieties to damage caused by the caterpillars of this moth. The use of Bt varieties allowed the average reduction of damaged plants in location A (Podkarpackie voivodeship) by 95.2% and damaged cobs by 98.1%. In location B (Lubelskie voivodeship) the number of transgenic plants damaged by caterpillars was reduced by 99.4% and that of cobs by 98.9%. In addition, the level of plant damage was lower: for Bt plants, i.e. the plants hosted significantly lower numbers of caterpillars, and a lower number of holes gnawed by them was observed in comparison to the corresponding nontransformed control maize varieties.

Author Address: Poland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bergé Jean Baptiste, Agnès Evelyne Ricroch Year: 2010 Title: * Emergence of minor pests becoming major pests in GE cotton in China: What are the reasons? What are the alternatives practices to this change of status?

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: InRe RavageurSecond Review Abstract: A recent study in China by Lu et al. 1 shows that populations of an occasional cotton pest, mirid bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae), increased following the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) cotton plants. The GE cotton produces a delta-endotoxin from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control the cotton bollworm. Before the introduction of Bt cotton in China, mirid bugs were usually controlled by broad-spectrum

pesticide sprays targeted against the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the most important pest of cotton in China. The effectiveness of the control of H. armigera by Bt cotton cultivation has resulted in a decrease in the amount of insecticides used on Bt cotton compared to conventional cotton. This has led to a lack of control of mirids on Bt cotton due to the reduction in broad-spectrum insecticide use and consequently to a transformation of a minor pest to a main one. We discuss the scientific evidence available in the literature of this phenomenon. We examine the reasons of the emergence of minor pests to become major pests in Bt cotton in China and possible solutions to this change of status.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13421/ Author Address: Laboratory Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution University Paris-Sud / CNRS / AgroParisTech (UMR 8079) 91405 Orsay cedex – France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bertalan Kruppa Year: 2010 Title: ?? The impact of the EU GMO policy on the competitiveness of the livestock industry.

Journal: Studies in Agricultural Economics>Issue 112, July 2010, 97-108 Label: Socioeconomic Keywords: EU GMO policy zero tolerance threshold asynchronous authorisation soybean imports Abstract: The stringent GMO policy of the EU adversely affects the competitiveness of the member states‘ livestock industries, in particular the poultry and pig sectors. This arises from the fact that the EU animal industry is highly dependent on the import of feedstuffs sourced from pro-GMO countries. The import is expected to face increasing diffi culties especially due to two elements of the EU GMO policy: the prolonged approval process of new GM varieties and the zero tolerance threshold towards GMOs that have not yet received authorization. To overcome this problem the study recommends actions including the speeding up of the authorisation process and the introduction of a tolerance level for unapproved GMOs. URL: http://purl.umn.edu/93125 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/93125/2/Studies_112_7.pdf Author Address: Szent István University, Gödöllõ, Hungary; XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bi Dongling, Cheng Yu Ti, Li Xin, Zhang Yuelin, Year: 2010 Title: * Activation of Plant Immune Responses by a Gain-of-Function Mutation in an Atypical Receptor-Like Kinase.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1771-1779.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: DisRe Physiol Abstract: Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) suppressor of npr1-1, constitutive1 (snc1) contains a gain-offunction mutation in a Toll/interleukin receptor-nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat Resistance (R) protein and it has been a useful tool for dissecting R-protein-mediated immunity. Here we report the identification and characterization of snc4-1D, a semidominant mutant with snc1-like phenotypes. snc4-1D constitutively expresses defense marker genes PR1, PR2, and PDF1.2, and displays enhanced pathogen resistance. Map-based cloning of SNC4 revealed that it encodes an atypical receptor-like kinase with two predicted extracellular glycerophosphoryl diester phosphodiesterase domains. The snc4-1D mutation changes an alanine to threonine in the predicted cytoplasmic kinase domain. Wild-type plants transformed with the mutant snc4-1D gene displayed similar phenotypes as snc4-1D, suggesting that the mutation is a gain-offunction mutation. Epistasis analysis showed that NON-RACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE1 is required for the snc4-1D mutant phenotypes. In addition, the snc4-1D mutant phenotypes are partially suppressed by knocking out MAP KINASE SUBSTRATE1, a positive defense regulator associated with MAP KINASE4. Furthermore, both the morphology and constitutive pathogen resistance of snc4-1D are partially suppressed by blocking jasmonic acid synthesis, suggesting that jasmonic acid plays an important role in snc41D-mediated resistance. Identification of snc4-1D provides us a unique genetic system for analyzing the signal transduction pathways downstream of receptor-like kinases.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1771

Author Address: State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China National Institute of Biological Sciences, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bindu Simon, Sengupta-Gopalan Champa Year: 2010 Title: * The 3' untranslated region of the two cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1) genes in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) regulates transcript stability in response to glutamine.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1151-1162.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Glutamine synthetase - Medicago sativa - Alfalfa - 3' Untranslated region - Post-transcriptional regulation - Nitrogen assimilation - Glutamine Abstract: Glutamine synthetase (GS) catalyzes the ATP-dependent condensation of ammonia with glutamate to produce glutamine. The GS enzyme is located either in the chloroplast (GS2) or in the cytoplasm (GS1). GS1 is encoded by a small gene family and the members exhibit differential expression pattern mostly attributed to transcriptional regulation. Based on our recent finding that a soybean GS1 gene, Gmglnß 1 is subject to its 3'UTR-mediated post-transcriptional regulation as a transgene in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) we have raised the question of whether the 3'UTR-mediated transcript destabilization is a more universal phenomenon. Gene constructs consisting of the CaMV35S promoter driving the reporter gene, GUS, followed by the 3'UTRs of the two alfalfa GS1 genes, MsGSa and MsGSb, were introduced into alfalfa and tobacco. The analysis of these transformants suggests that while both the 3'UTRs promote transcript turnover, the MsGSb 3'UTR is more effective than the MsGSa 3'UTR. However, both the 3'UTRs along with Gmglnß 1 3'UTR respond to nitrate as a trigger in transcript turnover. More detailed analysis points to glutamine rather than nitrate as the mediator of transcript turnover. Our data suggests that the 3'UTR-mediated regulation of GS1 genes at the level of transcript turnover is probably universal and is used for fine-tuning the expression in keeping with the availability of the substrates.

Notes: 57 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1247-1 Author Address: (1) Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA (2) Graduate Program in Molecular Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA (3) Present address: Department of Horticulture and NESPAL, The University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA 31793-0748, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Biradar Kaveri S, HL Nadaf, Kenganal Mallikarjun, Year: 2010 Title: * Discrimination of transgenic cotton seed using visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).

Journal: Indian Journal of Plant Physiology Year : 2010, Volume : 15, Issue : 3 Label: InRe Detection Keywords: Chemometrics, Cotton seeds, Regression models, Spectral pre-treatments, Transgenic, Vis/NIR spectroscopy.

Abstract: Visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques, was used to distinguish transgenic cotton seed from non-transgenics. Two hundred fifty cotton seeds of RCH-2 genotype containing Cry 1Ac gene conferring resistance to lepidopteron pests and the same number of their parent non-transgenic seeds were scanned in the Vis/NIR wavelength spectrum of 400–2500 nm. Modified partial least square (mPLS), partial least square (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) models were applied for calibration and classification of samples into two groups. The results showed that differences exist between transgenic and non-transgenic cotton seeds and excellent classification can be

obtained after optimizing spectral pretreatment. The spectral difference between the two groups are observed at a wavelength range of 1100–1900 nm, which is related to first and second overtone of C-H stretching vibrations and sixth overtone of C=C stretching vibrations. Standard normal variate (SNV) and detrend scatter correction with second derivative data pretreatment using mPLS model could achieve 100% accurate classification for both transgenic and non-transgenic samples. Reliable equations were developed with r = 0.96 and r = 0.92 for calibration and validation set respectively with low standard error of performance (SEP) (0.13) using mPLS model.

Author Address: National Seed Project, Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, Karnataka. India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bonny Sylvie Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Issues, impacts, and prospects of the first transgenic crops tolerant to a herbicide. The case of glyphosate-tolerant soybean in the USA. Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: HeTo Adoption ImpactPesticide ImpactEnvironnement Dispersion Rendement Socioeconomic Efficacite Keywords: Genetically modified crop GMO Biotechnology Agro-economic impact Environmental impact Sustainability Soybean Pesticide Weed Prospects Herbicide Glyphosate Abstract: Until today, herbicide-tolerant (HT) transgenic crops have been the most widely used type of transgenic crops. In 2008, worldwide, 63% of all agricultural land devoted to transgenic crops involved HT transgenic ones, and the percentage was higher (85%) when the herbicide-tolerant trait was stacked with another. In addition, other HT crops are foreseen within the next five years if we are to believe the "pipeline" of the companies involved along with field trials. However, herbicide-tolerant crops have been criticized, particularly in Europe, because of the type of trait introduced: herbicide tolerance. Indeed, this trait leads the crops to depend on a herbicide (generally glyphosate) instead of freeing them from some pesticides through a better use of their biological capacities and a valorisation of life processes as biotechnology was expected to do.

Therefore, how can we explain the widespread use of HT transgenic crops and what are their fallouts? At first the paper presents the extent of surface areas dedicated to these crops and the factors that have led to the development of these herbicide-tolerant crops. Then, the case of glyphosate-tolerant soybeans in the USA is studied in more detail. Its agro-environmental impacts, particularly with regard to trends in the use of herbicides, are analyzed. Thirdly, we address the factors of adoption, economic performance, benefits, and drawbacks of this soybean as well as its prospects. Finally, the conclusion questions the contribution of HT soybean to more sustainable agriculture.

Notes: IAAE 2009 International Conference URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51449 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51449/2/IAAE%202009CP185_BONNY_First%20transgenic%20crops%20tolerant%20to%20a%20herbicide_23%20juin%202009.pdf Author Address: INRA, UMR Economie publique INRA-AgroParisTech, Campus de Grignon, BP 01, 78850 Grignon – France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Borem A, Gomes WS Year: 2009 Title: ?? Biosafety and society Journal: Informe Agropecuario 30, 253.

Accession Number: CABI:20103085534 Label: EvaluationRisque Keywords: biosafety; biotechnology; environmental legislation; environmental protection; genetically engineered organisms; legislation; public health genetically modified organisms; GEOs Abstract: Biosafety constitutes all studies and procedures designed to prevent or control hazards caused by the use of chemical, physical and biological agents to biodiversity. The specific study of the impacts of

biotechnology on human and animal health and the environment is governed in various countries by laws, procedures or specific policies. In Brazil, the National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) is a collegiate multidisciplinary authority created by Law no. 11.105 of 24 March 2005, which aims to provide support and technical consultancy and advisory services to the Brazilian federal government on (i) the formulation, updating and implementation of the national policy on biosafety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and (ii) the establishment of technical safety standards and the provision of technical advice regarding the protection of human health, living organisms and the environment, in relation to activities involving all aspects of GMOs and their products (development, experimentation, cultivation, manipulation, transport, marketing, consumption, storage, release, disposal). Biosafety legislation in Brazil comprises only the technology of genetic engineering, and that of recombinant DNA technology, and the establishment of requirements for the handling of GMOs. Notes: Cited Reference Count: 10 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103085534 Author Address: UFV, CEP 36570-000 Vicosa, MG, Brazil.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bosch D, Schots A Year: 2010 Title: * Plant glycans: friend or foe in vaccine development?

Journal: Expert Review of Vaccines 9, 8, 835-842.

Date: Aug Accession Number: ISI:000281104800007 Label: Biopharming Review Keywords: C-type lectin receptor; glycoengineering; glycosylation; N-glycan; pattern-recognition receptor; plant expression; subunit vaccine; Toll-like receptor; vaccine; reactive carbohydrate determinants; human monoclonal-antibody; dendritic cells; n-glycans; transgenic plants; linked oligosaccharides; glycoprotein allergen; antigen presentation; secretory pathway; in-vitro Abstract: Plants are an attractive platform for the production of N-glycosylated subunit vaccines. Wild-type glycosylation of plants can be exploited to produce vaccines that antigen-presenting cells effectively take up, degrade and present to cells of the adaptive immune system. Alternatively, glycoengineered plants can be used to produce humanized antigens. Glycoengineering also allows the construction of plants that are able to produce vaccines with custom-made N-glycan structures aiding the construction of vaccines that can be delivered to antigen-presenting cells in a target-oriented approach. The knowledge of innate immune receptors and their role in antigen uptake and presentation is rapidly increasing. In this article, aspects of plant glycosylation and immunology are reviewed and we discuss the possibilities to use this knowledge for the rational design of plant-expressed vaccines.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 Cited Reference Count: 64 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281104800007 Author Address: Univ Wageningen & Res Ctr, Dept Plant Sci, Nematol Lab, NL-6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands.

Univ Utrecht, Dept Chem, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, Netherlands.

Bosch, D, Univ Wageningen & Res Ctr, Dept Plant Sci, Nematol Lab, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, NL-6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bothma Gurling Year: 2010 Title: 造 Commercialisation of a GM Potato (A Case Study . Lessons Learned).

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Keywords: Bioengineering Socioeconomic Adoption Abstract: 1 Why we did the project

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a serious insect pest of potatoes in South Africa (Visser et al., 2003; Visser, 2007) and has become an increasingly important pest on tobacco and tomato as well (Van Vuuren et al., 1998; Gilboa & Podoler, 1994). Damage has also been reported on eggplant and other solanaceous crops and weeds (Rahalkar et al., 1985). It is an introduced pest, originating from South America (Visser, 2005), and is therefore not a native component of the South African ecosystem. The larvae attack potato plants and tubers under the soil and in stores, and are responsible for losses of up to R40 million per annum to the South African potato industry (Visser & Schoeman, 2004). Commercial producers rely on insecticide application for PTM, generally applied at weekly intervals. Applications start when the first moths appear and the insecticide is applied eight to twelve times per season. Control is not always satisfactory and damage levels vary between seasons and years, depending largely on the survival of overwintering moths and their re-infestation of newly planted fields (Visser, 2004). No insecticide is registered against the PTM in South Africa under storage conditions. This includes Bt sprays, none of which are registered for use against PTM either on foliage or tubers (Nel et al., 2002). The only control strategy that gives consistently good control against the PTM is the use of genetically modified (GM) insect-resistant potatoes containing the Cry1Ia1 gene (Visser, 2004). Because PTM in South Africa occurs outside of its natural distribution range (Visser, 2005), has demonstrated potential to feed on and therefore threaten other species (potatoes, other solanaceous crops, and other wild solanaceous species), and causes economic harm (Visser & Schoeman, 2004), this pest fits the definition of an invasive species. Therefore attempts to control this pest are consistent not only with good agricultural practice, but also with the objectives of the Biodiversity Act. Another reason for the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of efforts led by the public sector and developing country institutions to make biotechnology products available in Africa. The PTM-resistant potato could be one of the first public sector-developed products to be approved and deployed in a developing country. Largely due to the high cost of developing a transgenic crop, only the large multinational companies have had the financial resources to pursue the commercial development of GM crops. Many laboratories at universities and other research organisations have produced GMOs. However, to put the GMO through all the regulatory hoops and produce a regulatory dossier with all the evidence to demonstrate that the GMO is not harmful is a costly affair.

Therefore many of these products will never be commercially released. Proper commercial development of this product will benefit all potato farmers in South Africa. The technology is in the tuber, and the benefit is not scale-dependent.

A further aim is to demonstrate the value of developing country involvement in generating safety assessment data, namely the scientific contribution and at a reduced cost. This would result in the building of capacity of public sector institutions in commercialising GM crops.

2 What was done?

The following product commercialisation approach was followed.

2.1 Technology and Product Development First field tests had to be conducted under normal agricultural conditions to demonstrate the proof of concept.

Multi-location field trials in the major growing regions were conducted over a number of growing seasons to select the ideal clone and for the bulking-up of material.

2.2 Regulatory File Development Food-safety analysis was performed and environmental studies done.

Intellectual property ownership of product components had to be assessed and â&#x20AC;&#x2022;freedomto-operateâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; and licensing of the potato had to be done. In the case of this potato some of these licensing issues still have to finalised.

2.3 Marketing and Distribution A delivery strategy had to be developed that would fit into the existing potato industry in South Africa.

Discussions were held with seed producers who had historically supplied smallscale farmers (emerging farmers) with seed potatoes. They were quite keen to distribute the GM potatoes. Initially, due to the small amounts of seed, farmer participatory trials with small-scale producers were planned.

Extension will have to be done to assist farmers to use the technology safely and according to permit regulations. Standard farming extension will also have to be included in this package.

A stewardship and liability strategy was developed.

2.4 Outreach and Communication Public communication of the benefits and impacts of the potato was started. However, due to budget constraints this part of the project was scaled down. It was also decided that it would perhaps be more beneficial if the potatoes were in the pipeline before more substantial communication efforts were undertaken. Creating

expectations of a product that may never be commercialised can also have a negative impact on the consumer.

On the whole the retail industry was not opposed to the new potato, but there were fears that organisations would mobilise customers to boycott the product or their stores, thus affecting profits.

2.5 Documentation of Socioeconomic Assessments The Spunta G2 potatoes offer farmers an alternative to the use of pesticides for controlling potato tuber moth in the field and in storage. The Spunta G2 potatoes can be safely stored without any chemical treatment for tuber moth, even under heavy moth infestations. Socioeconomic studies have shown that smallholder farmers lose a considerable amount of their stored potatoes to the potato tuber moth and that chemical treatments are used in attempts to prevent these loses. Furthermore, some of these chemicals are not approved for use on potatoes. A study was undertaken with commercial farmers as well as five smallscale farmer communities. A few commercial farmers were against the technology as they believed it would interfere with their exports. Some welcomed the potato and others did not see that it would be beneficial to them. The small-scale farmers‘ major concerns revolved around more basic issues, such as land availability and other input constraints.

3 Summary of data needed for the regulatory dossier 3.1 Agronomic Performance We had to demonstrate that the GM Spunta G2 potato performed as well as the standard Spunta under various farming conditions. The potato was tested in six potato-growing regions for a number of seasons. Resistance to tuber moth under diffused light store conditions was also examined and found to be excellent. The GM potato performed as well as the standard potato and gave 100% protection against PTM. 3.2 Molecular Data We demonstrated that we had a single copy gene insert in Spunta G2 without any vector backbone or other additional DNA fragments. The inserted gene, as well as about 1 Kb on either side of the inserted gene, was sequenced to demonstrate that the gene itself was intact and that no new reading frames were generated. The levels of expression of the Bt protein were also determined in the leaves and tubers.

3.3 Food and Feed Safety Both the transformed and non-transformed Spunta potatoes were analysed for nutrient composition and it was found that they were identical. Solanine levels in the tubers were also determined to see if there were any increases in levels. Toxicity tests were performed by feeding mice a large single dose of the Bt protein, but no ill effects were seen. A whole food-feeding study with rats was conducted over 90 days and a number of parameters were measured (e.g. growth, organ weight, blood chemistry) and no differences could be determined in the various test groups.

3.4 Environmental Safety A study in three of the trial locations was conducted over a number of years on the arthropod populations that inhabit the potato plots. Arthropods found above the canopy, within the canopy and on the ground were collected and assessed. Tens of thousands of arthropods were collected during the study and no negative impacts were found. The predation on PTM larvae and eggs was also studied, and no negative results were found.

Studies were also conducted on the soil microflora to determine whether the Bt protein produced in the plant affects these populations. Once again, no negative impact could be determined.

3.5 Socioeconomic Impact Data Two surveys were conducted to attempt to shed light on the socioeconomic impact of the Bt potato. It is important to note that although this information is requested by the Executive Council, there are no guidelines on what kind of information is needed. We were subsequently informed that even a ―desktop‖ study may have been sufficient. These studies are very expensive and the Executive Council should provide proper guidelines of what they require.

The two studies that were conducted were for smallholder and commercial producers were: ―Smallholder potato production activities in South Africa: a socioeconomic and technical assessment of five cases in three provinces‖ and ―Potential economic benefits of a genetically modified (GM) tuber moth resistant-potato variety in South Africa: an exante socioeconomic evaluation for commercial producers‖. Smallholder farmers indicated a range of problems, many of which might be simply and cost-effectively reduced by means of adapting existing technology to local conditions and practices. Engaging in a process of participatory and adaptive research with farmers will enable them to help optimise their potato production within their specific environment. This can be achieved by encouraging farmers, research institutions and community workers (NGOs and PDA) to work together in close collaboration. Adapting current technologies to local conditions tends to be more cost-effective than developing new technologies which, due to their generic nature, are not adapted to local conditions and might not be adopted as a result. Optimising production and storage practices

within a low-input situation could help to address many pest and disease problems experienced by subsistence farmers, as many of the problems faced are management problems, exacerbated by lack of access to sufficient resources.

It appears that commercial farmers in general would agree to introduce GM potatoes into their production planning on condition that the new technology significantly increases their profits. The GM potato with PTMresistant genes might not have the expected rapid adoption rate among farmers, since most farmers have PTM infestation under control at a reasonable cost.

3.6 Post-Approval Stewardship Plan An 80-page post-approval stewardship plan was developed that could be implemented if approval were granted.

4 Where are we now?

The Regulatory Dossier was compiled and submitted with an application for general release to the office of the Registrar of the GMO Act in 2008. The Executive Council assessed the application and decided not to grant a general release permit in July 2009. The Executive Council cited 11 points for this rejection. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC), with support from their partners, decided to appeal this decision on the grounds that the reasons provided did not warrant a rejection. This process is still in progress at the time of writing, but it is hoped that the appeal process will have been completed by mid-2010. The project has therefore been on hold since 2008. If the appeal is successful, planting material for the farmer participatory trials will only be available at the end of 2011. The project is at a point where it is unable to continue unless we manage to get permission to do ―farmer participatory trials‖.

5 What have we learned?

South Africa has the expertise to assess GM products. However, there are still gaps in this expertise. Many of the tests that were to be performed in South Africa, e.g. testing for the solanine content in potato tubers, soil microbiological work, protein production and antibody production, could not be done here. Either it had not been done before and/ or no-one could be found who was willing to develop the methodology or perform the tests. At times the fees that laboratories wanted to charge to develop tests were far higher than those charged in the US. One possible reason for the lack of testing facilities is that there is no demand for these tests and therefore the expertise has not been developed. However, the fieldwork, animal-feeding studies, molecular analysis and food nutritional analysis, for example, could be done at a reasonable cost. Although there is in general a large scientific pool of expertise in South Africa that would be able to be involved in GMO evaluation, research institutions and groups are not necessarily set up to perform these tests.

Stakeholder buy-in from the early stages is essential for success. Stakeholders should be part of the team from start to finish. However, stakeholders can have a change of heart during the project, which can have a severe negative impact on the project. Every attempt should be made to keep communication lines open and to keep all the stakeholders on board. Stakeholders who have inside information about the project can become major liabilities if they decide to withdraw from the project. Adequate funding is essential. The process of developing and bringing a GM crop to the market can be expensive and can take a very long time. Therefore funders must make long-term commitments as the project can stagnate for years while regulatory authorities make decisions that impact on the project. Unexpected or unplanned expenses may arise during the project which can have severe implications if no additional funding can be sourced.

Intellectual property issues should be addressed before the project begins or as soon as possible after the project has started. Years of work can be wasted if the IP-holders decide not to allow their property to be used for commercial purposes. Post-release stewardship is a very difficult but important aspect of such a project.

Research organisations typically do not have the resources and mechanisms to implement stewardship programmes. Therefore it is essential to have industry or trade partners with the resources and skills to implement the stewardship campaign. These partners should be part of the team from the early stages of the project.

6 Final comments Before embarking on the long journey of developing and commercialising a GM product, one must ask the following questions: • Is it only an academic exercise?

• Is it worth the time and effort?

• Is there real benefit to anyone?

• Is it a case of ―we have an answer, let us find a problem‖?

• Is the government serious about using GM technology and will they create an enabling environment?

• Can public organisations really compete with large multinationals?

I suspect that few research organisations are totally truthful about the answers they will give to the above questions. Financial pressures and the push for publications may encourage research groups to develop GM crops that will have ―great benefit‖ for certain communities, but will ultimately end up as academic exercises.

It is important that all serious role-players should evaluate what they want to achieve, assessing the chances of success and, if successful, how will the product be rolled out for the beneficiaries. Only the larger multiinstitutional and multidisciplinary groups stand any chance of success. Expertise and resources must be pooled and directed to a few ―good‖ projects. The South African authorities appear to be becoming more conservative and less keen on granting permits. If this is the case, it may make it more difficult for other African countries to embrace this potentially beneficial technology.

REFERENCES Gilboa, S. & Podoler, H. 1994. Population dynamics of the potato tuber moth on processing tomatoes in Israel.

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 72: 197-206.

Nel, A., Krause, M. & Khelawanlall, N. 2002. A guide for the control of plant pests (39th edition). Pretoria: Directorate: Agricultural Productions Inputs, Department of Agriculture.

Rahalkar, G.W., Harwalkar, M.R. & Rananavare, H.D. 1985. Phthorimaea operculella. In: Singh, P. & Moore, R.F. (Eds.). Handbook of Insect Rearing, Chapter 2: 443-451. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Van Vuuren, J.J., Bennett, A. & Bennett, A.L. 1998. Oviposition site preferences of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a pest on tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae). African Entomology, 6: 177-183.

Visser, D. & Schoeman, A.S. 2004. Flight activity patterns of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). African Entomology, 12: 135-139.

Visser, D. 2004. The potato tuber moths, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), in South Africa: potential control measures in non-refrigerated store environments. PhD Thesis, University of Pretoria.

Visser, D. 2005. Guide to potato pests and their natural enemies in South Africa. Pretoria: Agricultural Research Council, 105 p.

Visser, D. 2007. Potato tuber moth damage increases dramatically in 2007 (in Afrikaans). Chips, June- Aug: 34-36.

Visser, D., Steyn, P.J. & Le Roux, S.M. 2003. Occurrence and control of pests. In: Niederwieser, J.G. (Ed.), Guide to Potato Production in South Africa. Pretoria: CPD Printers, pp. 153-173.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Agricultural Research Council-Roodeplaat VOPI, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bothma Gurling, Charlotte Mashaba, Nompumelelo Mkonza, Ereck Chakauya and Rachel Chikwamba Year: 2010 Title: * GMOs in Africa: Opportunities and challenges in South Africa.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: Socioeconomic Abstract: Genetically modified organisms are expected to have a large impact on the ability of humanity to feed, fuel and heal itself in light of the growing global change, and adverse geo-climatic conditions anticipated as a result of climate change. GMOs have already demonstrated potential in enhancing food production, with additional benefits in quality of crops and environmental aspects. South Africa is one of the few developing countries that have joined an increasing number of countries that have commercialised GM crops. With South Africa being an early adopter of GM technology, the economic benefits for some of the crop technologies can be readily demonstrated, particularly in commercial crop production. Seventy five percent of agricultural output comes from the highly organised commercial sector, and small scale farmers contribute the rest.

Malnutrition and food insecurity remain an issue in this seemingly prosperous economy. In this paper we examine the progress made in the adoption of GMO crops, the potential of the technology to meet the millennium targets of food security and poverty alleviation, and the hurdles that this technology faces in South Africa.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13533/ Author Address: CSIR Biosciences, Pretoria, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Bouet Antoine, Gruere Guillaume, Leroy Laetitia.

Year: 2010 Title: ¤ From ―May Contain‖ to ―Does Contain‖: The price and trade effects of strict information requirements for GM maize under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, p. 26 Collections: 2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado Label: Adoption Reglement Dispersion Keywords: Genetically modified food International Trade Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Abstract: Article 18.2.a of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety requires that each traded shipment of living modified organisms intended for food, feed or processing (LMO-FFPs)- essentially unprocessed genetically modified (GM) products- be labeled as such. More specifically, in 2006, Protocol members decided on a twooption rule. Shipments containing well identified LMO-FFPs would be labeled as ―does contain‖ LMO-FFPs and would include a list of all GM events present in each shipment. Shipments containing LMO-FFPs that are not well-identified would be labeled as ―may contain‖ LMO-FFPs as done previously. Members would also post a complete list of GM events approved on an internet database. This paper provides a comprehensive trade assessment of strict documentation requirements on traded shipments globally. More specifically we evaluate the trade diversion, price, and welfare effects of implementing the ―does contain‖ rule on the maize sector in all significant trading countries. Using a new spatial trade equilibrium model, we implement scenarios by adding differential transport costs only between GM producers and CPB members. Our results show that information requirements would have a significant effect on the world market for maize. But they would have even greater effects on trade, creating significant trade distortion, diverting exports from their original destination. The measure would also lead to significant negative welfare effects, for all members of the Protocol and nonmember that produce GM maize. While producers in non-GM Protocol member countries may benefit from increased protection, consumers and producers in selected countries of Sub-Saharan Africa will have to proportionally pay a much heftier price for such measure. This results call for governments in African and other affected Protocol member countries to reconsider their support for this new regulation that is bound to have no environmental benefits but significant and lasting economic costs.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61533 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61533/2/AAEApaperv3.pdf Author Address: 1International Food Policy Research Institute 2033 K Street NW, Washington DC 200061002, USA 2 Centre d‘Analyse Théorique et des Traitements de Données Economiques, Université de Pau et des Pays de l‘Addour (CATT/UPPA), France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Brioudes Florian, Thierry Anne-Marie, Chambrier Pierre, Mollereau Bertrand, Bendahmane Mohammed, Year: 2010 Title: * Translationally controlled tumor protein is a conserved mitotic growth integrator in animals and plants.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences107, 37, 16384-16389.

Date: September 14, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis Drosophila organ development cell division Abstract: The growth of an organism and its size determination require the tight regulation of cell proliferation and cell growth. However, the mechanisms and regulatory networks that control and integrate these processes remain poorly understood. Here, we address the biological role of Arabidopsis translationally controlled tumor protein (AtTCTP) and test its shared functions in animals and plants. The data support a role of plant AtTCTP as a positive regulator of mitotic growth by specifically controlling the duration of the cell cycle. We show that, in contrast to animal TCTP, plant AtTCTP is not implicated in regulating postmitotic growth. Consistent with this finding, plant AtTCTP can fully rescue cell proliferation defects in Drosophila loss of function for dTCTP. Furthermore, Drosophila dTCTP is able to fully rescue cell proliferation defects in Arabidopsis tctp knockouts.

Our data provide evidence that TCTP function in regulating cell division is part of a conserved growth regulatory pathway shared between plants and animals. The study also suggests that, although the cell division

machinery is shared in all multicellular organisms to control growth, cell expansion can be uncoupled from cell division in plants but not in animals.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/37/16384.abstract Author Address: a) Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France; b) Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Brookes Graham, Yu Tun-Hsiang, Tokgoz Simla, Elobeid Amani, Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Evaluating the Production and Price Impacts of Biotechnology Application in Crop Markets.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado USA Label: Socioeconomic Keywords: biotech crops prices yield soybeans corn canola partial-equilibrium model price effects Abstract: Biotechnology crop traits have been applied on a widespread commercial global basis since 1996, making it the most rapidly adopted crop technology in agriculture. The primary biotechnologies used have included technology delivering herbicide tolerance and insect resistance for crops, such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola. This technology has provided farmers with productivity improvements through a combination of yield improvements and cost reductions. Thus, this technology has had an impact on prices of cereals and oilseeds (and their derivatives) both in countries where biotech traits were applied and in the global market. Realizing the surging significance of biotechnology application in global crop markets, this study first summarizes the productivity impacts of biotech crops on production; secondly, aims to quantify the impact of the use of biotech traits on production, utilization and prices of corn, soybeans, and canola as well as other crops where the biotechnology is not utilized.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61164 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61164/2/Biotech_Poster_Final_%2311874.pdf Author Address: Dorchester, United Kingdom Email: graham.brookes@btinternet.com Department of Agricultural Economics University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN USA International Food Policy Research Institute Washington, DC USA Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Iowa State University Ames, IA USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Brunner S, Hurni S, Streckeisen P, Mayr G, Albrecht M, Yahiaoui N, Keller B, Year: 2010 Title: * Intragenic allele pyramiding combines different specificities of wheat Pm3 resistance alleles.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 23 AUG 2010 Keywords: NB-ARC-LRR virulence spectrum race specificity intragenic allele pyramiding powdery mildew wheat Abstract: Some plant resistance genes occur as allelic series, with each member conferring specific resistance against a subset of pathogen races. In wheat, there are 17 alleles of the Pm3 gene. They encode nucleotidebinding (NB-ARC) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain proteins, which mediate resistance to distinct race spectra of powdery mildew. It is not known if specificities from different alleles can be combined to create resistance genes with broader specificity. Here, we used an approach based on avirulence analysis of pathogen populations to characterise the molecular basis of Pm3 recognition spectra. A large survey of mildew races for avirulence on the Pm3 alleles revealed that Pm3a has a resistance spectrum that completely contains the one of Pm3f, but extends it towards additional races. The same is true for the Pm3b and Pm3c gene pair. The molecular analysis of these allelic pairs revealed a role of the NB-ARC protein domain in the efficiency of effector-dependent resistance. Analysis of the wildtype and chimeric Pm3 alleles identified single residues in the C-terminal LRR motifs as the main determinant of allele specificity. Variable residues of the N-terminal LRRs are necessary, but not sufficient, to confer resistance specificity. Based on these data, we constructed a chimeric Pm3 gene by intragenic allele pyramiding of Pm3d and Pm3e that showed the combined resistance

specificity and, thus, a broader recognition spectrum compared with the parental alleles. Our findings support a model of stepwise evolution of Pm3 recognition specificities.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04342.x Author Address: 1Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland 2Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046 Zürich, Switzerland 3Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Campus E1.4, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Buckley YM Year: 2008 Title: ¤ The potential for management to contain invasive genotypes: lessons from invasive plants.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion Abstract: Countless plant species and cultivars of anticipated and realised economic benefit have been introduced worldwide; many have subsequently become economically and environmentally problematic (Lonsdale 1994, Cook & Dias 2006). Those benefiting from introductions may be a different set of people from those bearing the costs of escape. For invasive plants we are just starting to explore the confl icts between winners and losers from plant introductions. There is an increasing realisation that potential commercial benefits should be weighed up against risks of invasion and the costs of subsequent containment. Regulatory instruments for introduction of new species have been slow to appear and have only become rigorous in the past decade. Regulation alone may not be enough, with governments acting as insurers to the industry (or often government agencies) introducing plants (Martin 2008). There is a growing realisation that some of the costs of ameliorating the impacts of ―commercial weeds‖ should be passed on to the industry – this is an ongoing challenge for invasive species where the source cannot always be reliably traced to a particular importer or propagator. An analagous issue exists for the introduction of new genotypes of crop or pasture plants which have a probability of escape (of genes or plants) and costs for other producers and natural resource managers. I will present a recently developed model for risk assessment of ―commercial weeds‖.

Deciding whether, when & where to control Motivation for controlling invasive plants often comes from their large economic and environmental impacts. It is not always clear however that it is the invasive species itself which causes the impacts we are concerned with. Invasives could in fact be passengers of broader ecosystem perturbations rather than drivers of change themselves (MacDougall & Turkington 2005). Even if invasives have caused large impacts post-introduction (e.g. reductions in biodiversity) it is not clear that those impacts are reversible via reductions in invader density via simple population control. Whole ecosystem management is often necessary in order to restore the ecosystemprocesses or assets of interest (Buckley 2008).

Many invasive plants are promoted by disturbance and therefore management must necessarily involve consideration of other ecosystem processes. Reductions in disturbance (and therefore establishment opportunities) for disturbance promoted invaders can be a necessary component of a successful management programme (Buckley et al. 2004, Buckley et al. 2007, Firn et al. in press). Management processes themselves can be highly destructive of vegetation and act as a disturbance in the ecosystem which can lead to re-invasion of the target species or another disturbance promoted invader (Buckley et al. 2007). Understanding how management activities impact on the ecosystem is essential if long-term management goals are to be achieved.

Integrated weed management is likely to be more successful than a single ―silver bullet‖ approach. For invasive GMOs, control techniques may be important for reducing establishment opportunities for volunteers. Managers will also need to know how much their control techniques are promoting the establishment of unwanted individuals and populations.

New models can inform us of whether to manage and if so how much to invest in management, given densityimpact curves (Yokomizo et al. in press). If management costs are excessively high in relation to the impacts of invaders, it may be better to live with the impacts. Whether maximal impacts are felt at high or low densities of the invader determines the optimal management investment as well as characteristics of the species life-history such as density dependent recovery and ease of eradication (Yokomizo et al. in press). Clear determination of

impacts and how they scale with invader density are therefore essential before deciding whether to manage the invader population.

Plant invasions have to be managed at a landscape scale as pollen and seeds can move long distances in a single event (in the order of kilometres, e.g. Bacles et al. 2006). In order to prioritise which populations to manage we need to be able to predict dispersal and determine whether eradication or containment is feasible given the resources available. An understanding of dispersal vectors can enable landscape-scale management to be optimised (Buckley et al. 2005, Buckley et al. 2006). A related approach is to use neutral landscape models (With 2002) to determine what kinds of landscapes are most susceptible to spread of invasive plants. Ultimately introduction and management of invasive plants are human actions and in order to co-ordinate weed management at the landscape scale we need to factor in human behaviour, motivations and the socio-economic aspects of management.

Future challenges & dealing with uncertainty One principle of invasive species management is that â&#x20AC;&#x2022;a stitch in time saves nineâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;, meaning that management when an invasion is in its early stages will be more cost-effective than management of larger populations and areas. Early interventions however will be dogged by uncertainty, and we have little information on how robust management strategies are likely to be in the face of uncertainty (Buckley et al. 2005). We need general rules for management when we have little information at the start of an invasion. We currently have some guidelines on how to manage plants with different life-histories (Ramula et al. in press) but given the importance of landscape structure and dispersal, more work is needed to come up with guidelines which can be applied at the landscape scale. Given our rapidly changing landscapes we need to question the role of invasive plants in radically transformed landscapes and novel ecosystems (Hobbs et al. 2006).

References Bacles, C.F.E., Lowe, A.J., & Ennos, R.A. (2006) Effective Seed Dispersal Across a Fragmented Landscape.

Science, 311, 628.

Buckley, Y.M., Bolker, B.M., & Rees, M. (2007) Disturbance, invasion and re-invasion: managing the weedshaped hole in disturbed ecosystems. Ecology Letters, 10, 809-817.

Buckley, Y.M., Rees, M., Paynter, Q., & Lonsdale, W.M. (2004) Modelling integrated weed management of an invasive shrub in tropical Australia. Journal of Applied Ecology, 41, 547-560.

Buckley, Y.M., Brockerhoff, E.G., Langer, E.R., Ledgard, N., North, H., & Rees, M. (2005) Slowing down a pine invasion despite uncertainty in demography and dispersal. Journal of Applied Ecology, 42, 1020-1030.

Cook, G.D. & Dias, L. (2006) Turner review no. 12: It was no accident: deliberate plant introductions by Australian government agencies during the 20th Century. Australian Journal of Botany, 54, 601-625.

Firn, J., Rout, T., Possingham, H., & Buckley, Y.M. (in press) Managing beyond the invader: manipulating disturbance of natives simplifi es control efforts. Journal of Applied Ecology.

Hobbs, R.J., Arico, S., Aronson, J., Baron, J.S., Bridgewater, P., Cramer, V.A., Epstein, P.R., Ewel, J.J., Klink, C.A., Lugo, A.E., Norton, D., Ojima, D., Richardson, D.M., Sanderson, E.W., Valladares, F., Vila, M., Zamora, R., & Zobel, M. (2006) Novel ecosystems: theoretical and management aspects of the new ecological world order. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 15, 1-7.

Lonsdale, W.M. (1994) Inviting trouble: introduced pasture species in Northern Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology, 19, 345-354.

MacDougall, A.S. & Turkington, R. (2005) Are invasive species the drivers or passengers of change in degraded ecosystems? Ecology, 86, 42-55.

Martin, P. (2008) Cross pollination or cross-contamination? Directions for informing the management of invasives with market-economy concepts. In 16th Australian weeds conference: weed management 2008 - hot topics in the tropics (eds R.D. van Klinken, V.A. Osten, F.D. Panetta & J.C. Scanlan), pp. 6-13. Queensland Weed Society, Cairns, Australia.

With, K.A. (2002) The landscape ecology of invasive species. Conservation Biology, 16, 1192-1203.

Yokomizo, H., Possingham, H.P., Thomas, M.B., & Buckley, Y.M. (in press) Managing the impact of invasive species: the value of knowing the density-impact curve. Ecological Applications.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bullock J, Hails R

Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Measuring and modelling the fate of GM hybrids in the real world.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion Abstract: Introduction Risk assessment of transgene escape from crops involves scrutiny of a number of steps from pollen movement through to fi tness changes following introgression of transgenes into wild relatives1. The fi rst stages in this process - pollen movement and hybrid formation . are well researched2,3. The next stage involves the assessment of fi tness changes in transgenic plants, i.e. GM crops or GM crop •~ wild relative hybrids. Fitness can be measured at a population level using ƒÉ the rate of population increase, which can be measured directly or projected using matrix models4. This approach has been used in a few cases5,6, but outstanding issues are that: the complete life cycle (e.g. including seed survival in the soil) should be measured; fi tness is habitat dependent, so studies in crop situations are uninformative about fi tness in (semi-)natural environments; competition within and between species affects population growth, so there is a need to quantify this process.

We did long term studies on Brassica to determine the utility of this modelling approach in GM risk assessment. We worked on the crop plant B. napus and its wild progenitors B. oleracea ssp oleracea and B. rapa.

Methods & Results Brassica oleracea is a wild plant of calcareous cliffs and B. rapa is found along riversides. Studies were carried out in these natural habitats and contrasted with the crop situation. The complete life-cycle was measured in each experimental manipulation. Individual studies considered the outstanding issues listed above.

Hybrid performance Hybrids between B. rapa and B. napus were created and seed sown of the hybrid and the parent species in wild riparian habitats and the crop situation. In the wild B. napus did not persist, while B. rapa had a positive population growth rate. The hybrid died out in two wild habitats but completed its life cycle in one. In this last, many life history parameters exhibited lower fi tness in the hybrid compared to B. rapa. This led to a ă value which indicated a declining population. In the crop habitat both parent species persisted and showed rapid population growth. The hybrid differed only in fecundity and was able to persist, albeit with a much lower population growth rate than either parent. In the wild habitats an ability to persist in the seedbank was a critical determinant of population growth rate, while fecundity was the main determinant of fi tness in the crop situation.

Stochasticity We did demographic studies on wild and crop species in multiple habitats over several years. This showed that demographic parameters and population growth rate was highly variable in time and space. This suggests that stochastic formulations of matrix models are more informative than deterministic approaches. We used these to model the impact of stochastic processes on long-term population growth. The effects of increased return times of pathogen (Alternaria) attack and soil disturbance were investigated using stochastic models for B. rapa.

Unsurprisingly, increased disturbance frequency aided population growth, but the response to fungal attack was counter-intuitive. More frequent attacks had minor effects on population growth. This is because the fungus affected fecundity, which had little effect on population growth in the wild.

Density dependence Density dependence is a ubiquitous process in populations but is rarely measured in natural conditions. We did experimental manipulations of density in the Brassica species and found impacts at the germination and plant survival stages. Inclusion of the density dependence in matrix models showed it had a stabilising effect on population dynamics by restricting population size.

Conclusions The matrix modelling approach allows us to move beyond conjecture and make hard predictions about the risk from GM plants. In our Brassica system this approach has given some unexpected results. For example, about how hybridisation affects particular life history parameters, the role of fungal pathogens in population fi tness, and the importance of changes in plant seed output. It has also allowed us to quantify important processes of stochasticity and density dependence in crop and wild habitats. These processes are relatively straightforward to quantify and model in a 3 year research project and we advocate that this approach should be more widely implemented in risk assessment research.

References 1. Hails, R.S., and Morley, K. (2005) Genes invading new populations: a risk assessment perspective. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 20, 245-252 2. Wilkinson, M.J., et al. (2003) Hybridization between Brassica napus and B. rapa on a national scale in the United Kingdom. Science 302, 457-459 3. Chevre, A.M., et al. (2000) Assessment of interspecifi c hybridization between transgenic oilseed rape and wild radish under normal agronomic conditions. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 100, 1233-1239 4. Bullock, J.M. (1999) Using population matrix models to target GMO risk assessment. In Challenges in applied population biology (Thomas, M.B., and Kedwards, T., eds), 205-212, Association of Applied Biologists 5. Allainguillaume, J., et al. (2006) Fitness of hybrids between rapeseed (Brassica napus) and wild B. rapa in natural habitats. Molecular Ecology 15, 1175-1184 6. Hooftman, D.A.P., et al. (2005) Demographic vital rates determine the performance advantage of crop-wild hybrids in lettuce. Journal of Applied Ecology 42, 1086-1095 URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Buning TD Year: 2010 Title: // Four steps to stimulate meaningful communication on sensitive issues in societal debate: the case of a research agenda for biotechnology and food in the Netherlands.

Book Title: Knowledge Demoracy: Consequences for Science, Politics, and Media - 241-253.

City: Berlin Publisher: SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN Accession Number: ISI:000280791500017 Abstract: The destructive and emotional clashes between stakeholders in innovative fields of technology (nuclear energy, cloning, GMO-crops) have been blamed on the knowledge divide between scientists, politicians and society. Often, a cautious (network) approach to synchronise knowledge levels among all stakeholders is proposed. These proposed solutions are described under various headings such as, "Interactive Science Communication", "Interactive Policy" and "New Modes of Governance". In this chapter a transdisciplinary approach, illustrated by an actual case on around the biotechnology and food debate, is described. Called the "four steps"-approach, it is unique in the sense that it merges classical tools for policy analysis (for example analysis of policy documents, interviews with experts, relational problem analysis) with transdisciplinary tools (for example citizens' panels, focus groups, Socratic dialogues, stakeholder workshops) resulting in what has been termed a "constructed societal agenda". This societal agenda reflects the interrelated complexity of the different issues extracted from policy discussions which are expanded, analysed and reflected upon by citizens without a vested interest. At the same time it is a frame of reference to enable communication between citizens and other parties in order to recognise their own position in relation to others in the same comprehensive scheme. In the final steps, common ground might be found to escape from simplistic dead end one-way messages, and to head for meaningful dialogues instead. The thus constructed societal agenda offers in addition a framework for democratic public input at the decision table.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 Cited Reference Count: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://000280791500017 Author Address: tjard.de.cock.buning@falw.vu.nl The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Burg HA van den, Kini RK, Schuurink RC, Takken FLW, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis small ubiquitin-like modifier paralogs have distinct functions in development and defense.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 6, 1998-2016.

Accession Number: CABI:20103261065 Label: Physiol DisRe

Abstract: Posttranslational modifications allow dynamic and reversible changes to protein function. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a small gene family encodes paralogs of the small ubiquitin-like posttranslational modifier. We studied the function of these paralogs. Single mutants of the SUM1 and SUM2 paralogs do not exhibit a clear phenotype. However, the corresponding double knockdown mutant revealed that SUM1 and SUM2 are essential for plant development, floral transition, and suppression of salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defense responses. The SUM1 and SUM2 genes are constitutively expressed, but their spatial expression patterns do not overlap. Tight transcriptional regulation of these two SUM genes appears to be important, as overexpression of either wild-type or conjugation-deficient mutants resulted in activation of SA-dependent defense responses, as did the sum1 sum2 knockdown mutant. Interestingly, expression of the paralog SUM3 is strongly and widely induced by SA and by the defense elicitor Flg22, whereas its expression is otherwise low and restricted to a few specific cell types. Loss of SUM3 does not result in an aberrant developmental phenotype except for late flowering, while SUM3 overexpression causes early flowering and activates plant defense. Apparently, SUM3 promotes plant defense downstream of SA, while SUM1 and SUM2 together prevent SA accumulation in noninfected plants.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/short/tpc.109.070961v1 Author Address: a Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands b Laboratory for Phytopathology, Wageningen University, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands c Centre for BioSystems Genomics, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands d Plant Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Burgi Jurg Year: 2009 Title: // Insect-Resistant Maize: A Case Study of Fighting the African Stem Borer.

Journal: Cabi Publishing; Cab Publishing Abstract: Description The 'Insect Resistant Maize for Africa' (IRMA) project in Kenya was aimed at developing new maize varieties both by conventional methods and by biotechnologically incorporating the endotoxin produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The author gives an impartial and chronological account of this project between 1999 and 2008.

Many farmers in sub-Saharan Africa suffer heavily from crop losses due to stem borer pests. Insecticides are often unaffordable; therefore, maize plants must be made resistant to pests. The 'Insect Resistant Maize for Africa' (IRMA) project in Kenya was aimed at developing new maize varieties both by conventional methods and by biotechnologically incorporating the endotoxin produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.

The author gives an impartial and chronological account of this exemplary project between 1999 and 2008, supplemented by discussions of agricultural development policy and descriptions of Kenyan smallholders and the project team. He also takes critical and rational positions on the use of modern plant breeding techniques, biotechnology and development policy.

Table of contents Introduction Excursus on Kenya The Prehistory Biotechnology for the Poor The First Year (1999) Excursus on Independent-Minded Partners The Second Year (2000) A Farmer in Nyeri (17 Dec 2000) The Third Year (2001) Farmers in Machakos (24 Nov 2001) Excursus on Plant Breeding The Fourth Year (2002) Farmers in Western Kenya (25/26 Nov 2002)

Farmers in the Lowlands (27 Nov 2002) Excursus on Communications in a Rough Terrain The Fifth Year (2003) Farmers in Meru (15 Nov 2003) Excursus on Commerce and Consumption The Sixth Year (2004) Farmers in Kisii (21 June 2004) Farmers in Mwala (7 Dec 2004) Excursus on Patents and Licenses The Seventh Year (2005) Farmers in Githunguri (6 Nov 2005) Farmers in Mbeere (19 Nov 2005) A Preliminary Assessment Gleanings (2006-2008) Excursus on Market Segmentation A Farmer near Embu (3 Nov 2008).

Notes: From : Chistia Yusuf, Biotechnology Advances; Volume 28, Issue 6, November-December 2010, Page 936 - Book review Sustainable food production needs biotechnology Available online 25 May 2010.

The need for food has never been greater. Modern agriculture appears to barely keep up with the increasing demand for food and questions are emerging about the environmental sustainability of crop production using the existing methods. This book highlights the role of various biotechnologies in improving crop productivity.

The book is about maize (corn in North America) and its pests in Africa, mainly Kenya. The focus is on the efforts of a specific project, the Insect Resistant Maize for Africa project, for developing pest resistant varieties of this crop. The book was originally published in 2007 in German under the title Mais nach Mass. The English version of the book updates parts of the German edition and includes some new sections.

Maize is a staple food in Kenya and some other regions of Africa. Cultivated for thousands of years by the Indians of South and Central America, maize came to the Old World after Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba. Maize was introduced to Africa by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century.

Stem borers, or caterpillar of certain moths, are major pests of maize in Africa. Pesticides are not effective against the borers once they have penetrated the plant stem. Modern plant breeding techniques including genetic engineering have been effectively used in developing maize varieties with improved resistance to pests.

This book provides convincing evidence that biotechnology is essential to a future food security for the world.

Food security based on sustainable crop production is of course necessary for our continued wellbeing. Many more projects of the type discussed in the book will be needed to achieve this important objective.

This account by a journalist does not delve much into the technical issues. Instead, it provides a highly readable narrative of an important project in a social context. The book is illustrated with numerous color photographs.

Short biographies and pictures of the individuals involved in the Kenyan project make the book interesting. The discussion of the issues faced in having a crop variety accepted by the local farmers is particularly insightful.

This hardcover book is produced to a good quality, but it is not for everyone. Individuals concerned with crop production and improvement research in the developing world will find it an interesting case study.

Fieldworkers tasked with marketing a new crop to farmers should find the book useful.

Author Adress: School of Engineering, PN456, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Busani Bafana Year: 2010 Title: ÂŁÂŁ Scientists claim GM cowpea could generate US$1 billion.

Journal: SciDev Net 1 octobre 2010 Label: InRe Efficacite

Abstract: [SALY, SENEGAL] A pest-resistant version of the black-eyed pea, a subspecies of the cowpea, is on track for commercial introduction, promising higher yields and claimed savings of up to US$1 billion on a crop that has found new popularity among African smallholders.

The cowpea, actually a bean, is rich in protein and is an important crop for both tackling malnutrition and adapting to climate change as it tolerates hot, dry conditions.

But infestation by the Maruca vitrata pod borer has cut the value of crops by up to US$300 million for smallholders in Africa, who produce nearly 5.2 million tonnes of the bean. The continent currently accounts for about 70 per cent of global production.

Now, scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, in collaboration with other institutes including the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, Kenya, have engineered an insect-resistant Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cowpea that they say could be on shelves in six years.

The cowpea — an ancient African crop — has been making a comeback in recent years, with increased yields seen across Africa, delegates heard this week (27 September–1 October) at the 5th World Cowpea Conference in Dakar, Senegal.

"The cowpea is emerging as one of the most important food legumes because of its early maturity and its fit as a niche crop in multiple cropping systems," said B. B. Singh, an international cowpea breeder and visiting scientist at Texas A&M University in the United States.

He noted that there has already been a six-fold increase in world cowpea production in the last few decades, a "quiet revolution that is greater in magnitude than that of cereals and all other pulses".

Christian Fatokun, a cowpea breeder at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria, said that, as the crop is grown on a small scale by ill-resourced farmers, no commercial seed company will service this sector. And, because the cowpea is self-pollinating, companies also have little incentive to supply seeds.

The Bt cowpea will raise the status of the bean, claimed its developers. It could also generate up to US$1 billion by 2020 for farmers.

"Up until now, nobody in the scientific world was able to introduce resistance to this insect into cowpea," said Mohammad Faguji Ishiyaku, principal investigator of the Bt cowpea project and a researcher at the IAR. "Our research will mean increased income by using less insecticide and increased productivity for areas growing cowpeas. Farmers will also have reduced exposure to harmful chemicals."

IITA agricultural economist, Ousmane Coulibaly, said surveys on cowpea in Nigeria, Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso have found that farmers are using a lot of expensive and sometimes harmful pesticides. In Nigeria — the largest producer and consumer of cowpea in Africa — net gains from not using pesticides could be about $500 million, he said.

URL: http://www.scidev.net/fr/agriculture-and-environment/news/le-ni-b-bt-pourrait-rapporter-jusqu-us-1milliard-aux-petits-agriculteurs.html XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Bustos Regla, Gabriel Castrillo, Francisco Linhares, María Isabel Puga, Vicente Rubio, Julian PérezPérez, Roberto Solano, Antonio Leyva, Javier Paz-Ares, Year: 2010 Title: * A Central Regulatory System Largely Controls Transcriptional Activation and Repression Responses to Phosphate Starvation in Arabidopsis.

Journal: PLoS Genet 6(9): e1001102. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1001102 Label: ReEn MacroEl Abstract: Plants respond to different stresses by inducing or repressing transcription of partially overlapping sets of genes. In Arabidopsis, the PHR1 transcription factor (TF) has an important role in the control of phosphate (Pi) starvation stress responses. Using transcriptomic analysis of Pi starvation in phr1, and phr1 phr1-like (phl1) mutants and in wild type plants, we show that PHR1 in conjunction with PHL1 controls most transcriptional activation and repression responses to phosphate starvation, regardless of the Pi starvation specificity of these responses. Induced genes are enriched in PHR1 binding sequences (P1BS) in their promoters, whereas repressed genes do not show such enrichment, suggesting that PHR1(-like) control of transcriptional repression responses is indirect. In agreement with this, transcriptomic analysis of a transgenic plant expressing PHR1 fused to the hormone ligand domain of the glucocorticoid receptor showed that PHR1 direct targets (i.e., displaying altered expression after GR:PHR1 activation by dexamethasone in the presence of cycloheximide) corresponded largely to Pi starvation-induced genes that are highly enriched in P1BS. A minimal promoter

containing a multimerised P1BS recapitulates Pi starvation-specific responsiveness. Likewise, mutation of P1BS in the promoter of two Pi starvation-responsive genes impaired their responsiveness to Pi starvation, but not to other stress types. Phylogenetic footprinting confirmed the importance of P1BS and PHR1 in Pi starvation responsiveness and indicated that P1BS acts in concert with other cis motifs. All together, our data show that PHR1 and PHL1 are partially redundant TF acting as central integrators of Pi starvation responses, both specific and generic. In addition, they indicate that transcriptional repression responses are an integral part of adaptive responses to stress.

Author Summary As sessile organisms, plants are often exposed to stress conditions, and have evolved adaptive responses to protect themselves from different types of stress. Some responses are stress type-specific whereas others are common to different stress types. Understanding how these responses are controlled is crucial for rational improvement of stress tolerance, a limiting factor in crop productivity. Here we examined the physiological and molecular responses to phosphate starvation and found that a single transcription factor family, represented by PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE REGULATOR 1 (PHR1), has a central role in the control of specific and shared phosphate starvation stress responses. In consonance with the importance of PHR1, we found that the PHR1-binding sequence, present in most PHR1 direct targets, is a crucial cis motif for Pi starvation responsiveness. An artificial promoter controlled by PHR1 recapitulates responsiveness to Pi starvation and to modulators of this response, qualifying PHR1 family members as central integrators in Pi starvation signalling. This central integrator system also controls most transcriptional repression responses to Pi starvation, indicating that they are an integral part of the adaptive response, and not a consequence of plant malfunction due to stress.

URL: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1001102 Author Address: Department of Plant Molecular Genetics, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología-CSIC, Madrid, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Büttner-Mainik A, Parsons J, Jerôme H, Hartmann A, Lamer S, Schaaf A, Schlosser A, Zipfel PF, Reski R, Decker EL, Year: 2010 Title: * Production of biologically active recombinant human factor H in Physcomitrella.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 17 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Composition Biopharming Keywords: complement factor H FH moss Physcomitrella patens recombinant biopharmaceuticals Abstract: The human complement regulatory serum protein factor H (FH) is a promising future biopharmaceutical. Defects in the gene encoding FH are associated with human diseases like severe kidney and retinal disorders in the form of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis II (MPGN II) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is a current need to apply intact full-length FH for the therapy of patients with congenital or acquired defects of this protein. Application of purified or recombinant FH (rFH) to these patients is an important and promising approach for the treatment of these diseases. However, neither protein purified from plasma of healthy individuals nor recombinant protein is currently available on the market. Here, we report the first stable expression of the full-length human FH cDNA and the subsequent production of this glycoprotein in a plant system. The moss Physcomitrella patens perfectly suits the requirements for the production of complex biopharmaceuticals as this eukaryotic system not only offers an outstanding genetical accessibility, but moreover, proteins can be produced safely in scalable photobioreactors without the need for animal-derived medium compounds. Transgenic moss lines were created, which express the human FH cDNA and target the recombinant protein to the culture supernatant via a mossderived secretion signal. Correct processing of the signal peptide and integrity of the moss-produced rFH were verified via peptide mapping by mass spectrometry. Ultimately, we show that the rFH displays complement regulatory activity comparable to FH purified from plasma.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00552.x Author Address: 1Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany 2Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), Freiburg, Germany 3Department Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infectionbiology – Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany

4Core Facility Proteomics, Centre for Systems Biology (ZBSA), Freiburg, Germany 5Feiburg Initiative for Systems Biology (FRISYS), Freiburg, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Buxdorf Kobi, Hendelman Anat, Stav Ran, Lapidot Moshe, Ori Naomi, Arazi Tzahi, Year: 2010 Title: * Identification and characterization of a novel miR159 target not related to MYB in tomato.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1009-1022.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Flower - Development - Leaf - MiRNA - MiR159 - Tomato Abstract: MicroRNA 159 (miR159) is a highly conserved miRNA with roles in flowering under short days, anther development and seed germination via repression of GAMYB-like genes. In tomato, the function of miR159 (Sl-miR159) is currently unknown and target transcripts have not been experimentally validated. Here, we identified and characterized a new miR159 target gene (SGN-U567133) in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) that is not related to MYB. SGN-U567133 is predominantly expressed in flowers and encodes a nuclearlocalized protein that contains a unique NOZZLE-like domain at its N terminus. In tomato, SGN-U567133 represents a small gene family and orthologs have been identified in other plant species, all containing a conserved miR159 target site in their coding sequence. Accordingly, 5'-RACE cleavage assay supported miRNA-mediated cleavage of SGN-U567133 transcripts in vivo. Moreover, the SGN-U567133 transcript accumulated in P19-HA-expressing tomato leaves in which miRNA-mediated cleavage is inhibited. In addition, transgenic tomato plants expressing a miR159-resistant form of SGN-U567133 accumulated higher levels of the SGN-U567133 transcript and exhibited defects in leaf and flower development. Together, our results suggest that SGN-U567133 represents a novel class of miR159 targets in plants and raise the possibility that its post-transcriptional regulation by Sl-miR159 is essential for normal tomato development.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1231-9 Author Address: (1) Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel (2) The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Camargo SR de Year: 2009 Title: ?? Detection of transgenic organisms and products Journal: Informe Agropecuario 30, 253.

Accession Number: CABI:20103085531 Label: Detection Review Keywords: assays; crops; detection; DNA; food products; genetically engineered organisms; immunoassay; methodology; molecular biology; molecular genetics techniques; proteins; RNA; transgenic plants deoxyribonucleic acid; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified organisms; genetically modified plants; GEOs; GMOs; methods; ribonucleic acid Abstract: Technological advances in agriculture, such as the introduction of genetically modified organisms into crop fields and of their derivatives into food products, have created the need for analytical techniques for the identification of the genes and proteins introduced in order to ensure the purity of genetically derived products. Various molecular biology and immunoassay techniques are described that are used for the detection of sequences of DNA, RNA or exogenous protein introduced into transgenic organisms by biotechnological means.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 22 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103085531 Author Address: Alellyx Applied Genomics, CEP 13069-380 Campinas, SP, Brazil.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Canavari Maurizio, Tisselli Farid, Nayga Rodolfo M Jr., Scarpa Riccardo, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Italian Consumer Acceptance of Nutritionally Enhanced GM Food.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: Adoption Consom Keywords: Food Genetically modified organisms consumer acceptance willingness to buy nutritionally enhanced food products Abstract: The aim of this article is to evaluate Italian consumers‘ acceptance and willingness to purchase GM foods based on the type of benefit (input vs output trait) and product (plant based vs animal based). Two surveys were administered in two consecutive years (2004 and 2005) and the data used to test for possible changes in consumer acceptance. The results of a multinomial logit analysis suggest that on average consumer acceptance for plant-based GM food was higher in 2005. This study confirmed the key role of information strategies to consumers, with the most relevant results being the role distorted information play in raising the consumer‘s level of fear and perceived risk. Respondents also place a higher level of confidence on scientists who are generally seen as independent of the industry. Consumers that usually consume and buy enhanced food products have a higher probability to buy a GM product providing an increased vitamin content.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51651 Author Address: a Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural Economics and Engineering, viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127, Bologna, Italy b University of Arkansas, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America USA c The University of Waikato, Waikato Management School, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Cancado GM de A, Brasileiro ACM, Ribeiro AP, Fernandes MCN, Sant'Ana GC, Fontes-Soares BD, Rocha HS,Freitas GF, Year: 2009 Title: ?? Transgenic plants Journal: Informe Agropecuario 30, 253.

Accession Number: CABI:20103085528 Label: Bioengineering Review Keywords: gene transfer; genetic markers; genetic transformation; molecular genetics; molecular genetics techniques; reporter genes; transgenic plants; vectors Agrobacterium; bacterium; biochemical genetics; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; reporter gene Abstract: With the advent of genetic engineering and advances in molecular biology, it is now possible to introduce new genetic traits into an organism by the direct manipulation of genes. Aspects of plant transgenics discussed in this article include the identification and isolation of genes of interest, vectors for transformation, genetic markers and reporters, methods of transformation, and the analysis of transformed plants by molecular techniques. The transformation methods that are currently used are described and include: transformation by Agrobacterium, through which the transfer of foreign genes into the genomes of plants is promoted; biobalistic transformation, which relies on the transfer of genes to plant cells through the mediation of microprojectiles fired directly into the cell; and transformation via electroporation, which creates pores in the membrane of protoplasts using electrical pulses, thus allowing the foreign gene to penetrate inside the cell and integrate into the genome. There are also other methods that are used in smaller scale. In general, there is no one method of transformation that is better than the other, as the efficiency is related mainly to the purpose, cost, operational technique and the species concerned.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 24 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103085528 Author Address: U.R. EPAMIG SM-FECD, Caixa Postal 33, CEP 37780-000 Caldas, MG, Brazil.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Capalbo D, Tozzi J, Arantes O, Labate C, Andrade , Ávila L, Melo I, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Studies on biodegradation of Cry1Ac protein by rizospheric bacteria from Bt cotton soil.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: InRe Devenir ImpactBiol Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt, the most used bacteria for insect control, can also be genetically engineered into crops in order to protect them against insects. The development of such insect-resistant crops has some benefi ts and some potential risks. The release of Cry proteins (originated by Bt cry gene inserted) to the soil (pollen deposition, root exudation, cell senescence, residues left in the fi eld after harvesting, among others) is one of the potential risks foreseen and this may occur during the plant lifespan.

Root exudates infl uence rizosphere microorganism and in this way biosafety studies were developed. A few or non-toxic effects of Cry proteins on woodlice, collembolans, mites, earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, and on the activity of various enzymes in soil are reported, but the question concerning the infl uence on microbial communities still remains incomplete.

The literature shows that at least part of the Cry proteins could remain adsorbed to mineral or organic-mineral soil particles, remaining protected against degradation and inactivation, and could retain much of its biological activity for a period that will depend on soil characteristics. In addition the structure of the bacterial community around Bt cotton plant is less affected by transgenic Bt-traits than by other environmental factors like plant age, soil characteristics, climate and cotton variety. There are studies on dissipation of the Bt proteins exudating from roots of transgenic plants, but few on degradation of the protein. One study conducted in a Ð-irradiated sterilized soil indicated that the decline in extractable Cry protein concentration could be due to biotic degradation rather than to physical adsorption by the soil particles.

Bt cotton (Bollgard™ event 531) has been approved for commercial release in Brazil by the National Biosafety Technical Committee (CTNBio) in 2005 and since then the cultivation area is increasing annually. There are some concerns in the country about risks to non target species including soil microbiota. Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Embrapa - leads the research on Bt cotton biosafety issues in Brazil, and Embrapa Environment, one of Embrapa Research Centers, develops studies on the impacts on soil microorganisms. This work was done under the umbrella of Embrapa´s Biosafety Research Network - BioSeg -looking for impacts of the approved Bt cotton on soil microorganisms. The objective was to identify and characterize the degradation of Cry protein by soil microorganisms using the microbial purifi ed and activated version of the Cry1Ac protein (66 kDa) supplied by Marianne Pusztai-Carey from Case Western Reserve University. This protein is the one synthesized by the approved Bt cotton in Brazil. Soil from crop land around Campinas (São Paulo State, Brazil) was collected and used to fi ll pots where Bt cotton (Bollgard™ event 531) would be cultivated. At a defi ned period of plant development freshly rizospheric soil was collected from these pots and added to defi ned culture medium (mentioned here as MMCry, meaning mineral salts medium [MM] plus Cry1Ac protein as the sole carbon and nitrogen source) for bacterial isolation. For comparative purposes the bacterial growth was also observed on the same MM medium amended with glucose and ammonium nitrate instead of Cry1Ac (mentioned here as MMGA). Bacterial growth was undertaken through sussessive culture on MMCry. Each 48 hours an aliquot was transferred to a fresh MMGA or MMCry. This subculture was repeated six times. At the fi nal harvest time it was serially diluted and spread on MMGA or MMCry agar plates, respectively. Twenty four colonies bacterial-like were selected based on observation of its growth fi tness and among them the best three were used in growth kinetic studies.

The three bacteria were identifi ed by gas chromatography of cellular fatty acids (FAME) as Gordonia rubripertincta, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus pumilus. For growth kinetic studies a suspension of young bacteria cells was used as inoculum for fresh MMCry liquid medium at a fi nal concentration of 103-104 cells/mL. Cultures were grown at 28°C under rotary agitation at 250 rpm. Samples were taken at preestablished intervals, serially diluted and plated for CFU determination (colony forming units) on MMCry agar for 96 hours at 28°C. For verifi cation of Cry protein degradation the three bacteria were grown for 96 hours in MMCry liquid medium, followed by precipitation of bacterial cells and supernate electrophoresis on 10%

sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Brilliant Blue R250 was used as dye solution and MMCry liquid medium was run in a separate lane as pattern.

The three bacteria selected belong to distinct genera and species but they showed similar behavior regarding the utilization of Cry protein for their development. Statistical analysis of the growth rate (Tukey‘s test) showed that Cry protein allows bacterial growth, and the growth rate for MMGA and MMCry are similar.

The electrophoresis experiments showed a single band on the reference lane containing MMCry, corresponding to a molecular mass of 66 kDa. For each of the three different bacteria several bands of smaller molecular mass were detected corresponding to Cry1Ac degradation products. Further studies about the kinetic of such biodegradation are under development at Embrapa Environment. Data of growth kinetic and electrophoresis run will be presented at the 10 ISBGMO. URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 Embrapa Environment, 2 Embrapa Environment - Fapesp Fellowship, 3 Embrapa Environment - Consultant (Agrofuturo), 4 ESALQ - University of São Paulo - Genetics Department, Brazil XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Carrau Javier Guillem Year: 2009 Title: ?? Lack of Sherpas for a GMO Escape Route in the EU. Journal: German Law Journal, Volume 10, Number 8, 2009, pages 1169-1199 Label: Reglement Adoption Abstract: Introduction The foodborne disease and other incidents of food contamination, such as the dioxins crisis, have tested the internal market of the European Union (EU) in relation to the free movement of goods.1 The protective measures adopted under the safeguard clause obliged EU Member States to act in co•]ordination with the European Commission and, in fact, to modify elements of their food chain structure. Certainly the agrofood safety crisis of the 1990s and the review of European food law have resulted in a system in which the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a key role.

In this context, the conflict over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) constitutes a challenge for EU policymakers. In the words of EC President Barroso, the challenge will need •gsherpas•h like in an expedition to climb the Himalayas in order to be adequately resolved,2 but the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has recently added that some transparency will be also welcomed.3 In 2001, Chevassus-au-Louis proposed three strategies to be adopted by European governments and EU institutions on biotechnology. Option A represented starting a process of generalization and banalization of GMO coordinated with the execution of commitments in transparency and good governance in decisions related to authorizations and product labelling. Option B consisted of stating a durable prohibition and exclusion of GMO (crop, crop and import, foods and others) and a definition of non•]GM products (threshold of presence, technical aspects, obligation of means or obligation of results). Option C was focused on the public and proactive investment in GMO in order to grant the acceptable and possible co•]existence of GMO crops and non•]GMO crops allowing a better adaptability to the wide range of existing interests and the uncertainties of the future.4 Currently, the debate is ongoing and none of these options have been clearly developed. In physics, we can say that inertia has replaced synergy on this issue due to several factors: first, although the EU process is stopped de facto after the difficulties of the Treaty of Lisbon, options and strategies should be developed concerning the GMO because the EU system, consisting of prior authorizations and compulsory labelling, has produced problems between the EU and the US and the essential mistrust of European consumers is the main reason for the cautions adopted by EU legislation; second, EU Institutions should assure the freedom of movement in the internal market and the possibility of maintaining high standards of health and environmental protection. The precautionary principle interacts with the principles of freedom of investigation, information and participation, and with the ethical analysis of research activities. Third, the GMO regulatory approaches analysed are inspired by different perceptions of risk. Therefore, the precautionary principle, as a legal instrument to prevent and manage such risk, constitutes the pillar of a large list of consequences with new legal concepts such as traceability; and fourth, EU territory is an attractive market for GMO exporting countries and GM seed companies. Internal harmonisation of the EU is not working on this issue in spite of the fact that EC institutions

and lobbies have made great efforts. For instance, there is a long backlog of GMO applications following the modification of GMO legislation.

In this article, after analysing the interaction between GMO risk and precautionary principle, we will focus on key elements of the EU system in order to conclude that traceability, labelling and coexistence must be considered the keywords of the EU GMO system. In addition, we will propose that transparency and simpler and better proceedings should be also powered by EU institutions.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/90607 Author Address: Clerk of the House. Legal Adviser. Valencian Parliament, Spain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Carrière Y, Crowder DW, Tabashnik BE, Year: 2010 Title: * Evolutionary ecology of insect adaptation to Bt crops.

Journal: Evolutionary Applications 3, 5-6, 561-573.

Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis fitness cost host-plant resistance incomplete resistance population dynamics resistance management transgenic crops Abstract: Abstract Transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are used worldwide to control major pests of corn and cotton. Development of strategies to delay the evolution of pest resistance to Bt crops requires an understanding of factors affecting responses to natural selection, which include variation in survival on Bt crops, heritability of resistance, and fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations. The two main strategies adopted for delaying resistance are the refuge and pyramid strategies. Both can reduce heritability of resistance, but pyramids can also delay resistance by reducing genetic variation for resistance.

Seasonal declines in the concentration of Bt toxins in transgenic cultivars, however, can increase the heritability of resistance. The fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations can be reduced by agronomic practices, including increasing refuge size, manipulating refuges to increase fitness costs, and manipulating Bt cultivars to reduce fitness of resistant individuals. Manipulating costs and fitness of resistant individuals on transgenic insecticidal crops may be especially important for thwarting evolution of resistance in haplodiploid and parthenogenetic pests. Field-evolved resistance to Bt crops in only five pests during the last 14Â years suggests that the refuge strategy has successfully delayed resistance, but the accumulation of resistant pests could accelerate.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00129.x Author Address: 1 Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA 2 Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Carroll Joseph M, Mohammad Shafiq Ur Rehman, .

Year: 2010 Title: £ Pakistan - Biotechnology - GE Plants and Animals Journal: GAIN (Global Agricultural Information Network) - 8/2/2010 - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Label: InRe Adoption Abstract: Report Highlights: In 2010, Pakistan formally approved eight Bt cotton varieties for general cultivation. While a biotech framework and necessary legislation have been put in place, the government‘s capacity to evaluate and monitor new biotech crops is weak. Another major development is the signing of MOU‘s between public and private sector institutes with U.S and the Chinese biotech seed companies.

Implementation of the Plant Breeder‘s Rights Act and amendments to the Seed Act are still pending in the parliament. Aside from traditional vaccines and some genomic studies there is little Genetically Engineered (GE) animal activity in the country Notes: From : Crop Biotech Update > September 3, 2010 – http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=6612 GAIN Reports: Pakistan Pakistan's status on Biotechnology: GE Plants and Animals is also available at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Biotechnology%20%20GE%20Plants%20and%20Animals_Islamabad_Pakistan_8-2-2010.pdf The report says that although

Pakistan formally approved eight Bt cotton varieties for general cultivation in 2010, has a biotech framework and necessary legislation in place, the government's capacity to evaluate and monitor new biotech crops is weak. Nevertheless, MOUs between public and private sector institutes with U.S and Chinese biotech seed companies have been signed.

Author Address: ?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Carstens Keri L, Katrina Hayter, Raymond J. Layton, Year: 2010 Title: * A perspective on problem formulation and exposure assessment of transgenic crops.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 23-30.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: EvaluationRisque DiscussionPaper Abstract: Risk assessment is a science-based decision making process. When risk assessment follows an established framework, it allows for transparency, predictability, and consistency in the regulatory process.

Problem formulation is a critical first stage in the risk assessment process; it involves 1) the characterization of the transgenic plant and receiving environment, 2) definition of harm, 3) identification of potential exposure pathways or potential harm, and 4) establishment of assessment endpoints to evaluate the potential for harm based on the plant‘s characteristics. Risk to non-target organisms can be defined as the co-occurrence of hazard (or toxicity) and exposure. Exposure characterization has often been overlooked in the literature regarding the risk assessment of transgenic plants, with many recent publications focusing only on the hazard portion of the risk assessment equation. Exposure assessment informs the risk assessment and assists in the determination of which types of non-target organisms should be tested in hazard characterization. The purpose of risk assessment is to provide a framework for efficient decisionmaking, rather than to generally increase scientific knowledge; therefore data collection for risk assessment must be directed toward answering specific questions identified in the problem formulation stage.

Author Address: UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ce-Shing Sheu, Chung-Yi Wu, Shu-Chuan Chen, Chi-Chu Lo, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Direct extraction of soil DNA for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), to study the influence of different transgenic papaya lines on soil bacterial communities.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: ImpactBiol Abstract: The infl uence of transgenic crops on the soil diversity of microorganisms is one of the major risk assessments being conducted in Taiwan since 2007. A reliable soil DNA extraction method for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis DGGE was required: (1) to select a soil DNA extraction protocol for use in our laboratory in order to give DNA extracts pure enough for PCR amplifi cation from a wide ranges of soils, and (2) to apply PCR-DGGE for investigating the infl uence of three virus resistant transgenic papaya lines on the soil microbial community in an experimental confined field.

Six soils of different type, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, and pH were tested, and four previously reported soil DNA extraction methods were applied to these soils: 1. the MoBio UltraClean Soil DNA kit (UC method, MoBio Laboratories, Inc. Solana Beach, CA. USA; 2. the GS method (Widmer et al., 1996); 3. the CS method (Zhou et al., 1996), and 4. the BS method (Miller et al., 1999).

Fresh soil samples of 0.1 g (in triplicate) were used to extract DNA (crude DNA), and was further purifi ed by QIAquick gel before PCR amplifi cation. Soil DNA extracts by Zhou‘s CS method plus gel was recommended

for DGGE to monitor the microbial diversity in soil. There were significant differences on the bacterial diversity DGGE patterns in microbial composition at the beginning of planting, and the differences reduced after six months.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 Chaoyang University of Technology, Applied Chemistry, 2 Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Taiwan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chakraborty Subhra, Chakraborty Niranjan, Agrawal Lalit, Ghosh Sudip, Narula Kanika, Shekhar Shubhendu, Naik Prakash S, Pande PC, Chakrborti Swarup Kumar, Datta Asis, Year: 2010 Title: * Next-generation protein-rich potato expressing the seed protein gene AmA1 is a result of proteome rebalancing in transgenic tuber.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - published ahead of print September 20, 2010, doi:10.1073/pnas.1006265107 Keywords: Compoisiton Nutrition Abstract: Protein deficiency is the most crucial factor that affects physical growth and development and that increases morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Efforts have been made to improve protein quality and quantity in crop plants but with limited success. Here, we report the development of transgenic potatoes with enhanced nutritive value by tuber-specific expression of a seed protein, AmA1 (Amaranth Albumin 1), in seven genotypic backgrounds suitable for cultivation in different agro-climatic regions. Analyses of the transgenic tubers revealed up to 60% increase in total protein content. In addition, the concentrations of several essential amino acids were increased significantly in transgenic tubers, which are otherwise limited in potato. Moreover, the transgenics also exhibited enhanced photosynthetic activity with a concomitant increase in total biomass. These results are striking because this genetic manipulation also resulted in a moderate increase in tuber yield. The comparative protein profiling suggests that the proteome rebalancing might cause increased protein content in transgenic tubers. Furthermore, the data on field performance and safety evaluation indicate that the transgenic potatoes are suitable for commercial cultivation. In vitro and in vivo studies on experimental animals demonstrate that the transgenic tubers are also safe for human consumption. Altogether, these results emphasize that the expression of AmA1 is a potential strategy for the nutritional improvement of food crops.

Notes: From : NewScientist Life : http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19473-transgenic-indiansuperspuds-pack-more-protein.html Transgenic Indian superspuds pack more protein 20:00 20 September 2010 by Debora MacKenzie A genetically modified (GM) potato has been created that makes up to 60 per cent more protein per gram than ordinary potatoes. But even with that help spuds don't contain much protein, so that's not the most interesting part: in a surprise result, the GM crop also yielded more potato per hectare. This is the first time that a simple genetic modification has increased yield.

Potatoes are an increasingly popular way to increase food production in India, China and other developing countries. The tubers are mainly carbohydrate, but they also contain a little protein: a medium (150-gram) spud contains 3 grams of protein, about 6 per cent of the US recommended daily allowance. The GM variety's extra 60 per cent raises that to 4.8 grams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nearly 10 per cent of the recommended amount.

Subra Chakraborty and colleagues at India's Central Potato Research Institute in Shimla created the highprotein "protato" in 2003 by giving potatoes a gene from the grain amaranth, a South American plant widely eaten across the tropics, including India. The gene codes for a "storage" protein in amaranth seeds, but in the protato it was linked to a DNA code that turns on production of the storage protein in tubers.

The team has now spliced this gene into seven commercial potato varieties, and field-tested them for several seasons. This is crucial, as GM crops often behave differently in the lab and the field.

Some tubers contained almost twice as much extra protein as the prototype, with increases in several essential amino acids. Tests in rats and rabbits revealed no toxic or allergic effects. However, the plants also photosynthesised more, and produced 15 to 25 per cent more potatoes per hectare by weight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the only time this has ever been reported for a plant with just one extra gene.

Hungry millions

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that 925 million people will suffer chronic hunger this year.

"Despite promises that GM crops could make a significant contribution to achieving global food security," Chakraborty and colleagues write, such crops have so far mostly been used for industry or fodder, not for boosting human nutrition. The researchers hope their potatoes will change that.

Merideth Bonierbale, head of crop improvement at the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru, says her organisation has chosen to develop potatoes with high levels of iron and zinc, because their lack is a severe problem in many countries and just a little more in potatoes could make a big difference in people's diets. The International Potato Center's potatoes are made without genetic modification.

Chakraborty says the team is applying to Indian regulators for permission to sell the potato. As to whether the GM spud tastes different, he says: "Our data suggests better cooking, processing quality and palatability."

Journal reference: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1006265107 URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/13/1006265107.abstract Author Address: aNational Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi 110067, India; bCentral Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India; and cCentral Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh 250110, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chan Y-L, Cai D, Taylor PWJ, Chan M-T, Yeh KW, Year: 2010 Title: * Adverse effect of the chitinolytic enzyme PjCHI-1 in transgenic tomato on egg mass production and embryonic development of Meloidogyne incognita.

Journal: Plant Pathology 59, 5, 922-930.

Label: ReNe Physiol Keywords: embryogenesis fungal chitinase PjCHI-1 reproductivity root-knot nematode Solanum lycopersicum Abstract: A novel chitinase gene (PjCHI-1) isolated from Paecilomyces javanicus, a non-nematophagous fungus, and driven by a CaMV35S promoter, was delivered into CLN2468D, a heat-tolerant cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). T1 tomato plants exhibited high endochitinase activity and reduced numbers of eggs and egg masses when infected with the root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita. The eggs found in transgenic tomato had lower shell chitin contents than eggs collected from control plants. Egg masses from transgenic plants exhibited higher chitinase activity than those from control plants. Moreover, only 30% of eggs from transgenic plants were able to develop to the multi-cell/J1 stage, compared with more than 96% from control plants. The present study demonstrated that the expression of the PjCHI-1 chitinase gene can effectively reduce the production of egg masses and repress the embryonic development of M. incognita, presenting the possibility of a novel agro-biotechnological strategy for preventing crop damage by RKN. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2010.02314.x Author Address: 1Institute of Plant Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei; 2Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; 3Molecular Phytopathology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Str. 9, Kiel, Germany; 4BioMarka/Center for Plant Health, School of Agriculture and Food Systems, Faculty of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; 5Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan, Taiwan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chandel G, S Banerjee, M Vasconcelos, M A Grusak, Year: 2010 Title: * Characterization of the Root Transcriptome for Iron and Zinc Homeostasis-related Genes in Indica rice (Oryza sativa L) Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology Year : 2010, Volume : 19, Issue : 2 Label: ReEn Metal Physiol Keywords: transcriptome, metal homeostasis, candidate genes, sequence homology, in-silico, RT-PCR. Abstract: Micronutrient malnutrition is the most common form of nutrient deficiency among populations having a cereal-based diet. Rice is the staple food for one third of the world's population but is poor source of iron and zinc content. We have characterized root transcriptome of diverse indica rice cultivars for expression

of ten known metal homeostasis related genes in plants grown under controlled condition [with Fe(III)-HEDTA iron source]. Fe/Zn contents of root and shoot tissues were also determined. Expression analysis showed expression of OsFRO2, OsZIP9, OsYSL3, OsIRT-1 and OsZip5 in most of the cultivars. The cDNA amplicons of OsFRO2 and OsZIP9 from different cultivars were analysed for sequence homology and several variation in their nucleotide sequences among rice genotypes. More than 94% sequence homology was observed for both the genes. We analysed the genomic region underlying these genes to obtain information about possible spatial localization based on overlapping ESTs and MPSS tags. Also, putative SNPs were identified within OsFRO2 and OsZIP9 genes that need to be validated. The sequence based information may be useful in further development of gene specific markers for screening and breeding of high iron and zinc lines.

Author Address: 1National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.

2Division of Agricultural Chemicals, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.

3Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.

4KRBL Ltd, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201203, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chandler S, Terdich K, Senior M, Kalc G, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Regulatory considerations and the commercialization of minor transgenic crops; genetically modified carnation.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Bioengineering Adoption Composition Qualite Abstract: Several transgenic varieties of an important cut-fl ower, the carnation, are now available commercially and have been sold around the world for several years. The transgenic varieties have a novel fl ower colour as the result of the accumulation in petals of the anthocyanins based on delphinidin. This pigment does not occur naturally in carnation due to the lack of fl avonoid - 3‘5‘- hydroxylase, a key enzyme in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The transgenic varieties of carnation carry the gene for this protein.

Transgenic carnation fl owers are grown in Australia, Colombia and Ecuador and are sold in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Dubai and Europe.

From the perspective of regulation of GMOs, carnation plants and/or fl owers harvested from those plants are categorized as low risk. This conclusion is attested to by the Offi ce of Gene Technology Regulator decision to place colour-modifi ed transgenic carnation varieties on the gene register in Australia. No other GMO‘s have been added to the register to date, inclusion on which means that there are no regulation-related conditions associated with the production, sale and use of these GMO‘s.

There is no evidence for gene flow from carnation, which has never escaped cultivation despite decades of massive amounts of production in Europe, Colombia and Ecuador. Carnation is grown in covered, intensively managed production facilities, which are continuously maintained to control insects and diseases. Naturally, as this is the purpose of cultivation, all the flowers are removed from the plants and carnation has no capacity to disseminate via seed formation or pollen-mediated gene fl ow. There are no related species in the native fl ora of South America (carnation belongs to the genus Dianthus) and our own surveys found no related species in the exotic and introduced fl ora in and near production sites in Colombia. Carnation plants are propagated by cuttings, but outside of cultivation carnation has no vegetative propagation mechanisms that might assist survival. Carnation is susceptible to freezing and infection by pathogens such as Fusarium and Botrytis.

Transgenic carnation fl owers are air-freighted from South America to the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and the Middle East.

At destination there is no realistic probability of gene flow to related species, nor of establishment of wild populations of transgenic carnation (as a result of consumers discarding fl owers with their household waste, for example). The trait that has been modifi ed in the carnation, fl ower colour (or more specifi cally the production of delphinidin based anthocyanins) poses no risk to human health and tens of millions of transgenic carnation fl owers have been produced in and exported from South America, with no reports of adverse health effects arising through handling. Carnation is not used or processed for food or pharmaceutical use and delphinidin based anthocyanins are ubiquitous natural compounds found in many ornamental plants and at very high

concentrations in some foods, particularly berries. Medical studies have shown that delphinidin is a particularly beneficial flavonoid.

Despite a history of safe use and trade in carnation fl owers producing delphinidin based anthocyanins, the regulatory system is in several ways a constraint to commercialization and presents a genuine barrier to introduction of new varieties. The problem does not lie with regulators of GMOs, who in our experience are sympathetic, supportive and co-operative. Rather, use of genetic modifi cation methods in minor crops, such as ornamentals like carnation, is constrained by the fact that regulation of genetically-modifi ed plants is primarily governed by legislation, guidelines and codes of practice which are generic in nature. The major regulatory issues this can present are; 1. In some cases, the cost of regulation makes entry to market in small countries prohibitively expensive, even when there are customers that want the product. This is because of costs associated with the need for translation, multiple copies of written materials (including copies of all cited papers in some cases) local hearings, fees and travel.

2. In the case of cut fl owers destined for import only not all countries require a fi eld trial as part of the regulatory process. This is a very sensible approach, given the risk of gene flow is inherently higher at the places of production, where the products will have already been approved. However, in some countries there is a need to carry out country-specifi c fi eld trials for products which have been grown and sold commercially for many years elsewhere. For a vegetatively propagated greenhouse grown crop it is not clear how the additional data improves the risk assessment process.

3. Some legislation requires the generation of insert(s) and fl anking genome sequence. Generation of this data is a very diffi cult and expensive exercise and in non-food crops particularly, is a relatively small component of the risk assessment. There do not appear to be alternatives to the provision of such data.

4. Assessment on an event-by-event basis is required in most countries, even though those events may be very similar. For example, our transgenic carnation product pipeline develops new varieties of transgenic carnation using essentially the same genes (including the same selectable marker) generating essentially the same phenotype (production of delphinidin). What largely differs between transgenic events is the parent variety and the fl ower colour shade produced. The comparator trials we routinely carry out on a small scale are used to identify lines which are as close to similar to the parent line as possible, aside from flower colour.

Unfortunately, under the current system it is necessary to produce data packages for every new variety which results in a large allocation of resources (time, travel, communication and paper) to generate applications that are largely identical to previous submissions. Delphinidin production in carnation fl owers is a good example of a trait-crop combination which could be regulated on a phenotype basis, as a possible solution to excess administration.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Florigene, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chassy Bruce M Year: 2010 Title: * The Safety Assessment of Transgenic Plants in which Gene Expression Has Been Modified.

Journal: ISB NEWS REPORT SEPTEMBER 2010 Label: EvaluationRisque Expression Abstract: Full text : Engineered crops have become a significant component of modern agriculture. Prior to release for commercial planting, a thorough pre-market regulatory review focuses on any potential agricultural and environmental impacts of genetically engineered crops, as well as any differences in food safety that may be associated with the introduction of novel genes and their products. The regulatory review process is a comparative one in which differences between a new transgenic crop variety and its conventional counterparts are assessed, followed by a determination if any changes that have occurred have introduced new risks or heightened existing risks. To date, the great majority of transgenic cultivars that have passed regulatory review contain genes that encode proteins that confer desired novel traits such as insect or herbicide resistance.

Alteration of endogenous gene expression can be an alternative method of producing useful phenotypes in plants. For example, RNA-associated mechanisms can be used to switch off genes, while up-regulation of specific transcription factors can be used to enhance expression and thereby modify a plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s growth or response to stress. Since neither of these two mechanisms necessarily depends on the expression of a new

heterologous protein(s), it is reasonable to ask if the safety assessment paradigm developed for and applied to transgenic plants that express novel proteins is appropriate for genetically engineered plants in which gene expression has been altered.

This article briefly summarizes the conclusions of a recent paper1 that examines the suitability of the currently used comparative safety paradigm to crops in which gene expression has been altered. Parrott et al. (2010) also serves as an up-to-date review of the safety assessment process.

The current safety assessment paradigm The development of a new cultivar, whether transgenic or not, involves repeated selection and culling of candidate plants that do not conform to a long list of crop-specific phenotypic traits found in near isogenic and appropriate comparators, for example: (1) germination and seedling emergence; (2) vegetative vigor; (3) time to anthesis; (4) plant height at maturity; (5) time to maturity; (6) pollen characteristics; and (7) yield. Agronomic and other characteristic traits for each crop have been summarized by OECD, EFSA, and other sources so that cultivars that are advanced into the safety assessment process are the product of repeated selection that contributes to the elimination of both undesirable and unintended variations.

A keystone of safety assessment is an examination of compositional and nutritional equivalence of a transgenic cultivar in comparison to closely related counterparts. A unique set of key nutrients, toxicants, and antinutrients associated with each crop are analyzed. Although changes in composition do not necessarily pose new risks, to date the great majority of the crops that have received regulatory approval are compositionally indistinguishable from their conventional counterparts. This has caused some people to question if composition studies are needed for transgenic plants that express simple novel protein-mediated phenotypes, such as insect or herbicide resistance2.

A second key focus of contemporary safety assessment is a direct evaluation of the safety of any newly inserted novel proteins with respect to their potential for eliciting toxic or allergic reactions. Bioinformatic comparison to known toxins, anti-nutrients, and allergens, protein digestibility assays, and in vivo studies, such as testing acute toxicity in mice and subchronic toxicity in rats, can be used to assess the potential for adverse effects.

Through almost two decades of experience, perceptions about which studies provide significant insights into protein safety, and which do not, have—perhaps not surprisingly—changed. It has been recommended that the assessment could be simplified by a selective and tiered approach4; however, the studies required by regulatory agencies have simply become more numerous and more complex with passing time3,4.

Other safety studies include characterization at the molecular level of both the DNA and any introduced proteins, the safety of novel molecular markers used for selection, and nutritional studies in animals. The authors conclude with respect to the current assessment process: ―This safety assessment paradigm is based on the state of knowledge that existed more than 20 years ago. Some aspects have been found to have a scientific basis, whereas other elements of the safety assessment have provided little relevant information on safety.‖ Modulation of gene expression in plants Parrott et al. (2010) leads the reader to the conclusion that the safety assessment paradigm is itself in need of simplification, derived directly from a comparison of conventional breeding with genetic engineering. The authors observe that conventional breeding gives rise to a large number of mutations that typically remain uncharacterized—this is particularly the case where chemical or radiation-induced mutagenesis has been used.

Furthermore, a number of studies are cited that demonstrate that transgene insertion can produce less DNA disruption than other conventional breeding methods. While it has been argued that transgenic insertion is per se mutagenic, it appears that DNA alteration mediated by naturally occurring transposition and retrotransposition in plants far exceeds that caused by mutagenesis. Parrott el al. (2010) point out that conventional breeding is generally regarded as safe, in spite of the fact that the nature of the changes in new conventional cultivars are usually unknown. The reader is left to wonder why transgenic crops are subjected to such careful regulatory scrutiny.

Small RNA This point is well illustrated by the observation that RNA interference and RNAi species are natural components of the genome that have been historically, albeit unknowingly, exploited by plant breeders. The plant genome potentially encodes thousands of small regulatory RNAs. Traits as varied as the buff seed coat in soybeans and the stems of some modern maize hybrids depend on small RNA-associated mutations. The FLAVR SAVR tomato, high-oleic soybeans, modified starch potato, low allergenic ryegrass, low nicotine tobacco, and various virus resistant crops are all examples of genetically engineered plants in which gene modulation mediated through small RNAs has produced a desired phenotype in the absence of a novel heterologous protein. Several of these were approved and commercialized prior to elucidation of the small RNA mediated mechanism by which the phenotypic changes had occurred.

RNAi-associated changes can be targeted to virtually any gene, even if present in multiple copies; plant scientists have focused their attention in particular on genes associated with pests and pathogenicity. Other targets include altered growth and development, altered nutritional content, and elimination of undesirable compounds. No exogenous genes are used in this form of genetic engineering, and in fact, no genes need be introduced if selectable markers are not present.

Transcription factors Transcription factors (TF) and other gene-signaling pathway modifiers have not been used to date in commercial cultivars; however, they have great potential to modulate plant development and stress responses. These proteins, which can enhance or repress gene expression, are key regulatory molecules that constitute up to 10% of plant genes. The effects of a single TF need not be restricted to a single gene; expression of some TFs can trigger a cascade of events. Many of the most important traits associated with crop domestication and improvement have been mediated by alterations in TF expression; for example, loss of shattering of grain crops, loss of branching in maize, naked grains in maize, and dwarfing in wheat that fueled the Green Revolution. To date, no commercial crops in which TFs have been modulated have been released; however, a major focus of research is on TF-mediated resistance to abiotic stress, such as drought tolerance for which several candidate TFs have been identified in different crops.

The safety assessment of crops developed using gene-modulation Since small RNAs and TFs comprise a significant portion of the plant genome, and humans and animals routinely consume plants, they are exposed to DNA, RNA, and in the case of TFs, small quantities of TF proteins in their diets. No adverse effect has ever been reported from the ingestion of DNA or RNA. Products such as the FLAVR-SAVR tomato and virus-resistant vegetables were approved because DNA and RNA are safe to consume, and no novel proteins were produced in them. Medical and pharmaceutical uses for small RNAs are an active focus of investigation; however, a major stumbling block has been natural barriers found in vertebrates to the uptake of preformed nucleic acids. Small RNAs do not appear to be active by an oral route of administration unless they are encapsulated in an invasive bacterium that transports them into the bloodstream like a Trojan Horse.

As noted above, crops developed using small RNA-mediated mechanisms produce no novel proteins and would therefore be exempt from protein safety assessment. TFs are proteins; however, they are present in very small amounts since they are produced in very few copies per cell. There is also a long history of consuming TFs without any reported adverse effect. Most proteins are innocuous4; no characterized TF has any similarity to a known allergen, toxin, or anti-nutrient. It is likely that a TF that would be employed in genetic engineering of a plant would be from that plant, or perhaps from a closely related crop plant with a high likelihood that it has been encountered previously in the diet. Considering the above, and the fact that plant breeders have altered small RNA and TF content for millennia, it seems reasonable to conclude that modulation of small RNA species or TF production per se is not likely to produce new food safety risks.

The most significant changes that might be encountered in crop plants developed through the use of gene modulation techniques is the elimination of a metabolite or the alteration of the composition of a plant. TFs in particular can change the timing and amount of gene expression, but are limited to the genes present in the plant. Thus, they cannot result in the production of novel compounds; they can only alter relative amounts of endogenous compounds. Thus, Parrott et al. (2010) conclude that the safety assessment paradigm used to assure the safety of genetically engineered crops appears to be more than sufficiently robust for application to genemodulated crops.

Since conventional crops with altered composition are not subjected to close regulatory scrutiny, it is hard to justify calling for careful compositional studies of gene-modulated crops from a scientific perspective. Such studies will doubtless be required by most regulatory authorities, if for no other reason than to assuage misplaced concerns about the safety of genetically engineered crops. In such cases, the appropriate comparator is the conventional crop grown, to the extent possible, in conditions such as the transgenic version is designed to withstand (e.g., cold, drought). Thus, Parrott et al. (2010) conclude that the safety assessment paradigm used to assure the safety of genetically engineered crops appears to be more than sufficiently robust for application to gene-modulated crops.

References 1. Parrott W, Chassy B, Ligon J, Meyer L, Petrick J, Zhou J, Herman R, Delaney B. and Levine M. Application of food and feed safety assessment principles to evaluate transgenic approaches to gene modulation in crops.

Food and Chemical Toxicology 48, 1773-1790 (2010).

2. Rod Herman, Bruce Chassy, Wayne Parrott. Compositional Assessment of Transgenic Crops Engineered with Input Traits: an Idea Whose Time has Passed. Trends in Biotechnology 27, 555-557 (2009).

3. Goodman RE, Vieths S, Sampson HA, Hill D, Ebisawa M, Taylor SL, and van Ree R. Allergenicity assessment of genetically modified crops – what makes sense? Nat. Biotechnol. 26, 73–81 (2008).

4. Delaney B, Astwood JD, Cunny H, Conn RE, Herouet-Guicheney C, Macintosh S, Meyer LS, Privalle L, Gao Y, Mattsson J, Levine M. Evaluation of protein safety in the context of agricultural biotechnology. Food Chem. Toxicol. 46 (Suppl. 2), S71–S97 (2008).

URL: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2010/Sep/Safety-Assessment-Transgenic-Plants-Gene-ExpressionModified.pdf Author Address: Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chauhan H, Khurana P Year: 2010 Title: * Use of doubled haploid technology for development of stable drought tolerant bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) transgenics.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 18 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: ReEn Secheresse Bioengineering Keywords: drought doubled haploid HVA1 transgenics wheat Abstract: Anther culture-derived haploid embryos were used as explants for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv CPAN1676) using barley HVA1 gene for drought tolerance. Regenerated plantlets were checked for transgene integration in T0 generation, and positive transgenic haploid plants were doubled by colchicine treatment. Stable transgenic doubled haploid plants were obtained, and transgene expression was monitored till T4 generation, and no transgene silencing was observed over the generations. Doubled haploid transgenic plants have faster seed germination and seedling establishment and show better drought tolerance in comparison with nontransgenic, doubled haploid plants, as measured by per cent germination, seedling growth and biomass accumulation. Physiological evaluation for abiotic stress by assessing nitrate reductase enzyme activity and plant yield under post-anthesis water limitation revealed a better tolerance of the transgenics over the wild type. This is the first report on the production of double haploid transgenic wheat through anther culture technique in a commercial cultivar for a desirable trait.

This method would also be useful in functional genomics of wheat and other allopolyploids of agronomic importance.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00561.x Author Address: Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Delhi University, New Delhi, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen H, He H, Yu D, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of a novel soybean gene modulating Na+ and K+ transport enhances salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants.

Journal: Physiologia Plantarum Accepted manuscript online: 28 SEP 2010 12:00PM EST Pages: no Label: Physiol Abstract: Salt is an important factor affecting the growth and development of soybean in saline soil. In this study, a novel soybean gene encoding a transporter (GmHKT1) was identified and its function analyzed using transgenic plants. GmHKT1 encoded a protein of 419 amino acids, with a potential molecular mass of 47.06 kDa and a predicted pI value of 8.59. Comparison of the genomic and cDNA sequences of GmHKT1 identified no intron. The deduced amino acid sequence of GmHKT1 showed 38â€―49% identity with other plant HKTlike sequences. RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of GmHKT1 was upregulated by salt stress (150 mM NaCl) in roots and leaves but not stems. Overexpression of GmHKT1 significant enhanced the tolerance of transgenic tobacco plants to salt stress, compared to non-transgenic plants. To investigate the role of GmHKT1 in K+ and Na+ transport, we compared K+ and Na+ accumulation in roots and shoots of wild-type and transgenic tobacco plants. The results suggested that GmHKT1 is a transporter that affected K+ and Na+ transport in roots and shoots, and regulated Na+/K+ homeostasis in these organs. Our findings suggest that

GmHKT1 plays an important role in response to salt stress and would be useful in engineering crop plants for enhanced tolerance to salt stress.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.2010.01412.x Author Address: 1National Center for Soybean Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China 2Institute of Vegetable Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen H, Hwang JE, Lim CJ, Kim DY, Lee SY, Lim CO, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis DREB2C functions as a transcriptional activator of HsfA3 during the heat stress response.

Journal: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print].

Label: Physiol ReEn Secheresse Abstract: The dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB) family is important in regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses. DREB2C is one of the Arabidopsis class 2 DREBs and is induced by heat stress (HS). Here, we present data concerning the interaction of DREB2C with heat shock factor A3 (HsfA3) in the HS signal transduction cascade. RT-PCR showed that HsfA3 is the most up-regulated gene among the 21 Arabidopsis Hsfs in transgenic plants over-expressing DREB2C. DREB2C and HsfA3 displayed similar transcription patterns in response to HS and DREB2C specifically transactivated the DRE-dependent transcription of HsfA3 in Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts. Yeast one-hybrid assays and invitro electrophoretic mobility shift assays further showed that DREB2C interacts with two DREs located in the HsfA3 promoter with a binding preference for the distal DRE2. Deletion mutants of DREB2C indicated that transactivation activity was located in the C-terminal region. In addition, dual activator-reporter assays showed that the induction of heat shock protein (Hsp) genes in transgenic plants could be attributed to the transcriptional activity of HsfA3. Taken together, these results indicate that DREB2C and HsfA3 are key players in regulating the heat tolerance of Arabidopsis.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20849812 Author Address: Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Research Center, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen H, Saksa K, Zhao FY, Qiu J, Xiong LM, Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic analysis of pathway regulation for enhancing branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in plants.

Journal: Plant Journal 63, 4, 573-583.

Accession Number: WOS:000281002100004 Label: Composition Expression Nutrition Abstract: P>The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine and isoleucine are essential amino acids that play critical roles in animal growth and development. Animals cannot synthesize these amino acids and must obtain them from their diet. Plants are the ultimate source of these essential nutrients, and they synthesize BCAAs through a conserved pathway that is inhibited by its end products. This feedback inhibition has prevented scientists from engineering plants that accumulate high levels of BCAAs by simply over-expressing the respective biosynthetic genes. To identify components critical for this feedback regulation, we performed a genetic screen for Arabidopsis mutants that exhibit enhanced resistance to BCAAs. Multiple dominant allelic mutations in the VALINE-TOLERANT 1 (VAT1) gene were identified that conferred plant resistance to valine inhibition. Map-based cloning revealed that VAT1 encodes a regulatory subunit of acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), the first committed enzyme in the BCAA biosynthesis pathway. The VAT1 gene is highly expressed in young, rapidly growing tissues. When reconstituted with the catalytic subunit in vitro, the vat1 mutantcontaining AHAS holoenzyme exhibits increased resistance to valine. Importantly, transgenic plants expressing the mutated vat1 gene exhibit valine tolerance and accumulate higher levels of BCAAs. Our studies not only uncovered regulatory characteristics of plant AHAS, but also identified a method to enhance BCAA accumulation in crop plants that will significantly enhance the nutritional value of food and feed.

Notes: ReferencesBinder, S., Knill, T. and Schuster, J. (2007) Branched-chain amino acid metabolism in higher plants. Physiol. Plant. 129, 68â&#x20AC;&#x201C;78.

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URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04261.x/abstract Author Address: 1Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO 63132, USA 2Plant Stress Genomics Research Center and Division of Chemical and Life Sciences & Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen Hao, Kristen Saksa, Feiyi Zhao, Joyce Qiu, Liming Xiong, Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic analysis of pathway regulation for enhancing branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in plants.

Journal: The Plant Journal Volume 63, Issue 4, pages 573–583, August 2010

Accession Number: FSTA:2010-Bc1708 Label: Physiol Keywords: branched-chain amino acids;BCAA;essential amino acids;AHAS;ACT domain;valine resistance Abstract: The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine and isoleucine are essential amino acids that play critical roles in animal growth and development. Animals cannot synthesize these amino acids and must obtain them from their diet. Plants are the ultimate source of these essential nutrients, and they synthesize BCAAs through a conserved pathway that is inhibited by its end products. This feedback inhibition has prevented scientists from engineering plants that accumulate high levels of BCAAs by simply over-expressing the respective biosynthetic genes. To identify components critical for this feedback regulation, we performed a genetic screen for Arabidopsis mutants that exhibit enhanced resistance to BCAAs. Multiple dominant allelic mutations in the VALINE-TOLERANT 1 (VAT1) gene were identified that conferred plant resistance to valine inhibition. Map-based cloning revealed that VAT1 encodes a regulatory subunit of acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), the first committed enzyme in the BCAA biosynthesis pathway. The VAT1 gene is highly expressed in young, rapidly growing tissues. When reconstituted with the catalytic subunit in vitro, the vat1 mutantcontaining AHAS holoenzyme exhibits increased resistance to valine. Importantly, transgenic plants expressing the mutated vat1 gene exhibit valine tolerance and accumulate higher levels of BCAAs. Our studies not only uncovered regulatory characteristics of plant AHAS, but also identified a method to enhance BCAA accumulation in crop plants that will significantly enhance the nutritional value of food and feed. (c) 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Society for Experimental Biology.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04261.x/abstract Author Address: 1Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO 63132, USA 2Plant Stress Genomics Research Center and Division of Chemical and Life Sciences & Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen LiTing, Luo Ming, Wang YuYuan, Wu KeQiang, Year: 2010 Title: * Involvement of Arabidopsis histone deacetylase HDA6 in ABA and salt stress response.

Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 61, 12.

Accession Number: CABI:20103248952 Label: Physiol ReEn Salin Keywords: abscisic acid; acetylation; gene expression; genes; genetic markers; genetic regulation; histones; lysine; mutants; mutations; phenotypes; plant growth regulators; protamine kinase; RNA; salinity; seed germination; seeds; stress; stress response; wild relatives; ABA; Capparales; histone deacetylase; histone kinase; plant growth substances; plant hormones; ribonucleic acid Abstract: Histone modifications play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. All histone modifications are reversible, which may therefore provide a flexible way for regulating gene expression during the plant's development and during the plant response to environmental stimuli. The reversible acetylation and deacetylation of specific lysine residues on core histones are catalysed by histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDAs). HDA6 is an RPD3-type histone deacetylase in Arabidopsis. The Arabidopsis HDA6 mutant, axe1-5, and HDA6 RNA-interfering plants displayed a phenotype that was hypersensitive to ABA and salt stress. Compared with wild-type plants, the expression of the ABA and abiotic stress-responsive genes, ABI1, ABI2, KAT1, KAT2, DREB2A, RD29A, and RD29B, was decreased in axe1-5 and HDA6 RNA-interfering plants when treated with ABA or salt stress. It was found that both ABA and salt stress could enrich the gene activation markers, histone H3K9K14 acetylation, and H3K4 trimethylation, but decrease the gene repression marker, H3K9 dimethylation, of the ABA and abiotic stressresponsive genes. Our study indicates that HDA6-involved histone modifications modulate seed germination and the salt stress response, as well as ABA- and salt stress-induced gene expression in Arabidopsis.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 31 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103248952 Author Address: Institute of Plant Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen Yanjuan Year: 2010 Title: ?? On the revolution of modern agricultural science and technology and sustainable development of agriculture in China.

Journal: BULLETIN OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: 2010 (3).

Label: Bioengineering Adoption Review Keywords: Keywords: Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Technology Strategy Revolution Key words: agricultural technology revolution Sustainable Development of Agriculture Chinasustainable developmentscience and technology a decisive factor in the development of the first productive forces of science and technology scientific and technological progress of agricultural science and technology measures the key role of the meaning of article characteristics Abstract: Science and technology are primary productive forces, scientific and technological progress is a decisive factor in agricultural development to achieve sustainable agricultural development must rely on modern agricultural technology revolution. Article from modern agricultural technology revolution of the content and features, this paper discusses the revolution of modern agricultural technology on the critical role of agriculture for sustainable development, sustainable agricultural development in China were analyzed major problems, put forward to promote the sustainable development of China Agricultural Science and Technology Strategy.

Author Address: Economic and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chen Yu-Ting, Quan-Sheng Fang, Chu-Hui Chiang, Shyi-Dong Yeh, Hui-Wen Wu, Tsong-Ann Yu, Year: 2010 Title: * Transgenic Eustoma grandiflorum expressing the bar gene are resistant to the herbicide Basta®.

Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Volume 102, Number 3, 347-356.

Label: HeTo Bioengineering Keywords: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Herbicide-resistance - Greenhouse evaluation Glufosinate ammonium - Rooting Abstract: Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is a cut or ornamental flower that is popular all over the world.

This ornamental crop, however, lacks an effective weed control method due to its susceptibility to herbicide. In this study, transgenic plants of a lisianthus cultivar were produced using Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of the plasmid pCAMBIA3300, which carried the bialaphos resistance (bar) gene under driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. The transgenic calli were derived from wounded edges of the leaves grown on a shoot regeneration medium containing 100 mg l-1 cefotaxime and 2 mg l-1 glufosinate ammonium for 4 weeks. The callus that was detached from the wounded edge of the leaf was transferred to the shoot regeneration medium with 100 mg l-1 cefotaxime and 5 mg l-1 glufosinate ammonium for 4 weeks for shoot regeneration. The bar gene integration and expression in the transgenic plants were confirmed by Southern and Northern blot analyses, respectively. Subsequently, the transgenic lines were assessed in vitro and under greenhouse conditions for their resistance to the commercial herbicide Basta®, which contains glufosinate ammonium as the active component.

Six transgenic lines showed high percentages (67–80%) of survival in vitro under the selection condition with glufosinate ammonium (up to 216 mg l-1). Under greenhouse conditions, the plants from these six lines remained healthy and exhibited a normal phenotype after spraying with glufosinate ammonium (up to 1,350 mg l-1). This is the first paper to provide a detailed survey of transgenic lisianthus expressing the bar gene and exhibiting herbicide-resistance under greenhouse conditions.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/n15842x4150h4551/ Author Address: (1) Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (2) Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Da Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan (3) Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Chintawar Sachin, Mishra Ashok K, Gillespie Jeffrey, Year: 2009 Title: 造 The Impact of Adoption of Genetically Modified Corn on the Off-Farm Labor Supply in the United States.

Journal: Institution/Association: Southern Agricultural Economics Association>2009 Annual Meeting, January 31-February 3, 2009, Atlanta, Georgia Label: Socioeconomic Keywords: Adoption GM corn Off farm labor two-stage left-censored simultaneous Tobit Abstract: With the production and cropping efficiency gains from adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) corn, the number of acres planted has increased steadily over the past decade. Also, the adoption of GM crops in general has an impact on the labor allocation decisions of farm operators. Using a large sample of Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data, we estimate a two-stage left-censored simultaneous Tobit model to estimate the impact of adoption of GM corn on the off-farm labor supply of farm operators.

Results indicate that the adoption of GM corn has had a negative and significant impact on the off-farm labor supply.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/46832 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/46832/2/SAEA_Finalsubmission.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness - Louisiana State University - 226 Ag. Admin. Bldg.; Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chistia Yusuf Year: 2010 Title: * Sustainable food production needs biotechnology.

Journal: Biotechnology Advances; Volume 28, Issue 6, November-December 2010, Page 936 - Book review Label: InRe Review Socioeconomic Abstract: Full text : The need for food has never been greater. Modern agriculture appears to barely keep up with the increasing demand for food and questions are emerging about the environmental sustainability of crop production using the existing methods. This book highlights the role of various biotechnologies in improving crop productivity.

The book is about maize (corn in North America) and its pests in Africa, mainly Kenya. The focus is on the efforts of a specific project, the Insect Resistant Maize for Africa project, for developing pest resistant varieties of this crop. The book was originally published in 2007 in German under the title Mais nach Mass. The English version of the book updates parts of the German edition and includes some new sections.

Maize is a staple food in Kenya and some other regions of Africa. Cultivated for thousands of years by the Indians of South and Central America, maize came to the Old World after Christopher Columbus arrived in Cuba. Maize was introduced to Africa by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century.

Stem borers, or caterpillar of certain moths, are major pests of maize in Africa. Pesticides are not effective against the borers once they have penetrated the plant stem. Modern plant breeding techniques including genetic engineering have been effectively used in developing maize varieties with improved resistance to pests.

This book provides convincing evidence that biotechnology is essential to a future food security for the world.

Food security based on sustainable crop production is of course necessary for our continued wellbeing. Many more projects of the type discussed in the book will be needed to achieve this important objective.

This account by a journalist does not delve much into the technical issues. Instead, it provides a highly readable narrative of an important project in a social context. The book is illustrated with numerous color photographs.

Short biographies and pictures of the individuals involved in the Kenyan project make the book interesting. The discussion of the issues faced in having a crop variety accepted by the local farmers is particularly insightful.

This hardcover book is produced to a good quality, but it is not for everyone. Individuals concerned with crop production and improvement research in the developing world will find it an interesting case study.

Fieldworkers tasked with marketing a new crop to farmers should find the book useful.

Yusuf Chistia, Book reviewed : Insect-Resistant Maize: A Case Study of Fighting the African Stem Borer

Author: Jurg Burgi - CABI Publisihing Author Address: School of Engineering, PN456, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Chung Mi-Young, Julia Vrebalov, Rob Alba, JeMin Lee, Ryan McQuinn, Jae-Dong Chung, Patricia Klein, James Giovannoni, Year: 2010 Title: * A tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) APETALA2/ERF gene, SlAP2a, is a negative regulator of fruit ripening.

Journal: Plant Journal ―Accepted Article‖; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04384.x Label: Physiol Abstract: The transition of fleshy fruit maturation to ripening is regulated by exogenous and endogenous signals which coordinate the transition of the fruit to a final state of attractiveness to seed dispersing organisms.

Tomato is a model for biology and genetics regulating specific ripening pathways including ethylene, carotenoids and cell wall metabolism in addition to upstream signaling and transcriptional regulators. Ripening associated transcription factors described to date including the RIN-MADS, CLEAR NON-RIPENING, TAGL1 and LeHB-1 genes all encode positive regulators of ripening phenomena. Here we describe an APETALA2 transcription factor (SlAP2a) identified through transcriptional profiling of fruit maturation that is induced during and which negatively regulates tomato fruit ripening. RNAi repression of SlAP2a results in fruits which over-produce ethylene, ripen early and modify carotenoid accumulation profiles by altering carotenoid pathway flux. These results suggest that SlAP2a functions during normal tomato fruit ripening as a modulator of ripening activity and acts to balance the activities of positive ripening regulators.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04384.x/pdf Author Address: 1Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Tower Road, Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA. 2US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Robert W. Holy Center, Tower Road, Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA 3Current affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Colson Gregory, Huffman Wallace Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Consumers' Willingness to Pay for New Genetically Modified Food Products: Evidence from Experimental Auctions of Intragenic and Transgenic Foods.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: GM foods consumer attributes willingness to pay economics experiments Abstract: Early GM traits were obtained by transferring genes across species, largely from soil bacteria. Part of the consumer resistance to them has been their transgenic nature. Recently, breakthroughs have occurred using intragenic bioengineering where genes are moved long distances within a specie, for example in potato, and without antibiotic markers. The objective of this research is to assess consumers‘ acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for new intragenic fresh potato, tomato, and broccoli with higher levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are consumer traits. To elicit consumer valuations, a new series of experimental auctions were conducted in 2007 that built upon methodology developed in our earlier research. WTP was assessed in a multiround n-th price auction with seven labeling treatments and five information treatments. We show for the first time that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for intragenic GM vegetables with enhanced levels of antioxidants and vitamin C than for a plain-labeled product and marginally more than for a GM-free product.

Supporting earlier research, consumers‘ WTP for GM food products is affected by the type of information available to them when they are making their decisions. The findings suggest potential success for future intragenic GM fresh produce.

Notes: http://purl.umn.edu/49986

http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/49986/2/GMIAAEChina112508allab.pdf Author Address: Department of Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Colson Gregory, Huffman Wallace E, Rousu Matthew, Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Estimates of the Welfare Impact of Intragenic and Transgenic GM Labeling Policies.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado Label: Adoption Reglement URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61387 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61387/2/11713.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia USA Department of Economics, Iowa State University Department of Economics, Susquehanna University XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Conley AJ, Zhu H, Le LC, Jevnikar AM, Lee BH, Brandle JE, Menassa R, Year: 2010 Title: * Recombinant protein production in a variety of Nicotiana hosts: a comparative analysis.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal Article first published online: 7 OCT 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.14677652.2010.00563.x Pages: no Label: Bioengineering Composition Biopharming Bioindustrie Review Keywords: molecular farming recombinant protein production transgenic plants transient expression erythropoietin interleukin-10 amylase Pseudomonas aeruginosa Abstract: Summary Although many different crop species have been used to produce a wide range of vaccines, antibodies, biopharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes, tobacco has the most established history for the production of recombinant proteins. To further improve the heterologous protein yield of tobacco platforms, transient and stable expression of four recombinant proteins (i.e. human erythropoietin and interleukin-10, an antibody against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a hyperthermostable α-amylase) was evaluated in numerous species and cultivars of Nicotiana. Whereas the transient level of recombinant protein accumulation varied significantly amongst the different Nicotiana plant hosts, the variety of Nicotiana had little practical impact on the recombinant protein concentration in stable transgenic plants. In addition, this study examined the growth rate, amount of leaf biomass, total soluble protein levels and the alkaloid content of the various Nicotiana varieties to establish the best plant platform for commercial production of recombinant proteins. Of the 52 Nicotiana varieties evaluated, Nicotiana tabacum (cv. I 64) produced the highest transient concentrations of recombinant proteins, in addition to producing a large amount of biomass and a relatively low quantity of alkaloids, probably making it the most effective plant host for recombinant protein production.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00563.x Author Address: 1Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada 2Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada 3Transplantation Immunology Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada 4Food Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sainte-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada 5Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland Station, ON, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Consmuller Nicola, Beckmann Volker, Petrick Martin, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ The Adoption of Bt-Maize - An Econometric Analysis.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China.

Label: InRe Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: GMO crops Germany panel data analysis Abstract: In this study, we theoretically and empirically investigate the determinants of Bt maize adoption in German regions. Specifically, we ask how the regulatory framework, the farm structures as well as the sociopolitical environment of GM expansion in Germany have influenced regional adoption rates. Following a description of the relevant legal and economic framework in Germany, we develop theoretical hypotheses concerning regional variation in Bt-maize adoption and test them econometrically with unique data at the Federal States (L채nder) and County (Landkreis) level. The study provides evidence that the adoption of Btmaize in different regions is positively affected by the amount of maize grown per farm and by the European Corn Borer (ECB) infestation rates. There is also some evidence that the Bt-maize adoption is negatively affected by the activities of the anti-GMO movement and the establishment of GMO-free zones. ============================== Conclusions Our analysis shows that the regional differences in Bt-maize adoption are affected by agricultural structures and the activities of the anti-GMO movement. The regulatory environment in Germany introduces additional fixed and variable cost to adopters of Btmaize.

Although Bt-maize is a scale neutral technology controlling for damages caused by the European Corn Borer (ECB) the additional fixed and variable costs transform the technology into a scale dependent one. As the empirical analysis of panel data at the Federal States level show, the maize area grown per farm is the single most important factor explaining regional and temporal variance in Bt-maize adoption. At the Federal States level no relationship could be identified between the ECB infestation rates and the Bt-maize adoption. One main reason seems to be that farms with little maize acreage resign completely from Bt-maize adoption even if they face high ECB infestation rates. In contrast, at the Brandenburg County level the ECB infestation frequency turns out to be an important factor explaining the adoption of Btmaize.

Brandenburg, however, is characterised by large-scale maize farming, where the size of maize strands are unlikely to constrain Bt-maize adoption. Surprisingly, other factors such as land ownership and organic agriculture do not explain the regional and temporal variation of Bt-maize adoption on the Federal State level.

However, there is some indication that anti-GMO activists and GMO-free zones have a negative impact on Btmaize adoption. Whereas at the level of the Brandenburg Counties the increasing size of GMO-free zones constrains the adoption of Bt-maize, this could not be confirmed for the level of the Federal States.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51630 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51630/2/432_Adoption%20Bt%20maize_IAAE2009.pdf http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/53262/2/v39_53262.pdf Author Address: 1 Humboldt-Universit채t zu Berlin Germany 2 Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Constance DH Year: 2010 Title: * Sustainable agriculture in the United States: a critical examination of a contested process.

Journal: Sustainability 2, 1, 48-72.

Accession Number: CABI:20103257143 Label: Review AgriBio Keywords: sustainable agriculture; USDA; organics; GMOs Abstract: This paper investigates the political economy of the development of sustainable agriculture programs and initiatives in the United States. Sustainable agriculture emerged as part of a growing critique of the negative environmental consequences of unquestioned modern farming methods. The USDA/Sustainable Agriculture Research Education Program created in 1990 and the National Organics Program created in 2002 are the current government-sponsored programs in support of sustainable agriculture. Recently, private approaches to develop a national sustainable agriculture standard for the U.S. have emerged. The events of the cases developed in the paper reveal that because the concept of sustainability is deeply contested, agribusiness is able to exploit the ambiguity surrounding the definition of sustainable and exercise power in attempts to frame sustainable agriculture in their favor. Most recently, this contested process has focused on whether geneticallymodified organisms (GMOs) will be included as part of the national sustainable agriculture standard.

URL: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/2/1/48/

Author Address: Department of Sociology, Campus Box 2446; Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, 77341-2446, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Contesto C, Milesi S, Mantelin S, Zancarini A, Desbrosses G, Varoquaux F, Bellini C, Kowalczyk M, Touraine B, Year: 2010 Title: * The auxin-signaling pathway is required for the lateral root response of Arabidopsis to the rhizobacterium Phyllobacterium brassicacearum.

Journal: Planta. 2010 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print].

Label: Physiol Abstract: Plant root development is highly responsive both to changes in nitrate availability and beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere. We previously showed that Phyllobacterium brassicacearum STM196, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria strain isolated from rapeseed roots, alleviates the inhibition exerted by high nitrate supply on lateral root growth. Since soil-borne bacteria can produce IAA and since this plant hormone may be implicated in the high nitrate-dependent control of lateral root development, we investigated its role in the root development response of Arabidopsis thaliana to STM196. Inoculation with STM196 resulted in a 50% increase of lateral root growth in Arabidopsis wild-type seedlings. This effect was completely abolished in aux1 and axr1 mutants, altered in IAA transport and signaling, respectively, indicating that these pathways are required. The STM196 strain, however, appeared to be a very low IAA producer when compared with the high-IAA-producing Azospirillum brasilense sp245 strain and its low-IAA-producing ipdc mutant.

Consistent with the hypothesis that STM196 does not release significant amounts of IAA to the host roots, inoculation with this strain failed to increase root IAA content. Inoculation with STM196 led to increased expression levels of several IAA biosynthesis genes in shoots, increased Trp concentration in shoots, and increased auxin-dependent GUS staining in the root apices of DR5::GUS transgenic plants. All together, our results suggest that STM196 inoculation triggers changes in IAA distribution and homeostasis independently from IAA release by the bacteria.

Author Address: Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Université Montpellier 2, IRD, CIRAD, SupAgro, INRA, CC 002, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Costa Font Montserrat, Gil Jose M Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Risk perceptions, risk attitudes and the formation of consumer acceptance of Genetically Modified (GM) food.

Journal: European Association of Agricultural Economists>113th Seminar, September 3-6, 2009, Chania, Crete, Greece Label: Adoption Conso EvaluationRisque Keywords: risk perceptions consumer acceptance risk attitudes GM food.

Abstract: The influence of risk perception and risk attitudes in the process of accepting genetically modified (GM) food is often ignored, and particularly whether both constructs (latent variables) have a combined effect in explaining consumer acceptance. Similarly, the inclusion of organic product standards juxtaposed to GM food is unknown. This paper attempts to shed some light on this question by examining the decision making process through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM). We use survey data from Spain and a set of theoretical constructs that allow us to identify independent mechanisms underlying individuals‘ risk decision making. Our results suggest that the conceptualized model captures the decision making process, and that both perceptions and attitudes toward risk have independent effects on consumer acceptance. However, the effect from risk perception is larger in intensity. Finally, attitudes towards organic production emerge as an informative determinant of attitudes towards GM food.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/58001 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/58001/2/CostaFont.pdf Author Address: CREDA-UPC-IRTA, Edifici ESAB,Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia, C/ Esteve Terrades, 8, 08860-Castelldefels (Barcelona) Spain,

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Costa-Font Montserrat, Tranter Richard, Gil Jose M, Jones Philip, Gylling Morten, Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Do defaults matter? Willingness to pay to avoid GM food vis-à-vis organic and conventional food in Denmark, Great Britain and Spain.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Society>84th Annual Conference, March 29-31, 2010, Edinburgh, Scotland Label: Adoption Keywords: Genetically modified food consumer behaviour choice models Denmark Grate Britain and Spain.

Abstract: The introduction and communication of new technologies in the food industries has given rise in the past to some scientific uncertainty that hampers informed choice. Here we draw upon the case of Genetically Modified (GM) technology and, in particular, on different types of GM food, to investigate consumers‘ behavioural reactions to GM food as well as their willingness to pay for avoiding GM food in three EU countries, Denmark, GB and Spain in 2007. Our unique contribution lies in that our empirical analysis concerns two food products containing different characteristics. In particular, we compare consumers‘ reactions to cornflakes (to represent a processed food) and tomatoes (to represent a 'fresh' food) juxtaposed with GM and conventionally produced food. Our results reveal that, although GM food is the least preferred production process (vis-à-vis organic or conventional food), consumers can be divided into two groups depending on their preferences for organic food. Namely, a first group is made up of GB and Spain where consumers are willing to pay a small, or modest, premium over the respective market average price, and a second group is that of Denmark where consumers‘ willingness to pay is significantly larger. Although risk is an influential characteristic, risk rankings indicate that GM food is perceived as less risky than irradiation, artificial growth hormones in food or pesticides used in the production process.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/91750 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/91750/2/43costafont_tranter_gil_jones_gylling.pdf Author Address: 1 CREDA-UPC-IRTA (Center for Agro-food Economy and Development), Edifici ESAB, Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia, C/Esteve Terrades, 8. 08860-Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.

2 Centre for Agricultural Strategy, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading. PO Box 237, Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AR, UKingdom 3 Danish Institute of Food and Resource Economics (KVL), Rolighedsvej 25, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Coucheron Dag H, Johansena Steinar D, (Guest Editors), Year: 2010 Title: * Special review issue on RNA in basic and applied research.

Journal: New Biotechnology Volume 27, Issue 3, 31 July 2010, Page 169 Special Issue: Biotechnology Annual Review 2010 - RNA Basics and Biotechnology Applications Label: Expression Bioerngineering physiol Review Abstract: Full text : The field of RNA research is rapidly expanding. About two decades ago the RNA universe appeared very limited and restricted to messenger RNAs and a few highly abundant natural RNAs. The discovery of catalytic RNA in the early 1980s, followed by the development of new methods of in vitro synthesis and amplification of RNA, the solving of complex RNA structures, and the modern RNomics have dramatically changed our view of RNA function, structure, biological role, and biotechnological prospects.

In September 2008 we arranged the scientific meeting ‗Current Topics in RNA Biology‘ with invited speakers, poster presentations, and short talks (www.RNA.no). The location was somewhat unusual since it was arranged on a ship (MS Finnmarken; http://hurtigruten.co.uk) sailing north at the cost of Northern Norway. Despite a heavy storm during parts of the trip, great science was presented on a variety of RNA topics. The contributors, representing well established and highly reputed researches as well as young scientists in the beginning of their careers, were then invited to submit review papers to this special RNA issue.

Here we present eleven timely and comprehensive reviews on basic and applied RNA research. The issue starts with two papers presenting different approaches to RNA structural modeling and design, followed by three papers on biotechnological applications and basic features of large catalytic RNAs (group I ribozyme, group II

ribozyme, and RNase P ribozyme). The discovery of small regulatory RNAs a few years ago has brought new dimensions to the RNA field. Thus, the papers on bacterial sRNA, siRNA and innate immunity, microRNA target prediction, and biological roles of zebrafish microRNA, all represent this small regulatory RNA research development. The issue is closed by two papers on RNA in genomic contexts – editing and intron splicing of plastid RNA, and RNA deep sequencing approach to marine bioprospecting.

Finally, we thank all the authors who contributed to this special RNA review issue, and our good colleague and friend Professor M. Raafat El-Gewely (Reviews Editor – New Biotechnology, Elsevier) for giving us the opportunity and trust in organizing this issue.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B8JG4-4YGHH0W3&_user=4296857&_coverDate=07%2F31%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_origin=browse& _zone=rslt_list_item&_srch=docinfo(%23toc%2343660%232010%23999729996%232099767%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=43660 &_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=12&_acct=C000012518&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=4296857&md5= 83e782dd2c139f53a257a814ca2c2c23&searchtype=a Author Address: RNA and Transcriptomics Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Crava Cristina M, Yolanda Bel, Juan Ferré, Baltasar Escriche Year: 2010 Title: * Absence of Cry1Ab resistance in a Spanish Ostrinia nubilalis population from an infested greenhouse.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 31-36.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe Resistance Abstract: Transgenic corn expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry1Ab has been planted in Spain to control corn borers as Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), since 1998. Indeed, 79 thousand hectares have been planted to Bt-maize in different Spanish areas in 2008. The high selective pressure may produce the development of resistance in populations of the target pest, decreasing the effectiveness of the transgenic crop. The selection may be even higher in neighbour crops in which O. nubilalis is a pest and where it is controlled by conventional Bt-spray products containing Cry1Ab. A sample of O. nubilalis was collected from a greenhouse in south-eastern Spain that was suffering high levels of infestation after repeated treatments with different Bt products. Insects were brought and reared in our laboratory and their susceptibility to activated Cry1Ab toxin, Cry1Ab protoxin and the Bt standard HD-1-S2005 product was tested. As a susceptible control, insects from France kept in the laboratory for more than 10 years without exposure to Bt were used. The ―effective growth inhibition‖ was recorded seven days after treatment and accounted for both dead larvae and larvae which not passed the first instar. PROBIT analyses of the data revealed no significant different response between the strains to activated Cry1Ab toxin and to HD-1S-2005. Cry1Ab protoxin showed 7-fold lower activity in the laboratory strain when compared to the field strain. These data suggest an absence of a relevant shift in the resistance to Cry1Ab in the insects from the field strain as compared to the laboratory one, and point to a deficient Bt product application in the greenhouses.

Author Address: Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Crocco CD, Holm M, Yanovsky MJ, Botto JF, Year: 2010 Title: * AtBBX21 and COP1 genetically interact in the regulation of shade avoidance.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 15 SEP 2010 02:40PM EST. Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: shade-avoidance syndrome (SAS) T-DNA mutants B-box zinc finger proteins canopy light Arabidopsis

PAR genes

Abstract: Summary Plants grown at high densities perceive, through the phytochrome system, the selective absorption of red (R) by canopy leaves, and reflection of far-red (FR) from neighbouring plants. This signal triggers morphological responses such as hypocotyl, stem elongation, and acceleration of flowering, which are known collectively as the shade-avoidance syndrome (SAS). Mutations in the photomorphogenic repressor COP1 suppress SAS, but how COP1 modulates these responses is uncertain. We identified a new mutant with altered responses to natural shade, named lhus for long hypocotyl under shade. lhus seedlings have longer hypocotyls than wild-type under low R:FR, but not under sunlight or darkness. lhus phenotype is due to a mutation affecting a B-box zinc finger transcription factor encoded by At1g75540, a gene previously reported as AtBBX21 that interacts with COP1 to control de-etiolation. Mutations in other members of this protein family are also impaired in SAS regulation. In short-term canopy shade, LHUS/BBX21 acts as positive regulator of SAS genes, such as PAR1, HFR1, PIL1 and ATHB2. In contrast, global expression analysis of wild-type and lhus/bbx21 seedlings reveals that a large number of genes involved in hormonal signalling pathways are negatively regulated by LHUS/BBX21 in response to a long-term canopy shade, and this observation fits well with the phenotype of lhus/bbx21 seedlings grown under low R:FR. Moreover, bbx21bbx22 restored SAS in the cop1 background. We propose that LHUS/BBX21 and other B-box-containing proteins, such as BBX22, act downstream of COP1 playing a central function in the early and long-term adjustment of SAS in natural environments.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04360.x Author Address: 1IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires y Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

2Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg University, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Cueno Marni, Hibi Yurina, Karamatsu Katsuo, Yasutomi Yasuhiro, Imai Kenichi, Laurena Antonio, Okamoto Takashi, Year: 2010 Title: * Preferential expression and immunogenicity of HIV-1 Tat fusion protein expressed in tomato plant.

Secondary Title: Transgenic Research 19, 5, 889-895.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Label: Biopharming Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - AIDS - Antibody response - Cellular immune response - HIV-1 Tat - Transgenic tomato Abstract: HIV-1 Tat plays a major role in viral replication and is essential for AIDS development making it an ideal vaccine target providing that both humoral and cellular immune responses are induced. Plant-based antigen production, due to its cheaper cost, appears ideal for vaccine production. In this study, we created a plant-optimized tat and mutant (Cys30Ala/Lys41Ala) tat (mtat) gene and ligated each into a pBI121 expression vector with a stop codon and a gusA gene positioned immediately downstream. The vector construct was bombarded into tomato leaf calli and allowed to develop. We thus generated recombinant tomato plants preferentially expressing a Tat-GUS fusion protein over a Tat-only protein. In addition, plants bombarded with either tat or mtat genes showed no phenotypic difference and produced 2-4 g Tat-GUS fusion protein per milligram soluble plant protein. Furthermore, tomato extracts intradermally inoculated into mice were found to induce a humoral and, most importantly, cellular immunity.

Notes: 35 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-009-9358-9 Author Address: (1) Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology¸ Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 1 Kawasumi, Misuho-cho, Mizuhoku, Nagoya Aichi, 467-8601, Japan (2) Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Vaccine Research, Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Tsukuba Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan (3) Biochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, 4031, Philippines XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Cueno Marni, Hibi Yurina, Imai Kenichi, Laurena Antonio, Okamoto Takashi.

Year: 2010 Title: * Impaired plant growth and development caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat. Secondary Title: Transgenic Research 19, 5, 903-913.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Label: Biopharming ImpactBiol Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Cytokinin - Cytokinin oxidase - HIV-1 Tat - Tomato - Transient expression Abstract: Previous attempts to express the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) Tat (trans-activator of transcription) protein in plants resulted in a number of physiological abnormalities, such as stunted growth and absence of seed formation, that could not be explained. In the study reported here, we expressed Tat in tomato and observed phenotypic abnormalities, including stunted growth, absence of root formation, chlorosis, and plant death, as a result of reduced cytokinin levels. These reduced levels were ascribed to a differentially expressed CKO35 in Tat-bombarded tomato. Of the two CKO isoforms that are naturally expressed in tomato, CKO43 and CKO37, only the expression of CKO37 was affected by Tat. Our analysis of the Tat confirmed that the Arg-rich and RGD motifs of Tat have functional relevance in tomato and that independent mutations at these motifs caused inhibition of the differentially expressed CKO isoform and the extracellular secretion of the Tat protein, respectively, in our Tat-bombarded tomato samples.

Notes: 32 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-010-9360-2 Author Address: (1) Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 1 Kawasumi, Misuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya Aichi, 467-8601, Japan (2) Biochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Laguna, 4031, Philippines XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Cuesta Arenas Yaite, Kalkman Eric RIC., Schouten Alexander, Dieho Mirjam, Vredenbregt Peter, Uwumukiza Beatrice, OsĂŠs Ruiz Miriam, van Kan Jan AL, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional analysis and mode of action of phytotoxic Nep1-like proteins of Botrytis cinerea.

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74, 5-6, 376-386.

Date: 2010/9// Label: FuRe Physiol Keywords: Gene expression Grey mould Necrotroph Phytotoxic proteins Site-directed mutagenesis Virulence factor Abstract: Nep1-like proteins (NLPs) induce necrosis and ethylene production in dicotyledonous plants.

Botrytis cinerea contains two genes encoding NLPs, named Bcnep1 and Bcnep2. The activity of both proteins as well as the expression and function of the genes was studied. The genes are differentially expressed during pathogenesis. Mutants in either the Bcnep1 or Bcnep2 gene were equally virulent as the wild type strain. Sitedirected mutant proteins were expressed in tobacco by agroinfiltration. Mutations in a conserved motif, or in either of two N-terminal cysteine residues abolished necrosis-inducing activity. The contribution of the plant to necrosis-inducing activity of B. cinerea NLPs was investigated using Arabidopsis mutants, virus-induced gene silencing and pharmacological inhibitors. The necrosis-inducing activity of B. cinerea NLPs does not seem to require cellular processes or defense signalling pathways previously identified to be involved in pathogeninduced plant cell death.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPC-50CDSK81/2/8d5eca3871b6eea128848621daa6390f Author Address: Wageningen University, Laboratory of Phytopathology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Cuibao Ning, Wang Fang, Yan-Ping Wang, Zhi-Zhou Zhang, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Constructing Expression Vector of New Fusion Enzyme and the Preliminary Investigation of Problems Appeared in the Process.

Journal: Biological Technology 2010 Vol 20 - 02 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: restriction endonuclease , PI-SCE Fok, pET28a, cloning , restriction enzyme digestion , Abstract: Objective: Fok restriction enzyme catalytic region gene (631bp) and PI-Sce ? recognition regionbased Taipa (546bp) to connect together and cloned into plasmid pET28a-~ + in the expression of new restriction enzyme fusion enzyme preparation. Methods: beer yeast and sea-bed Flavobacterium as template, PCR amplification of PI-Sce ? and Fok ? gene fragment, then they cloned plasmid pET28a ~ +, and then double-integrated plasmid digestion test. Results: the integration process, both PI-Sce ? or Fok ? gene fragment inserted into the vector can be successful alone, but insert the second paragraph of the gene, the enzyme showed that the gene fragment of about 600bp missing . Conclusion: missing probably because of two new genes linked to the conversion of toxic to host cells, host cell shear was carried out; these two genes may be the formation of a high-level structure will lead to not very good connection, resulting in loss phenomenon.

URL: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fr&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http://www.ilib2.com/P-ISSN~1004311X.html&rurl=translate.google.com Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Czarnak-Klos Marta, Rodríguez-Cerezo Emilio Year: 2010 Title: £ Best Practice Documents for coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming - 1. Maize crop production.

Journal: European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) Abstract: The European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB) was created in 2008 by the Directorate- General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to implement the Agriculture Council conclusions of 22 May 2006, inviting the Commission to engage in works related to coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM farming in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. The Council invited the European Commission to identify the best practices for technical segregation measures and to develop crop-specific guidelines for coexistence regulations while leaving the European Union (EU) Member States the necessary flexibility to adapt the recommendations to their specific climatic and agricultural conditions.

The ECoB, located on the premises of the JRC‘s Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), consists of a scientific Secretariat (formed by permanent JRC staff and seconded national experts) and cropspecific technical working groups (TWGs) consisting of technical experts nominated by interested Member States (currently one dealing with maize crop production).

The management practices for maize crop production proposed in this Best Practice Document (BPD) are the result of a consensus building process which started in October 2008. The ECoB Secretariat was responsible for collection of inputs from TWG members and exchange of information between them, analysis of the collected data and preparation of drafts of the Best Practice Document for consultation. The ECoB Secretariat proposed compromise solutions on controversial issues when necessary. This Best Practice Document was finally adopted by consensus within the Technical Working Group in May 2010.

For this BPD, about 30 stakeholder organisations were consulted via Advisory Groups managed by the Commission (on Cereals, Oilseeds and Proteins; on Organic Farming and on Rural Development including external stakeholder groups: EuropaBio, European Seed Association, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth).

• Legislative context In the Commission Recommendation of 23 July 2003 on guidelines for the development of national strategies and best practices to ensure the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming, coexistence refers to the ability of farmers to make a practical choice between conventional, organic and GMcrop production, in compliance with the legal obligations for labelling and/or purity standards.

The ability of the agricultural sector to provide both products is the key factor to ensure the consumers‘ freedom in this area. As agriculture is an open system, the possibility of adventitious presence of GM crops in

non- GM harvests exists and therefore suitable technical and organisational measures may be necessary to ensure coexistence and, consequently, consumers‘ choice further down the food chain.

The European legislation1 establishes a threshold, at a level of 0.9%, below which the marketed products containing adventitious or technically unavoidable traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) authorised to be used as and in products in the European Community do not require labelling. The Recommendation 2003/556/EC2 on guidelines for the development of national strategies and best practices to ensure coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming advises that the coexistence measures should not go beyond what is necessary to ensure that the legally binding threshold of 0.9% is respected. The current Best Practice Document has been developed in relation with that objective.

On 13 July 2010, the College has adopted a new Recommendation on coexistence replacing Commission Recommendation of 23 July 2003. The new Recommendation better reflects the possibility for Member States to establish coexistence measures to avoid the unintended presence of GMOs in conventional and organic crops and their need for sufficient flexibility to take into account their regional and national specificities and the particular local needs of conventional, organic and other types of crops and products.

This new Recommendation takes into account the fact that the potential loss of income for producers of particular agricultural products is not necessarily limited to exceeding the labelling threshold set out in EU legislation at 0.9%. In certain cases, depending on market demand and on the respective provisions of national legislations the presence of traces of GMOs in particular food crops –even at a level below 0.9%- may cause economic damage to operators who would wish to market them as non containing GMOs. In view of the new Recommendation, the best practices proposed in this document remain valid to ensure that legally binding threshold of 0,9% established by European legislation is respected, and given the flexibility of the options presented they represent also a useful tool for Member States which decide to aim at lower levels of admixture.

In addition, the Commission is currently working on the impact assessment of the establishment of thresholds for labelling GMO traces in conventional seeds and will examine the establishment of such thresholds in the light of the new policy on GMO cultivation.

The development of specific legislation or nonbinding coexistence guidelines is in the competence of individual Member States. According to the coexistence report3 of April 2009 published by the Commission, 15 Member States have at present adopted dedicated legislation on coexistence and three further Member States have notified drafts of the legislation to the Commission.

• Scope of the Best Practice Document This document, containing consensually agreed best practices for coexistence of GM maize with conventional and organic maize, is intended to assist Member States in the development or refinement of their coexistence legislation or voluntary standards for good agricultural practice. The document covers maize crop production, be it grain production, whole plant use or the sweet maize production. Maize seed production was not addressed in the document.

The document is applicable to currently grown heterozygous, single event GM maize. The proposed measures should be adapted in the case of different zygosity or copy numbers of GM loci being introduced in new varieties and approved for cultivation.

• Maize crop production in the EU In 2009, grain maize was cultivated on 5.6 million hectares in the EU, the highest share (29%) being cultivated in Romania. In the case of silage maize, the main European growers are France and Germany with an area of around 1.5 million hectares in each of those countries (Eurostat4, data retrieved February 2010).

Only limited data is available regarding organic maize production and the dedicated areas may vary considerably from year to year. The main producer of organic maize in Europe is Italy, with a share of organic maize production of about 1.8%.

As stated in the Commission report of 2009 on coexistence, the commercial experience with cultivation of GM maize is limited, as in 2008 the cultivation of the only authorised event, MON810, was reported by 6 Member States (CZ, DE, ES, PT, RO and SK) on a surface of about 100 000 ha (about 1.2% of the total maize acreage in EU 27 in this year). In 2009 GM maize cultivation was discontinued in Germany. The total area planted in the EU decreased to about 95 000 ha. The decrease was caused by several factors, including the decreased total area of maize production in Europe. Spain continued to be the largest EU grower with 80% of the total Bt maize area in Europe and an adoption of GM crops on the level of 22%.

• Review of the available information on management of adventitious GM presence in maize crop production Potential sources of GM admixture in non-GM maize crops and possible management practices Seed impurities Mixing in machinery Cross-fertilization Mixing in machinery Mixing during during sowing with GM maize during harvesting transport, drying &

storage Seed purity

Cleanliness of seed drillers

GM volunterers Spatial isolation (distances)

Cleanliness of harvester

Cleanliness of dryers, means of transport and storage

facilities Buffer/discard zone Temporal isolation (different flowering time) Control of volunteers The TWG-Maize has carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the available data concerning field experiments and commercial cultivation of GM maize conducted predominantly in European climatic conditions. The information was provided by TWG members who submitted publications (e.g. peer reviewed articles, results of monitoring conducted in Member States), unpublished results and descriptions of practices currently applied in Member States.

Various sources of possible GM admixture in non-GM harvests through the production chain were analysed by the TWG-Maize, as well as the factors influencing the GM admixture level. The possible sources of admixture during different steps of the production chain and relevant management practices are summarised in the figure above. > Seed purity The presence of GM seeds in non-GM seed lots was considered one of the critical issues. The TWG.Maize decided to discuss scenarios of best practices to limit outcrossing (the main source of GM admixture in maize crop production) to different levels (from 0.1% to 0.9%) to accommodate for different scenarios of impurities coming from seeds. The GM content in non.GM harvests was expressed in haploid genome equivalents in this document. > Outcrossing with GM maize Cross-pollination between maize fields has been widely studied in Europe in recent years. The outcrossing level can be mitigated by using the appropriate isolation distances, pollen barriers or separation of flowering time.

The recommendations to limit the outcrossing level were based on the results of field trials, modelling approach and some data regarding crop production.

The most widely used coexistence measure is based on spatial isolation of GM and non- GM fields. In the case of a measure being applied to limit the outcrossing to level below the legally binding labelling threshold (0.9%) the recommended isolation distance did not exceed 50 m.

In the case of fields located in close proximity the barren ground isolation distance can be replaced by maize plants (so called buffer or discard zones). Such maize barriers are usually more effective in reduction of outcrossing levels than the isolation distances. In the case of nonmaize barriers such an effect was not observed.

Several factors, like field size and shape, prevalent wind direction, the presence of physical barriers between the fields and land topography, were analysed as influencing the level of outcrossing between the maize fields.

These variables are however not easily represented or accounted for. Therefore, the TWG-Maize giving recommendations decided to consider the situation which favours the GM pollen flow (non- GM fields located downwind from the pollen donor) and not to propose any modifications of the measures according to the abovementioned variables.

The possible contribution of volunteers to the overall GM admixture content was discussed in the document and considered a minor source of GM content in non-GM harvests in present agricultural conditions. > Mixing with GM seeds/harvest during sowing, harvesting, transport and storage.

The available data regarding possible commingling with GM seeds/harvest during sowing, harvesting, transport and storage are very limited. The main source of GMO presence in non-GM harvests at the farm gate is the mixing of GM and non-GM material during harvesting. Harvesters used to collect the non-GM harvest after collecting the GM one should be therefore "flushed" with non-GM maize. â&#x20AC;˘ Costs of coexistence measures The costs associated with the application of management practices were already assessed in previous studies.

The costs of the use of isolation distances (the most widely applied management tool) will basically correspond to opportunity cost which relates to not growing GM varieties on certain parts of the farm and may vary depending on the regional conditions. In the case of the isolation distance being replaced by a buffer zone some direct costs connected to the sowing of two types of maize could also be taken into account. â&#x20AC;˘ Cross-border issues

Currently cross-border issues related to GM cultivation were analysed only by two Member States, Denmark and Germany. Both administrative and technical issues were identified as potentially problematic, as well as different liability and compensation schemes existing in those countries.

The development of consensually agreed guidelines for maize crop production may contribute to the reduction of these problems if, on the basis of best practices described in this document, technical segregation measures were to become similar in Member States. The issues regarding administrative and compensation schemes were outside the scope of the best practice document. â&#x20AC;˘ Best practices for coexistence measures in maize crop production The best practices were based on the abovementioned analysis of existing information concerning possible sources of adventitious presence of GM material in non-GM crops. On this basis, TWG members submitted their proposals for management practices, which were analysed and standardised by the ECoB Secretariat.

The TWG-Maize have consensually agreed the recommendation of the following best practices for each potential source of admixture: > Seed purity The seeds used by farmers should comply with the EU purity requirements. The seeds should be stored in a way that minimizes the risk of any unintended use of GM varieties and their commingling with non-GM varieties. > Outcrossing with GM maize The outcrossing with GM maize can be mitigated by applying appropriate spatial or temporal isolation measures. The spatial measures, like isolation distances and buffer or discard zones replacing isolation distance, can be applied in all Member States. The use of temporal measures, based on shifting the flowering times of GM and non-GM fields in order to prevent outcrossing, depends on climatic conditions and is limited to Mediterranean countries and Romania. > Isolation distances The isolation distances which allow mitigating outcrossing were proposed separately for maize grain production and whole plant use. In order to take into account different climatic and agronomic conditions, the recommendations given for any admixture level are expressed as a range. The outcrossing with GM maize is the only source of admixture taken into account. The table below shows the isolation distances recommended by the TWG-Maize.

Proposals for isolation distances which can be recommended to reduce outcrossing to different levels in case of grain maize and the whole plant use The isolation distances for admixture levels from 0.1% to 0.9% were proposed by the TWG-Maize, to allow for the adjustment of necessary practices according to different scenarios concerning GM content in seeds. This also allows adventitious or technically unavoidable presence from sources other than cross-pollination (machinery etc.) to be taken into account.

Proposals for isolation distances which can be recommended to reduce outcrossing to different levels in case of grain maize and the whole plant use Admixture level Proposed isolation distances grain maize whole plant use 0.1% 105 to 250 -500 m 85 to 120 m 0.2% 85 to 150 m 50 to 65 m 0.3% 70 to 100 m 30 to 55 m 0.4% 50 to 65 m 20 to 45 m 0.5% 35 to 60 m 15 to 40 m 0.6% 20 to 55 m 0 to 35 m 0.7% 20 to 50 m 0 to 30 m 0.8% 20 to 50 m 0 to 30 m 0.9% 15 to 50 m 0 to 25 m > Buffer/discard zones Buffer zones, created around the donor field, fully replacing the required isolation distance were considered a useful coexistence tool. In this situation the TWG-Maize recommended the replacement of 2 m of isolation distance by 1 m of buffer. The partial replacement of isolation distances by buffer zones needs further investigation. The discard zones created around the recipient field could also be an effective tool, however further investigation is needed to propose concrete measures. > Temporal isolation measures The use of temporal isolation measures was considered highly dependent on climatic conditions in a given Member State and its effectiveness may vary year to year. In general the

measures proposed below may replace spatial isolation measures and reduce outcrossing to levels below 0.1%.

The use of staggered sowing dates as a tool allowing to reduce outcrossing to levels below 0.1%, in the case of varieties having the same maturity class, can be recommended in the countries listed in the table below.

In France, according to the information provided by the French TWG member, the measure based on delayed sowing should be used only in combination with other measures (e.g. reduced isolation distance), according to specific recommendations published previously.

The use of varieties of different maturity classes as a tool to allow the reduction of outcrossing to levels below 0.1% in the case of varieties sown at the same date, was recommended in the case of the countries listed in the table below.

Minimal sowing delays recommended to reduce outcrossing between donor and receptor fields Member State Minimal sowing delays recommended Greece 45-50 days Italy at least 30 days Portugal 20 days Romania 15-20 days Similar to the staggered sowing dates case, in France the varieties of different maturity classes may be used in combination with other measures, according to specific recommendations published previously. > Admixture resulting from the use of the same seed drillers, harvesters, means of transport or storage places for different production systems All the machines, means of transport and storage places should be cleaned in an appropriate way in case the non.GM seeds or harvest were to be sown, harvested, transported or stored after the GM material. The use of dedicated machinery or storage places eliminates the risk of admixture.

• Areas where coexistence is difficult to achieve The TWG-Maize acknowledges the fact that in specific cases the application of recommended best practices may be difficult. Several factors may contribute to this, such as: smaller fields than considered in the isolation distance tables; elongated fields; short field depth; and a level of adoption of GM maize.

In those cases, alternative measures may be used, e.g. communication between farmers to minimise problems including the voluntary agreements on harvest labelling and clustering of fields of one production system.

• Review of the document and next TWG-Maize activities The TWG members expressed the need for periodical revision of the Best Practice Document as new data becomes available in the future. The timeframe of such revisions remains undecided.

The experts stressed as well that the harmonised approach to the monitoring of the efficiency of the coexistence measures is required and, possibly, the development of guidelines for such monitoring. This issue will be addressed by the Technical Working Group during its next activities.

Minimal differences in maturity classes recommended to reduce outcrossing between donor and receptor fields Member State Minimal recommended differences in maturity classes (in FAO units) Greece 400 Italy 200 Portugal 200 Romania 200 Slovenia 250 Spain 300 1) Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC. OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1–39 Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC. OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 24–28 2) Commission Recommendation of 23 July 2003 on guidelines for the development of national strategies and best practices to ensure the coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming.

OJL 189, 29.7.2003, p. 36–47 3) European Commission, 2009. Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming. COM (2009) 153 final.

4) http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/statistics/search_database URL: Maize http://ecob.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/Maize.pdf Author Address: Marta Czarnak-Klos (Best Practice Document author); Detached National Expert working for Directorate General Agriculture and Rural Development, seconded to JRC Institute for Prospective Technological Studies; Emilio Rodríguez Cerezo (Head of the European Coexistence Bureau); JRC Institute for Prospective Technological Studies; Europe XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Da Ines O, Graf W, Franck KI, Albert A, Winkler JB, Scherb H, Stichler W, Schaffner AR, Year: 2010 Title: * Kinetic analyses of plant water relocation using deuterium as tracer - reduced water flux of Arabidopsis pip2 aquaporin knockout mutants.

Journal: Plant Biology 12, 129-139.

Accession Number: WOS:000280999200014 Label: Physiol Abstract: Due to reduced evaporation and diffusion of water molecules containing heavier isotopes, leaf water possesses an elevated 18O or 2H steady-state content. This enrichment has been exploited in plant physiology and ecology to assess transpiration and leaf water relations. In contrast to these studies, in this work the 2H content of the medium of hydroponically grown Arabidopsis thaliana was artificially raised, and the kinetics of 2H increase in the aerial parts recorded during a short phase of 6-8 h, until a new equilibrium at a higher level was reached. A basic version of the enrichment models was modified to establish an equation that could be fitted to measured leaf 2H content during uptake kinetics. The fitting parameters allowed estimation of the relative water flux q(leaf) into the Arabidopsis rosette. This approach is quasi-non-invasive, since plants are not manipulated during the uptake process, and therefore, offers a new tool for integrated analysis of plant water relations. The deuterium tracer method was employed to assess water relocation in Arabidopsis pip2;1 and pip2;2 aquaporin knockout plants. In both cases, q(leaf) was significantly reduced by about 20%. The organ and cellular expression patterns of both genes imply that changes in root hydraulic conductivity, as previously demonstrated for pip2;2 mutants, and leaf water uptake and distribution contributed in an integrated fashion to this reduced flux in intact plants.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 URL: <Go to ISI>://000280999200014 Author Address: Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Daghan, H, Arslan M, Uygur V, Koleli N, Eren A, Year: 2010 Title: * The Cadmium Phytoextraction Efficiency of Scmtii Gene Bearing Transgenic Tobacco Plant.

Journal: Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Pages: 1974-1978 Published: AUG 2010.

Accession Number: WOS:000281303100011 Label: ReEn ImpactEnvironnement Bioremediation Keywords: Cadmium; Nicotiana tabacum; metallothionein; phytoremediation; transgenic KeyWords Plus: HEAVY-METAL DETOXIFICATION; METALLOTHIONEIN GENE; ENZYMEACTIVITY; RICE SEEDLINGS; ACCUMULATION; STRESS; PHYTOREMEDIATION; GLUTATHIONE; TOLERANCE; LEAD Abstract: Cadmium pollution is a serious world-wide problem affecting the human health and the environmental quality. Phytoremediation, the use of green plants to remove, sequester or detoxify pollutants offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to engineering-based methods for remediation. The T2 generations of the ScMTII gene bearing transgenic and non-transgenic tobacco plants were grown hydroponically in Hoagland nutrition solution containing 0, 5 and 10 mg/L Cd in controlled growth room to

determine their ability to uptake and accumulate Cd within the shoots and roots. There were no significant shoot and root thy weight differences between transgenic and non-transgenic tobacco plants. The ScMTII gene bearing transgenic tobacco plant accumulated 19.8% higher Cd than the non-transgenic tobacco plant in the above ground parts of the plant during the two weeks exposure period in hydroponic culture. In non-transgenic plant, however, Cd is accumulated mainly in the roots. The results of current study indicate that the use of the ScMTII gene bearing transgenic tobacco plant for Cd phytoremediation is limited. Further studies are needed to test the effectiveness of the ScMTII gene for phytoextraction of other heavy metal ions.

URL: <Go to ISI>://000281303100011 http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?Func=Frame&product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=End Note&UT=000281303100011&SID=V1Kd6fFiF52LDDH8DEM&Init=Yes&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=F ullRecord&customersID=ResearchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_image s%2Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: 1. Mustafa Kemal Univ, Fac Agr, Field Crops Dept, Antakya, Turkey 2. Mustafa Kemal Univ, Fac Agr, Dept Soil Sci, Antakya, Turkey 3. Mersin Univ, Fac Engn, Environm Fac, Mersin, Turkey XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Daskalova Sasha M, Josiah E Radder, Zbigniew A Cichacz, Sam H Olsen, George Tsaprailis, Hugh Mason, Linda C Lopez, Year: 2010 Title: * Engineering of N. benthamiana L. plants for production of N-acetylgalactosamine-glycosylated proteins - towards development of a plant-based platform for production of protein therapeutics with mucin type O-glycosylation.

Journal: BMC Biotechnology 2010, 10: 62 Label: Biopharming Abstract: Background Mucin type O-glycosylation is one of the most common types of post-translational modifications that impacts stability and biological functions of many mammalian proteins. A large family of UDP-GalNAc polypeptide:Nacetyl-alpha-galactosaminyltransferases (GalNAc-Ts) catalyzes the first step of mucin type O-glycosylation by transferring GalNAc to serine and/or threonine residues of acceptor polypeptides. Plants do not have the enzyme machinery to perform this process, thus restricting their use as bioreactors for production of recombinant therapeutic proteins.

Results The present study demonstrates that an isoform of the human GalNAc-Ts family, GalNAc-T2, retains its localization and functionality upon expression in N. benthamiana L. plants. The recombinant enzyme resides in the Golgi as evidenced by the fluorescence distribution pattern of the GalNAc-T2:GFP fusion and alteration of the fluorescence signature upon treatment with Brefeldin A. A GalNAc-T2-specific acceptor peptide, the 113136 aa fragment of chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit, is glycosylated in vitro by the plant-produced enzyme at the "native" GalNAc attachment sites, Ser-121 and Ser-127. Ectopic expression of GalNAc-T2 is sufficient to "arm" tobacco cells with the ability to perform GalNAc-glycosylation, as evidenced by the attachment of GalNAc to Thr-119 of the endogenous enzyme endochitinase. However, the capacity for glycosylation of recombinant glycoproteins expressed at very high levels, such as the magnICON-expressed E. coli enterotoxin B subunit:H.sapiens mucin 1 tandem repeat-derived peptide fusion protein (LTBMUC1), is limited by the low endogenous UDP-GalNAc substrate pool and the insufficient translocation of UDP-GalNAc to the Golgi lumen. Further genetic engineering of the GalNAc-T2 plants by co-expressing Y. enterocolitica UDP-GlcNAc 4-epimerase gene and C. elegans UDP-GlcNAc/UDP-GalNAc transporter gene overcomes these limitations as indicated by the expression of the model LTBMUC1 protein exclusively as a glycoform.

Conclusion Plant bioreactors can be engineered that are capable of producing Tn antigen-containing recombinant therapeutics.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6750-10-62.pdf Author Address: 1 Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA 2 Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA

3Center for Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Davies HM Year: 2010 Title: * Commercialization of whole-plant systems for biomanufacturing of protein products: evolution and prospects.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal 8, 8, 845-861.

Label: Biopharming Review Keywords: Plant-made pharmaceuticals molecular farming pharming pharmaceuticals biotechnology Abstract: Summary Technology for enabling plants to biomanufacture nonnative proteins in commercially significant quantities has been available for just over 20 years. During that time, the agricultural world has witnessed rapid commercialization and widespread adoption of transgenic crops enhanced for agronomic performance (herbicide-tolerance, insect-resistance), while plant-made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) and plant-made industrial products (PMIPs) have been limited to experimental and small-scale commercial production. This difference in the rate of commercial implementation likely reflects the very different business-development challenges associated with ‘product’ technologies compared with ‘enabling’ (‘platform’) technologies. However, considerable progress has been made in advancing and refining plant-based production of proteins, both technologically and in regard to identifying optimal business prospects. This review summarizes these developments, contrasting today’s technologies and prospective applications with those of the industry’s formative years, and suggesting how the PM(I)P industry’s evolution has generated a very positive outlook for the ‘plant-made’ paradigm.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00550.x Author Address: Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center, and Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: DeFraia CT, Zhang X, Mou Z, Year: 2010 Title: * Elongator Subunit 2 Is an Accelerator of Immune Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 28 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: DisRe Keywords: AtELP2 NPR1 plant immunity salicylic acid systemic acquired resistance gene transcription Abstract: SUMMARY Immune responses in eukaryotes involve rapid and profound transcriptional reprogramming. Although mechanisms regulating the amplitude of defense gene expression have been extensively characterized, those controlling the speed of defense gene induction are not well understood. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis Elongator subunit 2 (AtELP2) regulates the kinetics of defense gene induction.

AtELP2 is required for rapid defense gene induction and the establishment of full basal and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Surprisingly, biological or chemical induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a longlasting plant immunity against a broad-spectrum of pathogens, restores pathogen resistance to Atelp2 mutant plants. Simultaneous removal of AtELP2 and NPR1, a transcription coactivator essential for full-scale expression of a subset of defense genes and the establishment of SAR, completely abolishes resistance to two different ETI-inducing pathogens. These results demonstrate that AtELP2 is an accelerator of defense gene induction, which functions largely independent of NPR1 in establishing plant immunity.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04345.x Author Address: Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110700, Gainesville, FL 32611. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Delis C, Krokida A, Georgiou S, Pena-Rodriguez LM, Kavroulakis N, Ioannou E, Roussis V, Osbourn AE, Papadopoulou KK, Year: 2010

Title: * Role of lupeol synthase in Lotus japonicus nodule formation.

Journal: New Phytologist - Article first published online: 24 SEP 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Lotus japonicus lupeol synthase nodules roots symbiosis triterpenes Abstract: •Triterpenes are plant secondary metabolites, derived from the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene by oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs). Here, we investigated the role of lupeol synthase, encoded by OSC3, and its product, lupeol, in developing roots and nodules of the model legume Lotus japonicus.

•The expression patterns of OSC3 in different developmental stages of uninfected roots and in roots infected with Mesorhizobium loti were determined. The tissue specificity of OSC3 expression was analysed by in situ hybridization. Functional analysis, in which transgenic L. japonicus roots silenced for OSC3 were generated, was performed. The absence of lupeol in the silenced plant lines was determined by GC-MS. •The expression of ENOD40, a marker gene for nodule primordia initiation, was increased significantly in the OSC3-silenced plant lines, suggesting that lupeol influences nodule formation. Silenced plants also showed a more rapid nodulation phenotype, consistent with this. Exogenous application of lupeol to M. loti-infected wild-type plants provided further evidence for a negative regulatory effect of lupeol on the expression of ENOD40.

•The synthesis of lupeol in L. japonicus roots and nodules can be solely attributed to OSC3. Taken together, our data suggest a role for lupeol biosynthesis in nodule formation through the regulation of ENOD40 gene expression.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03463.x Author Address: 1Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa 41221, Greece 2Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México 3National Agricultural Research Foundation, Institute of Chania, Greece 4National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Athens, Greece 5John Innes Centre, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Delker Carolin, Poschl Yvonne, Raschke Anja, Ullrich Kristian, Ettingshausen Stefan, Hauptmann Valeska, Grosse Ivo, Quint Marcel, Year: 2010 Title: * Natural Variation of Transcriptional Auxin Response Networks in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2184-2200.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Natural variation has been observed for various traits in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we investigated natural variation in the context of physiological and transcriptional responses to the phytohormone auxin, a key regulator of plant development. A survey of the general extent of natural variation to auxin stimuli revealed significant physiological variation among 20 genetically diverse natural accessions. Moreover, we observed dramatic variation on the global transcriptome level after induction of auxin responses in seven accessions.

Although we detect isolated cases of major-effect polymorphisms, sequencing of signaling genes revealed sequence conservation, making selective pressures that favor functionally different protein variants among accessions unlikely. However, coexpression analyses of a priori defined auxin signaling networks identified variations in the transcriptional equilibrium of signaling components. In agreement with this, cluster analyses of genome-wide expression profiles followed by analyses of a posteriori defined gene networks revealed accession-specific auxin responses. We hypothesize that quantitative distortions in the ratios of interacting signaling components contribute to the detected transcriptional variation, resulting in physiological variation of auxin responses among accessions.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2184 Author Address: a Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Independent Junior Research Group, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany b Institute of Computer Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Demanèche S, Simonet P Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Biotic and abiotic regulation of recombinant DNA transfer from transgenic plants to soil bacteria.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Transfert Abstract: The possible transfer of recombinant DNA from transgenic plants to soil bacteria is one of the issues that feed the ongoing debate about the ecological safety of plant transgenic technology. Societal concerns regarding bacteria are especially related to the potential dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants in the environment that raise fundamental evolution questions about gene transfer between species and kingdoms.

The objectives of my talk will be to present an overview of the investigations that we carried out recently to understand how horizontal gene transfers (HGT) in bacteria are regulated. This will include the role of the various bacterial cell mechanisms involved in the regulation of acquisition and integration of foreign DNA with a particular emphasis on DNA originating from plants.

I will also indicate how plant bacteria DNA fl ow can be regulated by environmental conditions in some plant related ecosystems, which are hot spots for HGT compared to the bulk soil. Most of these results were obtained from laboratory and green house experiments.

I will compare to results from a fi eld experiment in which the ampicillin resistance bla-TEM1 gene of the Bt176 transgenic maize was targeted in the soil bacteria community by culture dependent and independent technologies.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, UMR CNRS 5005, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Demont M, Devos Y, Sanvido O, Year: 2010 Title: Towards flexible coexistence regulations for GM crops in the EU Journal: EuroChoices, Volume 9, Number 2, August 2010 , pp. 18-24(7).

Accession Number: CABI:20103256749 Label: InRe HeTo Dispersion Reglement Socioeconomic Abstract: The European Union (EU) is currently facing a challenge that might unnecessarily hamper the adoption of GM crops: regulating the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. Member states are currently implementing or developing both ex ante coexistence regulations and ex post liability schemes to ensure that both GM and non-GM crops can be cultivated in the EU. In this article, we explore in detail how national and/or regional policymakers can build in a certain degree of flexibility in ex ante coexistence regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on certain agricultural options and avoid jeopardising the economic incentives for coexistence. We use the example of GM maize as a case study, being the only GM crop planted over a significant area in the EU. We conclude that flexibility could be integrated into regulations at different levels: (i) at the regulatory level by relaxing some of the regulatory rigidity in ex ante regulations; (ii) at the farm level by allowing the substitution of isolation distances by pollen barriers; and (iii) at the national/regional level through plural coexistence measures, consistent with heterogeneity of farming in the EU. French : L'Union européenne (UE) est actuellement confrontée à un défi qui pourrait entraver inutilement l'adoption des cultures transgéniques : la réglementation de la coexistence de cultures transgéniques et nontransgéniques. Les États membres sont en train de mettre en œuvre ou de développer à la fois des réglementations de coexistence a priori et des dispositifs de responsabilité a posteriori, afin de permettre la coexistence des deux types de cultures dans l'UE. Dans cet article, nous envisageons en détail comment les décideurs de l'action publique au niveau national et/ou régional peuvent introduire un certain degré de flexibilité dans les réglementations de coexistence a priori afin de réduire le poids réglementaire de certaines

options agricoles et d'éviter de compromettre les incitations économiques à la coexistence. Nous utilisons l'exemple du maïs transgénique, seul culture transgénique occupant une superficie non négligeable dans l'UE. Nous concluons que la flexibilité pourrait être intégrée dans les réglementations à différents niveaux : (i) au niveau réglementaire en assouplissant certaines des rigidités dans les réglementations a priori; (ii) au niveau de l'exploitation en permettant la substitution des distances de séparation par des barrièrs à pollen; et (iii) au niveau national/régional par le biais de mesures plurielles de coexistence, cohérentes avec l'hétérogénéité de l'agriculture européenne.

URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/euch/2010/00000009/00000002/art00004 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1746-692X.2009.00135.x/full Author Address: 1: Matty Demont, Principal Agricultural Economist, Africa Rice Center (Africa Rice), SaintLouis, Senegal and previously Centre for Agricultural and Food Economics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

2: Yann Devos, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Department of Plant Production, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

3: Olivier Sanvido, Research Scientist, Agroscope Reckenholz Tänikon Research Station ART, Zurich, Switzerland.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Devos Yann, Mathias Cougnon, Sofie Vergucht, Robert Bulcke, Geert Haesaert, Walter Steurbaut, Dirk Reheul, Year: 2010 Title: * Environmental impact of herbicide regimes used with genetically modified herbicide-resistant maize.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 43-48.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: HeTo ImpactBiol ImpactEnvironnement Resistance Sante Abstract: With the potential advent of genetically modified herbicide-resistant (GMHR) crops in the EU, changes in patterns of herbicide use are predicted. Broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicides used with GMHR crops are expected to substitute for a set of currently used herbicides, which might alter the agro-environmental footprint from crop production. To test this hypothesis, the environmental impact of various herbicide regimes currently used with non- GMHR maize in Belgium was calculated and compared with that of possible herbicide regimes applied in GMHR maize. Impacts on human health and the environment were calculated via the pesticide occupational and environmental risk (POCER) indicator. Results showed that the environmental impact of herbicide regimes solely relying on the active ingredients glyphosate (GLY) or glufosinateammonium (GLU) is lower than that of herbicide regimes used in non-GMHR maize. This beneficial environmental impact is reduced or counterbalanced depending upon the use of other herbicides in association with GLY or GLU in GMHR maize.

Author Address: Belgium XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Devos Yann, Sylvie Mestdagh, Karine Lheureux, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ EFSA‘s activities on the environmental risk assessment of GM plants.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 37-42.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: EvaluationRisque DiscussionPaper Abstract: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a central role in the risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants in the European Union by providing (1) independent science-based advice on the safety of GM plants and derived food and feed products, and (2) risk assessment guidance to assist applicants in the preparation and presentation of their GM plant market authorisation applications. The EFSA‘s scientific panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO Panel) has taken several initiatives to consider the latest experience gained, as well as technological progress and scientific developments made in the field of the

risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed products. In this respect, the EFSA GMO Panel is currently in the process of revising the environmental sections of its guidance document for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed products.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: D'haeseleer Katrien, De Keyser Annick, Goormachtig Sofie, Holsters Marcelle, Year: 2010 Title: * Transcription Factor MtATB2: About Nodulation, Sucrose and Senescence.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1416-1424.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Differential expression Medicago truncatulaIn determinate nodule Sucrose homeostasis Symbiosis Abstract: The symbiotic interaction between legumes and rhizobia results in root nodules with nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. Throughout the lifespan of the nodules, the exchange of C sources and N compounds between the host plant and the bacteria is tightly balanced. Sucrose plays a major role in the provision of C skeletons and energy to the bacteroids. Transcription of MtATB2, encoding a bZIP transcription factor, is shown to be regulated by sucrose and is enhanced during nodule senescence. Transcripts occur in the nodule apex and in the vascular tissue of nodules and roots. Ectopic expression of the gene diminished nodule formation and affected root growth. Presumably, MtATB2 controls processes that are under sucrose homeostasis and are important for nodule and root growth.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1416.abstract Author Address: 1Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium 2Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Di Marzio Walter D, María E. Sáenz, José L. Alberdi, Nicolás Fortunato, Verónica Cappello, Clarisa Montivero, Gabriela Ambrini, Year: 2010 Title: * Environmental Impact of Insecticides Applied on Biotech Soybean Crops in Relation to the Distance from Aquatic Ecosystems.

Journal: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Volume 29, Issue 9, pages 1907–1917, September 2010 Accession Number: WOS:000281200700004 Label: HeTo InRe ImpactPesticide Abstract: Aquatic environments located in areas cultivated with biotech soybean were studied. Water and sediment samples were analyzed for insecticides, acute toxicity, genotoxicity, detoxification biomarkers, and fish diversity. Samples were taken in the core area of soybean cultivation in Argentina; all measures were related to the distance between the crops and the streams sampled. Endosulfan (alpha + beta) concentrations as high as 553.33 mu g/kg were found in sediments from environments located at 0.15 m from treated fields.

Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) gene expression in fish showed the highest correlation with the environmental concentration of endosulfan. These biomarkers and mortality of amphipods significantly correlated with the concentration of endosulfan in water and sediment, which correlates inversely with the distance between the crop and streams. The differences with respective controls disappear at distances greater than 5 m. The fish diversity was significantly lower from distances between the margin of the stream and soybean crops, not exceeding 2 m.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/etc.246/abstract Author Address: 1National Council of Scientific and Technical Researches CONICET, Avda. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina 2Ecotoxicology Research Program, Department of Basic Sciences, National University of Luján, B6700 Luján, Argentina 3Provincial Agency for Sustainable Development, Government of the Province of Buenos Aires, B1900 La Plata, Argentina XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Dietrich P, Anschuetz U, Kugler A, Becker D, Year: 2010 Title: * Physiology and biophysics of plant ligand-gated ion channels.

Journal: Plant Biology Volume: 12 Pages: 80-93 Supplement: Suppl. 1 Published: SEP 2010.

Accession Number: WOS:000280999200009 Label: Physiol DisRe ReEn Keywords: Author Keywords: Cyclic nucleotides; glutamate; intra- and extracellular signalling ligands KeyWords Plus: PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH; RECEPTOR-LIKE GENE; CALMODULIN-BINDING TRANSPORTER; IONOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS; CYCLIC-NUCLEOTIDE; ARABIDOPSISTHALIANA; PLASMA-MEMBRANE; NITROGEN-METABOLISM; TRANSGENIC PLANTS; K+ CHANNELS Abstract: Small molecules and metabolites often act as intra- or extracellular messengers in signal transduction pathways. Ligand-gated ion channels provide a mean to transduce those biochemical signals at the membrane into electrical events and ion fluxes. In plants, cyclic nucleotides and glutamate represent intra- and extracellular signalling ligands, respectively. While the former have been shown to regulate voltage-dependent ion channels and are supposed to activate cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels, the latter are perceived by ionotropic glutamate receptors (GLRs). This review summarises our current knowledge about CNG channels and glutamate receptors in plants and their proposed roles in plant development and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 URL: <Go to ISI>://000280999200009 http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?Func=Frame&product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=End Note&UT=000280999200009&SID=V23El2J7g88M5fAbO5i&Init=Yes&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=Full Record&customersID=ResearchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images %2Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: 1. Erlangen Univ, Dept Biol, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany 2. Univ Wurzburg, D-97082 Wurzburg, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Dillen Koen, Mitchell PD, Van Looy T, Tollens E, Year: 2010 Title: * The western corn rootworm, a new threat to European agriculture: opportunities for biotechnology?

Journal: Pest Management Science Volume: 66 Issue: 9 Pages: 956-966 Published: SEP 2010.

Accession Number: WOS:000281368100005 Label: InRe Efficacite Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: Author Keywords: biotechnology; GM crops; Bt maize; Monte Carlo simulation; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera KeyWords Plus: CHRYSOMELIDAE LARVAL INJURY; ANTE IMPACT ASSESSMENT; PESTMANAGEMENT; SUGAR-BEET; COLEOPTERA; INSECTICIDES; MAIZE; RESISTANT; HUNGARY; MODEL Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the early 1990s, the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte (WCR), a maize pest, invaded the European continent. The continuous spread of the pest has introduced a new constraint into European maize production. As the damage caused by the invasive species is highly variable and different crop protection (CP) strategies are available, farmers' optimal strategies are not obvious. This study uses a simulation model to assess the competitiveness of different CP strategies in seven Central European countries. RESULTS: Results indicate a high degree of heterogeneity in the profitability of different CP strategies, depending on the production parameters in each country. In general, crop rotation and Bt maize offer the best solutions to farmers, but, in continuous (non-rotated) maize cultivation, chemical CP options may capture part of the market. For Austrian continuous maize production it is found that not deregulating Bt maize implies that farmers forego revenues of up to (sic)59 ha(-1). CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of WCR, producing maize by an economically sound method requires incorporating country- and farm-specific characteristics into the decision framework. Also, not deregulating Bt maize has direct monetary consequences for many farmers that could influence total maize output and resistance management.

URL: <Go to ISI>://000281368100005

http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=EndNote&UT=00 0281368100005&SID=V23El2J7g88M5fAbO5i&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=FullRecord&customersID=R esearchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images%2Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: 1. Katholieke Univ Leuven, Div Agr & Food Econ, Dept Earth & Environm Sci, B-3001 Louvain, Belgium 2. Univ Wisconsin, Dept Agr & Appl Econ, Madison, WI USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Dolgikh EA, Leppyanen IV, Osipova MA, Savelyeva NV, Borisov AY, Tsyganov VE, Geurts R, Tikhonovich IA, Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic dissection of Rhizobium-induced infection and nodule organogenesis in pea based on ENOD12A and ENOD5 expression analysis.

Journal: Plant Biology Article first published online: 17 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Genetic dissection Nod factor nodulation nodulins Pisum sativum signal transduction symbiotic mutants Abstract: In legumes, perception of rhizobial lipochitooligosacharide-based molecules (Nod factors) and subsequent signal transduction triggers transcription of plant symbiosis-specific genes (early nodulins). We present genetic dissection of Nod factor-controlled processes in Pisum sativum using two early nodulin genes PsENOD12a and PsENOD5, that are differentially up-regulated during symbiosis. A novel set of nonnodulating pea mutants in fourteen loci was examined, among which seven loci are not described in Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. Mutants defective in Pssym10, Pssym8, Pssym19, Pssym9 and Pssym7 exhibited no PsENOD12a and PsENOD5 activation in response to Nod factor-producing rhizobia. Thus, a conserved signalling module from the LysM receptor kinase encoded by Pssym10 down to the GRAS transcription factor encoded by Pssym7 is essential for Nod factor-induced gene expression. Of the two investigated genes, PsENOD5 was more strictly regulated; not only requiring the SYM10â€―SYM7 module, but also SYM35 (NIN transcription factor), SYM14, SYM16 and SYM34. Since Pssym35, Pssym14, Pssym34 and Pssym16 mutants show arrested infection and nodule formation at various stages, PsENOD5 expression seems to be essential for later symbiotic events, when rhizobia enter into plant tissues. Activation of PsENOD12a only requires components involved in early steps of signalling and can be considered as a marker of early symbiotic events preceding infection.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00372.x Author Address: 1 All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology (ARRIAM), St. Petersburg, Russia 2 St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia 3 Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University (WU), Wageningen, the Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Dong C-J, Wang Y, Yu S-S, Liu J-Y. Year: 2010 Title: * Characterization of a Novel Rice Metallothionein Gene Promoter: Its Tissue Specificity and Heavy Metal Responsiveness.

Journal: Journal of Integrative Plant Biology 52, 10, 914-924.

Label: ReEn Expression Metaux Abstract: Abstract The rice (Oryza sativa L.) metallothionein gene OsMT-I-4b has previously been identified as a type I MT gene. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism involved in its tissue specificity and abiotic induction, we isolated a 1 730 bp fragment of the OsMT-I-4b promoter region. Histochemical β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining indicated a precise spacial and temporal expression pattern in transgenic Arabidopsis. Higher GUS activity was detected in the roots and the buds of flower stigmas, and relatively lower GUS staining in the shoots was restricted to the trichomes and hydathodes of leaves. No activity was observed in the stems and seeds. Additionally, in the root of transgenic plants, the promoter activity was highly upregulated by various

environmental signals, such as abscisic acid, drought, dark, and heavy metals including Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Al3+. Slight induction was observed in transgenic seedlings under salinity stress, or when treated with Co2+ and Cd2+. Promoter analysis of 5′-deletions revealed that the region ∑583/∑1 was sufficient to drive strong GUS expression in the roots but not in the shoots. Furthermore, deletion analysis indicated important promoter regions containing different metal-responsive cis-elements that were responsible for responding to different heavy metals. Collectively, these findings provided important insight into the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the OsMT-I-4b promoter, and the results also gave us some implications for the potential application of this promoter in plant genetic engineering.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7909.2010.00966.x Author Address: Laboratory of Molecular Biology and MOE Laboratory of Protein Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Downes S, Mahon RJ, Rossiter L, Kauter G, Leven T, Fitt G, Baker G, Year: 2010 Title: * Adaptive management of pest resistance by Helicoverpa species (Noctuidae) in Australia to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II cotton.

Journal: Evolutionary Applications 3, 5-6, 574-584.

Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: agriculture Bacillus thuringiensis cotton Helicoverpa species pest management resistance transgenic Abstract: Abstract In Australia, monitoring Helicoverpa species for resistance to the Cry2Ab toxin in second generation Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has precisely fulfilled its intended function: to warn of increases in resistance frequencies that may lead to field failures of the technology. Prior to the widespread adoption of twogene Bt cotton, the frequency of Cry2Ab resistance alleles was at least 0.001 in H. armigera and H. punctigera.

In the 5 years hence, there has been a significant and apparently exponential increase in the frequency of alleles conferring Cry2Ab resistance in field populations of H. punctigera. Herein we review the history of deploying and managing resistance to Bt cotton in Australia, outline the characteristics of the isolated resistance that likely impact on resistance evolution, and use a simple model to predict likely imminent resistance frequencies. We then discuss potential strategies to mitigate further increases in resistance frequencies, until the release of a third generation product. These include mandating larger structured refuges, applying insecticide to crops late in the season, and restricting the area of Bollgard II® cotton. The area planted to Bt-crops is anticipated to continue to rise worldwide; therefore the strategies being considered in Australia are likely to relate to other situations.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00146.x Author Address: 1 CSIRO Entomology, Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri, NSW, Australia 2 CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, ACT, Australia 3 Industry and Investment NSW, Australian Cotton Research Institute, Narrabri, NSW, Australia 4 Cotton Australia Limited, Mascot, NSW, Australia 5 Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Narrabri, NSW, Australia 6 CSIRO Entomology, Indooroopilly, Qld, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Downes S, Parker T, Mahon R, Year: 2010 Title: * Incipient Resistance of Helicoverpa punctigera to the Cry2Ab Bt Toxin in Bollgard II® Cotton.

Journal: PLoS ONE 5(9): e12567. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012567 Label: InRe Resistance Abstract: Combinations of dissimilar insecticidal proteins (―pyramids‖) within transgenic plants are predicted to delay the evolution of pest resistance for significantly longer than crops expressing a single transgene. Fieldevolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic crops has been reported for first generation, singletoxin varieties and the Cry1 class of proteins. Our five year data set shows a significant exponential increase in the frequency of alleles conferring Cry2Ab resistance in Australian field populations of Helicoverpa punctigera since the adoption of a second generation, two-toxin Bt cotton expressing this insecticidal protein. Furthermore,

the frequency of cry2Ab resistance alleles in populations from cropping areas is 8-fold higher than that found for populations from non-cropping regions. This report of field evolved resistance to a protein in a dual-toxin Bt-crop has precisely fulfilled the intended function of monitoring for resistance; namely, to provide an early warning of increases in frequencies that may lead to potential failures of the transgenic technology.

Furthermore, it demonstrates that pyramids are not ‗bullet proof‘ and that rapid evolution to Bt toxins in the Cry2 class is possible.

Notes: This work was funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, http://www.crdc.com.au/, grant CSE0002 to Downes and Mahon. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

URL: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0012567 Author Address: CSIRO Entomology, ACRI, Narrabri, Australia, 2 CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Drechsel Gabriele, Raab Sabine, Hoth Stefan, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis zinc-finger protein 2 is a negative regulator of ABA signaling during seed germination.

Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology 167, 16, 1418-1421.

Date: 2010/11/1/ Label: Physiol Keywords: ABA Arabidopsis AZF2 Seed germination Stress signaling Abstract: The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) mediates plant development and adaptation to environmental stresses. ABA-dependent transcription factors are central regulators of ABA signaling. Here, we report on the identification of the ABA-induced transcriptional repressor Arabidopsis zinc-finger protein 2 (AZF2) as ABA signaling component. We isolated azf2-1 mutants lacking AZF2 full-length transcripts that were hypersensitive to ABA during seed germination. In line with a function of AZF2 in seed germination and seedling development, AZF2-promoter activity was observed in radicles and young cotyledons of AZF2-promoter:GUS plants. Our results indicate that AZF2 is a negative regulator of ABA signaling in seeds.

Notes: 28 Ref. URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7GJ7-50GKC2R2/2/563f728e7784e872530f59a409fc9d6c Author Address: Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstrasse 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Duan Qiaohong, Kita Daniel, Li Chao, Cheung Alice Y, Wu Hen-Ming, Year: 2010 Title: * FERONIA receptor-like kinase regulates RHO GTPase signaling of root hair development.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published ahead of print September 27, 2010, doi:10.1073/pnas.1005366107 Accession Number: 10.1073/pnas.1005366107 Label: Physiol Keywords: RAC/ROP; reactive oxygen species; ROPGEF; signal transduction; surface regulator; Abstract: Plant RHO GTPases (RAC/ROPs) mediate multiple extracellular signals ranging from hormone to stress and regulate diverse cellular processes important for polarized cell growth, differentiation, development, reproduction, and responses to the environment. They shuttle between the GDP-bound inactive state and the GTP-bound activated state and their activation is predominantly mediated by a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) referred to as ROPGEFs. Using the Arabidopsis ROPGEF1 as bait, we identified members of a receptor-like kinase (RLK) family as potential upstream regulators for RAC/ROP signaling.

NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are emerging as important regulators for growth and development and play a crucial role in mediating RAC/ROP-regulated root hair development, a polarized cell growth process. We therefore screened T-DNA insertion mutants in these RLKs for root hair defects and found that mutations in one of them, At3g51550 encoding the FERONIA (FER) receptor-like kinase, induced severe root hair defects. We show that the fer phenotypes correlated with reduced levels of active RAC/ROPs and NADPH oxidase-dependent, auxin-regulated ROS accumulation in roots and root hairs and that up-regulating

RAC/ROP signaling in fer countered the mutant phenotypes. Taken together, these observations strongly support FER as an upstream regulator for the RAC/ROP-signaled pathway that controls ROS-mediated root hair development. Moreover, FER was pulled down by ROP2 GTPase in a guanine nucleotide-regulated manner implying a dynamic signaling complex involving FER, a ROPGEF, and a RAC/ROP. URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/22/1005366107.abstract Author Address: aDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, bMolecular Cell Biology Program, and cPlant Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Dwivedi Krishna K, Roche Dominique, Carman John G, Year: 2010 Title: * Expression in Arabidopsis of a nucellus-specific promoter from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus).

Journal: Plant Science 179, 5, 549-552.

Date: 2010/11// Label: Physiol Keywords: Apomixis Arabidopsis Ovule development Nucellus-specific expression Transgenic plants Abstract: Though many tissue-specific promoters have been identified, few have been associated specifically with the angiospermous megasporangium (nucellus). In the present study the 2000-bp regulatory region upstream to the watermelon, Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai, gene WM403 (GenBank accession no. AF008925), which shows nucellus-specific expression, was cloned from watermelon gDNA and fused to the ß-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS). The resulting plasmid, WM403 Prom::GUS+, which also contained NPTII, was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Co1-0. Seedlings were selected on kanamycincontaining medium, and transformants were confirmed by PCR. GUS assays of T3 transformants revealed weak promoter activation in epidermal layers of the placenta and locule septum during premeiotic ovule development but strong activation in the nucellus, embryo sac and early embryo, from early embryo sac formation to early globular embryo formation. Expression in seeds was absent thereafter. These results indicate that the WM403 promoter may be useful in driving nucellus-specific gene expression in plants including candidate genes for important nucellus-specific traits such as apospory or adventitious embryony.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TBH-50P4N142/2/5bbdbc1eb814604bb2f6d4ff72ad94f6 Author Address: a Caisson Laboratories, Inc., 1740 Research Park Way, North Logan, UT 84341, USA b Plants, Soils and Climate Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4820, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Economidis I Year: 2008 Title: ¤ The safety of GMOs in the research agenda of the knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE).

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Adoption Abstract: The KBBE is a concept which has been translated into a research programme within the 7th Framework Programme of research and development which is the European Union´s chief instrument for funding research over the period 2007 to 2013. The KBBE is expected to play an important role in a global economy, where knowledge is the best way to increase productivity and competitiveness and improve our quality of life, and sustainable bio-based resources will be increasingly necessary to protect our environment and social model. It is a sector estimated to be worth more than Ð 1.5 trillion per year. KBBE addresses the following needs: growing demand for safer, healthier, higher quality food; sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources; increasing risk of epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders; sustainability and security of agricultural, aquaculture and fi sheries production; increasing demand for high quality food, taking into account animal welfare and rural and coastal contexts and response to specifi c dietary

needs of consumers. One of the aims of KBBE is to increase the use of sustainable production systems. For land based biological resources, special emphasis is given to low input (e.g. pesticides and fertilisers), improved management of resources and novel plants (crops and trees) with respect to their composition, resistance to stress, ecological effect, nutrient and water use effi ciency etc. This will be supported through research into biosafety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products, and monitoring and assessment of the impact of genetically modifi ed crops on the environment and human health as well as the possibility of their broader benefi t for society. Biotechnology is also dependant on improved biomass and plant based renewables. The strengthening of the knowledge base and the developing of advanced technologies to optimise biomass production is vital for applications in industrial processes and in energy production. This includes plant, animal and microbial genomics and metabolomics for an improved productivity, composition, optimised conversion capacity etc.

In this frame of research genetic modifi cation and biosafety can be revisited having accumulated more knowledge and more experience aiming at a bioeconomy effective to the needs of society.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: European Commission, Directorate-General for Research. Belgium XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms Year: 2010 Title: £ Scientific Opinion on an application (EFSA-GMO-NL-2009-65) for the placing on the market of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 and all subcombinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny, for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto. Question number: EFSA-Q-2009-00413 Journal: The EFSA Journal 2010; 8(9):1782 Keywords: InRe HeTo EvaluationRisque Sante Environnement Abstract: Full text Summary : Following the submission of an application (EFSA-GMO-NL-2009-65) under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified (GM) maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603[1] and all subcombinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny[2] for food and feed uses, import and processing.

In delivering its scientific opinion, the EFSA GMO Panel considered the application EFSA-GMO-NL-2009-65, additional information supplied by the applicants, the scientific comments submitted by the Member States, and relevant scientific publications. Further information from applications for placing on the market under EU regulatory procedures the single maize events MON 89034, 1507 and NK603 and the two double stacks 1507 x NK603 and MON 89034 x NK603 was taken into account. The scope of application EFSA-GMO-NL-2009-65 is for food and feed uses, import and processing of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 and all subcombinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny, and all derived products, but excludes cultivation in the EU. The EFSA GMO Panel evaluated maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 with reference to the intended uses and appropriate principles describe in its Guidance Documents for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed, and for the risk assessment of GM plants containing stacked transformation events. The scientific evaluation of the risk assessment included molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of the corresponding proteins. An evaluation of the comparative analyses of composition, agronomic and phenotypic traits was undertaken, and the safety of the new proteins, both individually and in combination, and the whole food/feed was evaluated with respect to potential toxicity, allergenicity and nutritional quality. An evaluation of environmental impacts and the postmarket environmental monitoring plan was undertaken.

The single maize events MON 89034, 1507 and NK603, and two sub-combinations of these events 1507 x NK603 and MON 89034 x NK603 were the subject of separate earlier risk assessment evaluations by the EFSA GMO Panel. No new genes in addition to those occurring in maize MON 89034, 1507 and NK603 have been introduced in maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. Maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 was produced by conventional crossing of the single maize events, to combine in the same stack resistance against certain

lepidopteran and coleopteran target pests and tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium- and glyphosate-based herbicides.

Molecular analysis confirmed that maize MON89034, 1507 and NK603 inserts are present and that their structures are retained in maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. The result of the updated bioinformatic analyses of the flanking sequences and the open reading frames spanning the insert-plant DNA junctions did not reveal a safety concern. The overall levels of the Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, PAT and CP4 EPSPS proteins, were comparable to those of the respective single maize events MON 89034, 1507 and NK603.

Based on the results of comparative analyses, the EFSA GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 is compositionally, phenotypically and agronomically comparable to its conventional counterpart and equivalent to commercial maize varieties, except for the presence of Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, PAT, CP4 EPSPS and CP4EPSPS L214P proteins in maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. Based on the assessment of the data available, including the additional information provided by the applicants in response to the EFSA GMO Panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s question regarding maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603, its conventional counterpart and data on the single maize events, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that crossing of maize MON 89034, 1507 and NK603 does not result in interactions between the single maize events which causes compositional, phenotypical or agronomic changes. The safety of Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins expressed in maize MON 89034, the Cry1F and PAT proteins expressed in maize 1507, and the CP4 EPSPS and CP4 EPSPS L214P proteins expressed in maize NK603 have been assessed for their safety previously and no safety concerns were identified for humans and animals. Regarding the safety and nutritional properties of food and feed products derived from maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603, the EFSA GMO Panel considers it unlikely that interactions between the single maize events will occur that may impact on the food and feed safety and nutritional properties of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. The EFSA GMO Panel bases this consideration on the known functional characteristics of the newly expressed proteins and on the outcomes of the comparative analysis of compositional, phenotypic and agronomic characteristics of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. In addition, the EFSA GMO Panel considers it unlikely that the overall allergenicity of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 has been altered. In conclusion, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 and all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny are as safe and as nutritious as its conventional counterpart and commercial maize varieties, and concludes that this maize and derived products are unlikely to have adverse effects on human and animal health in the context of its intended uses.

The application EFSA-GMO-NL-2009-65 concerns food and feed uses, import and processing, but excludes cultivation in the EU. Therefore, there is no requirement for scientific assessment of possible environmental effects associated with the cultivation of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603. There are no indications of an increased likelihood of establishment and spread of feral maize plants in case of accidental release into the environment of viable grains from maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 (including all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny) during transportation and processing, except in the presence of glufosinate-ammonium- and/or glyphosate-based herbicides and/or under infestation of target pests.

Taking into account the scope of the application, the rare occurrence of feral maize plants and the low levels of exposure through other routes, the risk to non-target organisms is extremely low. It is highly unlikely that the recombinant DNA will transfer and establish in the genome of bacteria in the environment or human and animal digestive tracts. The scope of the post-market environmental monitoring plan provided by the applicants is in line with the intended uses of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 and all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny. Furthermore, the EFSA GMO Panel agrees with the reporting intervals proposed by the applicants in the general surveillance plan. The EFSA GMO Panel recommends that appropriate management systems should be in place to restrict seeds of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 entering cultivation as the latter requires specific approval under Directive 2001/18/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.

In conclusion, the EFSA GMO Panel considers that the information available for maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 addresses the scientific comments raised by the Member States and concludes that the maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603, assessed in this application, is as safe as its conventional counterpart and other appropriate comparators with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment. In addition, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that crossing of single maize events MON 89034, 1507 and NK603 to produce maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 does not result in interactions between the events which would affect the safety of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and on the environment, in the context of its intended uses. Based on data provided for maize stack MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603, the single maize events (MON 89034, 1507 and NK603), and for the two

double stacks 1507 x NK603 and MON 89034 x NK603, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that there is no biological reason to expect that any of the other sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny would raise a safety concern. The EFSA GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x NK603 is unlikely to have adverse effects on human and animal health and the environment, in the context of its intended uses.

Published: 27 September 2010 [1] Unique Identifier MON-89Ø34-3 x DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 x MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 [2] Sub-combinations of these events exclude all single events. The sub-combination not previously evaluated by the EFSA GMO Panel is MON 89034 x 1507; Sub-combinations previously evaluated by the EFSA GMO Panel are MON 89034 x NK603 and 1507 x NK603 URL: Summary : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1782.htm?WT.mc_id=EFSAHL01&emt=1 Opinion : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1782.pdf Author Address: Europe XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: EFSA, Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms Year: 2010 Title: £ Scientific Opinion on application (EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62) for the placing on the market of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 and all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny, for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto.

Journal: EFSA Journal 2010; 8(9):1781 EFSA, Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, Question number: EFSA-Q-2008-764.

Label: InRe HeTo EvaluationRisque Sante Environnement Abstract: Summary Full text : Scientific Opinion on application (EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62) for the placing on the market of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 and all subcombinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny, for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto Question number: EFSA-Q-2008-764 Adopted: 8 September 2010 Summary Following the submission of an application (EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62) under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA GMO Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of insect resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified (GM) maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122[1] and all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny[2] for food and feed uses, import and processing.

In delivering its scientific opinion, the EFSA GMO Panel considered the application EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62, additional information supplied by the applicants, scientific comments submitted by the Member States, and relevant scientific publications. Further information from applications for placing on the market under EU regulatory procedures the single maize events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122, and the two parental double stacks MON 89034 x MON 88017 and 1507 x 59122 was taken into account. The scope of the application EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62 is for food and feed uses, import and processing of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 and all sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny, and all derived products, but excludes cultivation in the EU. The EFSA GMO Panel evaluated maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 with reference to the intended uses and appropriate principles described in its Guidance Documents for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed, and for the risk assessment of GM plants containing stacked transformation events. The scientific evaluation of the risk assessment included molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of the corresponding proteins. An evaluation of the comparative analyses of composition, agronomic and phenotypic traits was undertaken, and the safety of the new proteins, both individually and in combination, and the whole food/feed was evaluated with respect to potential toxicity, allergenicity and nutritional quality. An evaluation of environmental impacts and the post-market environmental monitoring plan was undertaken.

The single maize events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017, and 59122 and the two double stacks 1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017, were the subject of previous risk assessment evaluations by the EFSA GMO Panel. No new genes in addition to those occurring in maize MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122 have been introduced in maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122. Maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 was produced by conventional crossing of inbred lines containing the maize stacks 1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017, to combine resistance against certain lepidopteran and coleopteran target pests and tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium- and glyphosate-based herbicides.

Molecular analysis confirmed that maize MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122 inserts are present and that their structures are retained in maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122. The result of the updated bioinformatic analyses of the flanking sequences and the open reading frames spanning the insert-plant DNA junctions did not reveal a safety concern. The overall levels of Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, PAT, Cry3Bb1, CP4 EPSPS, Cry34Ab1, and Cry35Ab1 proteins were comparable to those in the respective single events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122.

Previous evaluations showed that the single maize events (MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122) and the two double stacks (1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017) do not differ compositionally, agronomically and phenotypically from their respective conventional counterparts, and that the single events and the two double stacks are equivalent to commercial maize varieties except for the introduced traits. In this application, results of the comparative analyses indicated that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 does not differ compositionally, agronomically and phenotypically from its conventional counterpart, and is equivalent to commercial maize varieties, except for the newly introduced traits. The safety of the proteins Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 expressed in maize MON 89034, proteins Cry1F and PAT expressed in maize 1507, proteins Cry3Bb1 and CP4 EPSPS expressed in maize MON 88017, and proteins Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1 and PAT expressed in maize 59122 have been assessed previously, and no safety concerns were identified for humans and animals. In addition, the EFSA GMO Panel considers that it is unlikely that the overall toxicity and allergenicity of the whole maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 has been changed. A feeding study with broiler chickens confirmed that the nutritional properties of grain produced by maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 are not different from those of its conventional counterpart and commercial maize varieties. Potential interactions between the maize events with respect to potential effects on human and animal health were the focus of the assessment on food/feed safety issues. On the basis of the known functional characteristics and modes of action of the newly expressed proteins (Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, PAT, Cry3Bb1, CP4 EPSPS, Cry34Ab1, and Cry35Ab1), the EFSA GMO Panel considers it unlikely that interactions between these proteins would occur that would raise any safety concern. Based on the assessment of data provided for the maize stack MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122, for the single maize events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017, and 59122, and for the two double stacks 1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017, the EFSA GMO Panel considered the other sub-combinations of the individual events not previously assessed and identified no biological reason to expect that any of the other subcombinations of these single events would raise a safety concern. In conclusion, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 and any sub-combinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny are as safe and as nutritious as the conventional counterpart and commercial maize varieties, and concludes that these maize and derived products are unlikely to have adverse effects on human and animal health, in the context of its intended uses.

The application EFSA-GMO-CZ-2008-62 concerns food and feed uses, import and processing, but excludes cultivation in the EU. Therefore, there is no requirement for scientific assessment of possible environmental effects associated with the cultivation of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122. There are no indications of an increased likelihood of establishment and spread of feral maize plants in case of accidental release into the environment of viable grains produced by maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 (including all sub-combinations of the individual events) during transportation and processing, except in the presence of glufosinate-ammonium- and/or glyphosate-based herbicides and/or under infestation by target pests. Taking into account the scope of the application, the rare occurrence of feral maize plants and the low levels of exposure through other routes, the risk to non-target organisms is extremely low. It is highly unlikely that the recombinant DNA will transfer and establish in the genome of bacteria in the environment or human and animal digestive tracts. The scope of the post-market environmental monitoring plan provided by the applicants is in line with the intended uses of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 and all subcombinations of the individual events as present in its segregating progeny. Furthermore, the EFSA GMO Panel agrees with the reporting intervals proposed by the applicants in the general surveillance plan. The EFSA GMO Panel recommends that appropriate management systems should be in place to restrict seeds of maize MON

89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 entering cultivation as the latter requires specific approval under Directive 2001/18/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.

In conclusion, the EFSA GMO Panel considers that the information available for maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 addresses the scientific comments raised by the Member States and that the maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122, as described in this application, is as safe as its conventional counterpart and commercial maize varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment. In addition, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that crossing of maize events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017 and 59122 to produce maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 does not result in interactions between the events which would affect the safety of maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and on the environment, in the context of its intended uses. Based on the data provided for maize stack MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122, the single maize events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017, 59122, and for the two double stacks 1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017, the EFSA GMO Panel is of the opinion that there is no biological reason to expect that any of the other sub-combinations5 of the individual events present in the segregating progeny would raise a safety concern. The EFSA GMO Panel concludes that maize MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122 is unlikely to have adverse effects on human and animal health and the environment, in the context of its intended uses.

Published: 27 September 2010 [1] Unique identifier MON-89Ø34-3 x DAS-Ø15Ø7-1 x MON-88Ø17-3 x DAS-59122-7 [2] Sub-combinations of the individual events exclude all single events. Sub-combinations not previously evaluated by the EFSA GMO Panel are MON 89034 x 1507 x MON 88017, MON 89034 x 1507 x 59122, MON 89034 x MON 88017 x 59122, 1507 x MON 88017 x 59122, MON 89034 x 1507, MON 89034 x 59122, MON 88017 x 59122, 1507 x MON 88017; sub-combinations previously evaluated by the EFSA GMO Panel are 1507 x 59122 and MON 89034 x MON 88017.

URL: Summary : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1781.htm?WT.mc_id=EFSAHL01&emt=1 Opinion : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/1781.pdf Author Address: Europe XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Eizaguirre Matilde, Filipe Madeira, Carmen López, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Effects of Bt maize on non-target lepidopteran pests.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 49-55.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe RavageurSecond Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) maize with the insecticidal capacity of Bacillus thuringiensis, (Bt maize, expressing Cry1Ab) was first authorized in Spain in 1998. Since then its cultivated area has increased year by year to reach 78‘000 ha in 2008, representing 21% of the total maize-growing area in Spain. In the study area (Lleida, Catalonia, NE Iberian Peninsula) it represents almost 80% of the total. Bt maize provides an effective control of two key lepidopteran pests, Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefèbvre) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner).

However, in addition to the two corn borers, two other non-target Lepidoptera, Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), cause occasional but severe damage to maize. Effects of Bt maize on these two Lepidoptera were studied in laboratory and field trials. Some larvae of both species can survive and complete development when feeding on Bt maize. Field evaluations carried out from 2005 to 2008 showed no differences in the number of H. armigera larvae per plant between Bt and isogenic varieties in most of the trials.

In the laboratory, M. unipuncta showed a larval survival of 15%, which is significantly lower than that recorded in isogenic varieties. Additionally, larval development in survivors was significantly longer when they were fed Bt maize. Adults resulting from larvae developed on transgenic maize laid 13% fewer eggs than those resulting from larvae developed on isogenic maize. When they had the choice, neonate M. unipuncta larvae preferred first Sorghum bicolor, then isogenic maize plants and finally Bt plants for feeding. Recorded differential mortality caused by Bt maize on non-target Lepidoptera in comparison with targeted corn borers may affect the composition and abundance of the Lepidoptera community in maize as a consequence of Bt maize deployment.

Author Address: Spain

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Elhiti Mohamed, Tahir Muhammad, Gulden Robert H, Khamiss Khalil, Stasolla Claudio, Year: 2010 Title: * Modulation of embryo-forming capacity in culture through the expression of Brassica genes involved in the regulation of the shoot apical meristem.

Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 61, 14, 4069-4085.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis is achieved by culturing bending-cotyledon embryos on a 2,4-D-containing induction medium for 14 d followed by a transfer on to a hormone-free development medium. Several genes orthologous to Arabidopsis SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM), CLAVATA 1 (CLV1), and ZWILLE (ZLL) were isolated from Brassica oleracea (Bo), B. rapa (Br), and B. napus (Bn), and ectopically expressed in Arabidopsis to assess their effects on somatic embryogenesis. Ectopic expression of BoSTM, BrSTM, and BnSTM increased the number of somatic embryos, whereas a different effect was observed in lines overexpressing BnCLV1 in which somatic embryo formation was severely repressed. The introduction of BnZLL did not have any effects on Arabidopsis somatic embryogenesis. The increased embryo-forming capacity observed in lines overexpressing Brassica STM was associated with a lower requirement for the inductive signal 2,4-D, and a higher expression of WUSCHEL (WUS) which demarcates the formation of embryogenic cells. This was in contrast to the 35S::BnCLV1 lines which showed the highest requirement for exogenous 2,4-D and a reduced WUS expression. Microarray studies were conducted to monitor global changes in transcript levels during Arabidopsis somatic embryogenesis between the wild-type (WT) line and a BoSTMoverexpressing line, which showed the most pronounced enhancement of somatic embryo yield. The introduction of BoSTM affected the expression of many genes involved in hormone perception and signalling, as well as genes encoding DNA methyltransferases and enzymes of glutathione metabolism. Pharmacological experiments performed to confirm some of the microarray results showed that Arabidopsis somatic embryogenesis is encouraged by a global hypomethylation of the DNA during the induction phase and by a switch of the glutathione pool towards an oxidized state during the subsequent development phase. Both events occurred in the 35S::BoSTM line, but not in the WT line. Altered expression of Brassica STM also had profound effects on B. napus microspore-derived embryogenesis. The yield of microspore-derived embryos increased in lines overexpressing BnSTM and significantly decreased in antisense lines down-regulating BnSTM. URL: http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/14/4069.abstract Author Address: Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2, Manitoba, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Elrouby Nabil, Coupland George Year: 2010 Title: * Proteome-wide screens for small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) substrates identify Arabidopsis proteins implicated in diverse biological processes.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS published ahead of print September 20, 2010, doi:10.1073/pnas.1005452107.

Label: Physiol Abstract: Covalent modification of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulates various cellular activities in yeast and mammalian cells. In Arabidopsis, inactivation of genes encoding SUMO or SUMO-conjugation enzymes is lethal, emphasizing the importance of SUMOylation in plant development.

Despite this, little is known about SUMO targets in plants. Here we identified 238 Arabidopsis proteins as potential SUMO substrates because they interacted with SUMO-conjugating enzyme and/or SUMO protease (ESD4) in the yeast two-hybrid system. Compared with the whole Arabidopsis proteome, the identified proteins were strongly enriched for those containing high-probability consensus SUMO attachment sites, further supporting that they are true SUMO substrates. A high-throughput assay was developed in Escherichia coli and used to test the SUMOylation of 56% of these proteins. More than 92% of the proteins tested were SUMOylated in this assay by at least one SUMO isoform. Furthermore, ADA2b, an ESD4 interactor that was

SUMOylated in the E. coli system, also was shown to be SUMOylated in Arabidopsis. The identified SUMO substrates are involved in a wide range of plant processes, many of which were not previously known to involve SUMOylation. These proteins provide a basis for exploring the function of SUMOylation in the regulation of diverse processes in Arabidopsis.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/15/1005452107.abstract Author Address: Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linne Weg 10, Cologne 50829, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Eltayeb Amin Elsadig, Yamamoto Shohei, Habora Mohamed, Elsadig Eltayeb, Matsukubo Yui, Aono Mitsuko, Tsujimoto Hisashi, Tanaka Kiyoshi, Year: 2010 Title: * Greater protection against oxidative damages imposed by various environmental stresses in transgenic potato with higher level of reduced glutathione.

Journal: Breeding Science 60, 2, 101-109.

Label: ReEn Oxydatif Keywords: glutathione, ascorbate, oxidative stress, potato Abstract: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world‘s number one non-cereal food crop and ranks fourth among most important crops grown worldwide in terms of acreage, yield and value. In order to maintain greater protection against environmental stresses, we developed transgenic potato overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana glutathione reductase gene (AtGR1). The transgenic potato maintained up to 6.5 folds higher GR activity, 5.8 folds glutathione (GSH) contents and up to 2.2 folds higher glutathione S-transferase activity compared to non transformed plants (NT). Interestingly, while the transgenic plants exhibited decreased dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) activity, the relative reduced ascorbate (AsA) contents were higher while the relative dehydroascorbate (DHA) were lower compared to NT which provide a support to the hypothesis that an active glutathione-independent pathway for DHA reduction might exists in vivo. The transgenic plants maintained an enhanced tolerance to methylviologen, and cadmium. When subjected to drought stress, the transgenic plants exhibited faster recovery with less visual injury compared to NT. These results suggest that manipulation of glutathione levels provides reliable strategy for the development of industrial transgenic potato plants with enhanced tolerance to multiple environmental stresses.

URL: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jsbbs/60/2/60_101/_article Author Address: 1) Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University Japan 2) Environmental Biology Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies 3) Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University 4) Laboratory of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Engels H, D Bourguet, L Cagá, B Manachini, I Schuphan, TJ Stodola, A Micoud, C Brazier, C Mottet, DA Andow, Year: 2010 Title: * Evaluating Resistance to Bt Toxin Cry1Ab by F2 Screen in European Populations of Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Journal: Journal of Economic Entomology Oct 2010, Vol. 103, No. 5: 1803-1809.

Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: European corn borer, Bt maize, Mon810, resistance management, HDR strategy Abstract: The large-scale cultivation of transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins have already lead to the evolution of Bt resistance in some pest populations targeted by these crops. We used the F2 screening method for further estimating the frequency of resistance alleles of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), to Bt maize, Zea mays L., producing the CrylAb toxin. In France, Germany, and Italy, 784, 455, and 80 lines of European corn borer were screened for resistance to Mon810 maize, respectively. In Slovakia, 26 lines were screened for resistance to the CrylAb toxin. The cost of F2 screen performed in the four countries varied from US$300 to $1,300 per line screened. The major difference in cost was mostly due to a severe loss of univoltine lines during the screen in Germany and Slovakia. In none of the screened lines did we detect alleles conferring resistance to Mon810 maize or to the CrylAb toxin. The

frequency of resistance alleles were <1.0 × 10-3, <1.6 × 10-3, <9.2 × 10-3, and <2.6 × 10-2 in France, Germany, Italy, and Slovakia, with 95% probability, respectively. The average detection probability over all lines was ˜90%. Making the assumption that European corn borer populations in these countries belong to the same genetic entity, the frequency of alleles conferring resistance to the CrylAb produced by the Mon810 maize in western and central Europe was 1.0 × 10-4, with a 95% confidence interval of 0–3.0 × 10-4.

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URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EC10055 Author Address: 1 Institute for Environmental Research (Biologie V), Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.

3 Department of Plant Protection, Slovak Agricultural University, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia.

4 Department of Animal Biology University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy.

5 Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MI 55108.

6 Unité Résistance aux Produits Phyto sanitaires, AFSSA, 69364 Lyon, France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Enrique R, Siciliano F, Favaro MA, Gerhardt N, Roeschlin R, Rigano L, Sendin L, Castagnaro A, Vojnov A, Marano MR, Year: 2010 Title: * Novel demonstration of RNAi in citrus reveals importance of citrus callose synthase in defence against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 31 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: BaRe Keywords: RNAi-induced gene silencing citrus functional genomics Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri asiatic citrus canker callose synthase Abstract: Summary Citrus is an economically important fruit crop that is severely afflicted by citrus canker, a disease caused by the bacterial phytopathogen, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc). GenBank houses a large collection of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) enriched with transcripts generated during the defence response against this pathogen; however, there are currently no strategies in citrus to assess the function of candidate genes. This has greatly limited research as defence signalling genes are often involved in multiple pathways. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) as a functional genomics tool to assess the function of candidate genes involved in the defence response of Citrus limon against the citrus canker pathogen.

Double-stranded RNA expression vectors, encoding hairpin RNAs for citrus host genes, were delivered to lemon leaves by transient infiltration with transformed Agrobacterium. As proof of principle, we have established silencing of citrus phytoene desaturase (PDS) and callose synthase (CalS1) genes. Phenotypic and molecular analyses showed that silencing vectors were functional not only in lemon plants but also in other species of the Rutaceae family. Using silencing of CalS1, we have demonstrated that plant cell wall-associated defence is the principal initial barrier against Xanthomonas infection in citrus plants. Additionally, we present here results that suggest that H2O2 accumulation, which is suppressed by xanthan from Xcc during pathogenesis, contributes to inhibition of xanthan-deficient Xcc mutant growth either in wild-type or CalS1silenced plants. With this work, we have demonstrated that high-throughput reverse genetic analysis is feasible in citrus.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00555.x Author Address: 1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET). Área Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Suipacha, Rosario, Argentina 2Fundación Pablo Cassará, Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología ―Dr. Cesar Milstein‖. Saladillo. Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina 3Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres, Las Talitas, Tucumán, Argentina

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Erdmann R, Gramzow L, Melzer R, Theissen G, Becker A, Year: 2010 Title: * GORDITA (AGL63) is a young paralog of the Arabidopsis thaliana Bsister MADS box gene ABS (TT16) that has undergone neofunctionalization.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 914-924.

Label: Physiol Keywords: MADS box genes Bsister genes fruit growth neofunctionalization gene duplication GORDITA Abstract: Summary MIKC-type MADS domain proteins are key regulators of flower development in angiosperms. Bsister genes constitute a clade with a close relationship to class B floral homeotic genes, and have been conserved for more than 300 million years. The loss-of-function phenotype of the A. thaliana Bsister gene ABS is mild: mutants show reduced seed coloration and defects in endothelium development. This study focuses on GORDITA (GOA, formerly known as AGL63), the most closely related paralog of ABS in A. thaliana, which is thought to act redundantly with ABS. Phylogenetic trees reveal that the duplication leading to ABS and GOA occurred during diversification of the Brassicaceae, and further analyses show that GOA has evolved under relaxed selection pressure. The knockdown phenotype of GOA suggests a role for this gene in fruit longitudinal growth, while over-expression of GOA results in disorganized floral structure and addition of carpel-like features to sepals. Given the phylogeny and function of other Bsister genes, our data suggest that GOA has evolved a new function as compared to ABS. Protein analysis reveals that the GOAspecific ‘deviant’ domain is required for protein dimerization, in contrast to other MIKC-type proteins that require the K domain for dimerization. Moreover, no shared protein interaction partners for ABS and GOA could be identified. Our experiments indicate that modification of a protein domain and a shift in expression pattern can lead to a novel gene function in a relatively short time, and highlight the molecular mechanism by which neofunctionalization following gene duplication can be achieved.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04290.x Author Address: 1University of Bremen, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Plant Evo-Devo Group, Leobener Straße, 28359 Bremen, Germany 2Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Department of Genetics, Philosophenweg 12, 07743 Jena, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Faino Luigi, Carli Paola, Testa Antonino, Cristinzio Gennaro, Frusciante Luigi, Ercolano Maria, Year: 2010 Title: * Potato R1 resistance gene confers resistance against Phytophthora infestans in transgenic tomato plants.

Secondary Title: European Journal of Plant Pathology 128, 2, 233-241.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Label: FuRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Disease resistance gene - Late blight - Heterologue system Transformation - PR proteins Abstract: Tomato is challenged by several pathogens which cause loss of production. One such pathogen is the oomycete Phytophthora infestans which is able to attack all the aerial parts of the plant. Although a wide range of resistance sources are available, genetic control of this disease is not yet successful. Pyramiding R-genes through genetic transformation could be a straightforward way to produce tomato and potato lines carrying durable resistance to P. infestans. In this work the R1 potato gene was transferred into tomato lines. The tomato transgenic lines were analyzed by using q-RT-PCR and progeny segregation to determine the gene copy number. To test the hypothesis that R1 represents a specifically regulated R-gene, transgenic tomato plants were inoculated with P. infestans isolate 88133 and IPO. All the plants containing the R1 gene were resistant to the late blight isolate IPO-0 and susceptible to isolate 88133. These results provide evidence for specific activation of the R1 gene during pathogen challenge. Furthermore, evidence for enhancement of PR-1 gene expression during P. infestans resistance response was obtained.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9649-2 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: FANG Jia-hai, WEI Xue-jiao, WANG Lai-chun, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Effects of Introducing Antisense Wx Gene on Grain Quality of Rice Cultivar Zhenshan97A and Its F1 Generations.

Journal: ACTA AGRICULTURAE UNIVERSITATIS JIANGXIENSIS(NATURAL SCIENCES EDITION): 2010 32(3).

Label: Boengineering Physiol AgronomicTrait Composition Keywords: Antisense Wx gene in rice quality Zhenshan 97A Keywords: Import of rice genes on the quality of Rice Zhenshan amylose content of transgenic plants backcross plant selection bred gel consistency chalkiness positive effect Abstract: Traduction (Chinois > anglais) Using Antisense Wx gene Zhenshan 97B positive transformed plants by plant selection, backcrossing, bred Antisense Wx gene Zhenshan 97A - quality Zhenshan 97A. Quality Zhenshan 97A and Zhen Shan 97A comparison, direct Starch decreased from 25.6% to 9.3%, gel consistency increased from 45 mm to 86 mm, chalkiness decreased from 23.5% to 7.1%; use of high-quality preparation of F1 Zhenshan 97A has the same effect of grain quality.

URL: http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_jxnydxxb201003004.aspx Author Address: Jiangxi Agricultural University, Crop Physiology and Ecology and the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Jiangxi, Nanchang, 330045 Jiangxi Agricultural University, Land Resources and Environment College, Jiangxi, Nanchang, 330045, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: FANG Zhi-jun, YANG Yi-ling, HUANG Chun-hui, GU Qing-qing, XU Xiao-biao, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Genetic Engineering and Germplasm Improvement in Citrus Rootstocks.

Journal: ACTA AGRICULTURAE JIANGXI: 2010 22(6) Label: Bioengineering Review Keywords: Citrus rootstock improvement of genetic engineering Key words: genetic engineering technology engineering to improve the breeding stock of citrus germplasm resources, improved Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic plant diversity in the main direction of transformation system rootstock varieties Biotechnology Research Identification of in vitro propagation law into domestic law bud foster improved side Abstract: Overview of the current gene engineering technology in citrus rootstock germplasm improvement in the work of Research and Development, Genetic Engineering in citrus breeding mainly Agrobacterium, transformation in vitro axillary bud multiplication possessed identification method, DNA directly into law, and the training of new resistant varieties of citrus rootstock to achieve certain results, the establishment of an effective transformation system, also received a number of transgenic plants. Now, with the continuous development of biotechnology and genetic engineering matures in citrus rootstock genetic engineering research and improvement of germplasm resources aspects of diversity will remain the main direction of the future.

URL: http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_jxnyxb201006024.aspx Author Address: Jiangxi Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Jiangxi, Nanchang, 330045, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Fang Zhiwei D, Marois James J, Stacey Gary, Schoelz James E, English James T, Schmidt Francis J, Year: 2010 Title: * Combinatorially Selected Peptides for Protection of Soybean Against Phakopsora pachyrhizi.

Journal: Phytopathology 100, 10, 1111-1117 Label: FuRe Abstract: Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the fungal pathogen that causes Asian soybean rust, has the potential to cause significant losses in soybean yield in many production regions of the United States. Germplasm with durable, single-gene resistance is lacking, and control of rust depends on timely application of fungicides. To assist the development of new modes of soybean resistance, we identified peptides from combinatorial phage-display peptide libraries that inhibit germ tube growth from urediniospores of P. pachyrhizi. Two peptides, Sp2 and

Sp39, were identified that inhibit germ tube development when displayed as fusions with the coat protein of M13 phage or as fusions with maize cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (ZmCKX1). In either display format, the inhibitory effect of the peptides on germ tube growth was concentration dependent. In addition, when peptides Sp2 or Sp39 in either format were mixed with urediniospores and inoculated to soybean leaves with an 8-h wetness period, rust lesion development was reduced. Peptides Sp2 and Sp39, displayed on ZmCKX1, were found to interact with a 20-kDa protein derived from germinated urediniospores. Incorporating peptides that inhibit pathogen development and pathogenesis into breeding programs may contribute to the development of soybean cultivars with improved, durable rust tolerance.

URL: http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/abs/10.1094/PHYTO-12-09-0365 Division of Biochemistry, 117 Schweitzer Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211; Plant Pathology Department, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3925 Hwy 71, Marianna 32446. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Feddermann , Rajasekhara Reddy Duvvuru Muni, Tatyana Zeier, Jeroen Stuurman, Flavia Ercolin, Martine Schorderet, Didier Reinhardt, Year: 2010 Title: * The PAM1 Gene of Petunia, Required for Intracellular Accommodation and Morphogenesis of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Encodes a Homologue of VAPYRIN. Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 23 AUG 2010 09:50AM EST | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365313X.2010.04341.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Symbiosis Glomus intraradices Petunia hybrida VAPYRIN arbuscular mycorrhiza ankyrin intracellular accommodation Abstract: Most terrestrial plants engage into the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis with fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota. The initial recognition of the fungal symbiont results in the activation a symbiosis signaling pathway that is shared with the root nodule symbiosis (common SYM pathway). The subsequent intracellular accommodation of the fungus, and the elaboration of its characteristic feeding structures, the arbuscules, depends on a genetic program in the plant that has recently been shown to involve the VAPYRIN gene in Medicaco truncatula. We have previously identified a mutant in Petunia hybrida, penetration and arbuscule morphogenesis1 (pam1), that is defective in the intracellular stages of AM development. Here, we report the cloning of PAM1, which encodes a VAPYRIN homologue. PAM1 protein localizes to the cytosol and the nucleus, with a prominent affinity to mobile spherical structures that are associated with the tonoplast, and therefore are referred to as tonospheres. In mycorrhizal roots, tonospheres were observed in the vicinity of intracellular hyphae, where they may play an essential role in accommodation and morphogenesis of the fungal endosymbiont.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04341.x Author Address: 1Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland 2Keygene NV, PO Box 216, 6700AE Wageningen, The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ferreyra Maria Lorena Falcone, Pezza Alejandro, Biarc Jordane, Burlingame Alma L, Casati Paula, Year: 2010 Title: * Plant L10 Ribosomal Proteins Have Different Roles during Development and Translation under Ultraviolet-B Stress.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1878-1894.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Physiol Abstract: Ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10) proteins are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has three RPL10 genes encoding RPL10A to RPL10C proteins, while two genes are present in the maize (Zea mays) genome (rpl10-1 and rpl10-2). Maize and Arabidopsis RPL10s are tissuespecific and developmentally regulated, showing high levels of expression in tissues with active cell division.

Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that RPL10s in Arabidopsis associate with translation proteins,

demonstrating that it is a component of the 80S ribosome. Previously, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure was shown to increase the expression of a number of maize ribosomal protein genes, including rpl10. In this work, we demonstrate that maize rpl10 genes are induced by UV-B while Arabidopsis RPL10s are differentially regulated by this radiation: RPL10A is not UV-B regulated, RPL10B is down-regulated, while RPL10C is upregulated by UV-B in all organs studied. Characterization of Arabidopsis T-DNA insertional mutants indicates that RPL10 genes are not functionally equivalent. rpl10A and rpl10B mutant plants show different phenotypes: knockout rpl10A mutants are lethal, rpl10A heterozygous plants are deficient in translation under UV-B conditions, and knockdown homozygous rpl10B mutants show abnormal growth. Based on the results described here, RPL10 genes are not redundant and participate in development and translation under UV-B stress.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1878 Author Address: Centro de Estudios Fotosintéticos y Bioquímicos, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, Argentina Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158–2517 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Fields Allison, Wang Ning, Hua Zhihua, Meng Xiaoying, Kao Teh-hui, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional characterization of two chimeric proteins between a Petunia inflataS-locus F-box protein, PiSLF2, and a PiSLF-like protein, PiSLFLb-S2 .

Secondary Title: Plant Molecular Biology 74, 3, 279-292.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-4412 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Chimeric proteins - Petunia inflata - Self-incompatibility - Slocus F-box protein - S-RNase Abstract: Self-incompatible solanaceous species possess the S-RNase and SLF (S-locus F-box) genes at the highly polymorphic S-locus, and their products mediate S-haplotype-specific rejection of pollen tubes in the style. After a pollen tube grows into the style, the S-RNases produced in the style are taken up; however, only self S-RNase (product of the matching S-haplotype) can inhibit the subsequent growth of the pollen tube. Based on the finding that non-self interactions between PiSLF (Petunia inflata SLF) and S-RNase are stronger than self-interactions, and based on the biochemical properties of PiSLF, we previously proposed that a PiSLF preferentially interacts with its non-self S-RNases to mediate their ubiquitination and degradation, thereby only allowing self S-RNase to exert its cytotoxic function. We further divided PiSLF into three potential Functional Domains (FDs), FD1-FD3, based on sequence comparison of PiSLF and PiSLF-like proteins, and based on SRNase-binding properties of these proteins and various truncated forms of PiSLF2 (S 2 allelic variant of PiSLF). In this work, we examined the in vivo function of FD2, which we proposed to be responsible for strong, general interactions between PiSLF and S-RNase. We swapped FD2 of PiSLF2 with the corresponding region of PiSLFLb-S2 (S 2 allelic variant of a PiSLF-like protein), and expressed GFP-fused chimeric proteins, named b-2-b and 2-b-2, in S 2 S 3 transgenic plants. We showed that neither chimeric protein retained the SI function of PiSLF2, suggesting that FD2 is necessary, but not sufficient, for the function of PiSLF. Moreover, since we previously found that b-2-b and 2-b-2 only interacted with S3-RNase ~50 and ~30%, respectively, as strongly as did PiSLF2 in vitro, their inability to function as PiSLF2 is also consistent with our model predicating on strong interaction between a PiSLF and its non-self S-RNases as part of the biochemical basis for S-haplotype-specific rejection of pollen tubes.

Notes: 25 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-010-9672-x Author Address: (1) Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 403 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA (2) Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Plant Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 403 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA (3) Present address: Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Fok Michel Year: 2010 Title: * Autant en emporte la culture du coton transgénique aux États-Unis...

Journal: Cahiers Agricultures. Volume 19, Numéro 4, 292-8, juillet-août 2010. DOI : 10.1684/agr.2010.0406 Keywords: amélioration génétique, pathologie, productions végétales Abstract: Les conférences 2010 du Beltwide cotton ont apporté une vision nouvelle sur les conséquences de 15 années d'utilisation massive des variétés de coton transgénique aux États-Unis. L'observation des changements dans les complexes d'ennemis des cultures de cotonnier et les solutions recherchées pour y faire face montrent que les effets positifs proclamés de l'utilisation de ces variétés se sont évanouies en termes d'efficacité du contrôle des ennemis des cultures, de réduction du coût et d'antagonisme entre voie chimique et voie biotechnologique de ce contrôle. La durabilité technique et économique des variétés transgéniques dépend de l'approche systémique et coordonnée de leur utilisation.

Full text : Les Beltwide Cotton Conferences sont organisées annuellement depuis 1983 aux États-Unis par la National Cotton Council (NCC) dans la première semaine de janvier. Elles réunissent des chercheurs et des professionnels industriels et agricoles de la filière cotonnière du pays, tout en étant ouvertes aux participants de pays étrangers. En 2010, ces conférences ont eu lieu à la Nouvelle-Orléans. Le thème du coton transgénique y a pris une place particulière, presque quinze ans après la commercialisation des premières variétés transgéniques de grandes cultures (maïs, soja, coton) intégrant un ou plusieurs gènes de Bacillus thuringiensis pour la résistance à certains ravageurs (variétés Bt), ou un gène de tolérance à une matière active herbicide (surtout le glyphosate), ou bien les deux types de gènes.

Pour des conférences relatives au coton et se déroulant dans le sud des États-Unis, il est tentant de paraphraser le titre du fameux roman de Margaret Mitchell, « Gone with the wind », pour souligner l'évanouissement de quelques illusions. En effet, alors que les variétés transgéniques de coton couvrent aujourd'hui 88 % des surfaces cotonnières américaines (tableau 1), les agriculteurs constatent l'émergence de la nuisibilité de ravageurs qui ne nécessitaient pas de contrôle (« nouveaux » ravageurs) et l'apparition d'un nombre croissant de plantes adventices devenues résistantes au glyphosate. Or, bien que les conférences du Beltwide restituent régulièrement depuis 1999 des travaux sur les « nouveaux » ravageurs, les changements des complexes de ravageurs auxquels font échos ces travaux ont été occultés dans une synthèse assez récente publiée par le ministère de l'Agriculture des États-Unis (Fernandez-Cornejo et Caswell, 2006). Mais, en 2010, les conférences du Beltwide ont marqué pour la première fois une réelle attention portée aux changements observés et révélé une inquiétude des producteurs de coton aux États-Unis.

Cet article a pour but de commenter le contenu des conférences du Beltwide 2010. Nous présentons en première partie le déroulement et les thèmes abordés, puis nous restituons en deuxième partie la situation actuelle de changement des complexes d'ennemis de la culture, qui a été particulièrement discutée. La troisième partie indique les travaux de recherche engagés pour y faire face et la dernière partie souligne les illusions balayées par la situation actuelle.

Des conférences interprofessionnelles ciblées sur l'actualité cotonnière Rencontres de chercheurs, de politiques et de professionnels de la filière L'institution organisatrice, la National Cotton Council (NCC), a été créée en 1938 pour promouvoir la coordination entre les acteurs privés de la production cotonnière aux États-Unis. Elle regroupe les acteurs principaux, à savoir les producteurs, les consultants (agronomes conseillers), les égreneurs, les stockeurs, les négociants et les transformateurs des graines et de la fibre. Parmi ses prérogatives, la NCC affiche aujourd'hui clairement son rôle de lobby auprès des hommes politiques. Elle exhorte régulièrement les producteurs à faire pression sur leurs élus locaux pour infléchir la politique cotonnière des États-Unis. Par le biais du site Internet de la NCC, chaque producteur peut trouver les coordonnées des élus locaux auprès de qui il peut intervenir. La NCC rend compte des faits et gestes des élus sur la question du coton, de manière à maintenir la pression sur les politiques. Sa récente lettre ouverte, pour féliciter la délégation américaine aux dernières négociations de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) à Genève, en décembre 2009, est à comprendre dans cette démarche.

Les trois jours que durent les conférences sont partagés entre la restitution des résultats de recherche (tableau 2) et les questions de production et de politique agricole. La NCC y rend également compte de ses activités, tout comme l'organisation interprofessionnelle Cotton Incorporated, important financeur de la recherche publique

sur le coton. Les organisateurs sollicitent les chercheurs pour qu'ils présentent très rapidement les résultats de leurs travaux, surtout quand ils sont financés par la Cotton Incorporated. Les conférences du Beltwide permettent ainsi de connaître les derniers résultats des productions, des techniques et des recherches aux ÉtatsUnis, parfois bien avant leur publication dans les revues. Les résumés et les textes des communications ne sont pas disponibles au moment des conférences, mais les actes sont publiés sur Internet sous la forme d'enregistrements audio et vidéo, dès le mois de février, et de fichiers textes, au mois de juin. L'accès aux actes, disponibles depuis 1983, est offert à tout participant aux conférences1.

Tableau 1 Parts des superficies (%) en variétés transgéniques aux États-Unis en 2009.

Table 1. Percentages of surface covered by transgenic varieties in the United States in 2009.

Culture Gènes Bt seuls Gènes HT seuls Gènes empilés Bt + HT Total Maïs 0 91 0 91 Coton 17 23 48 88 Soja 17 22 46 85 Tableau 2 Thèmes des présentations de résultats de recherche aux conférences du Beltwide 2010 (NouvelleOrléans).

Table 2. Research results presentation themes at the Cotton Beltwide 2010 Conferences (New Orleans).

Présentations Économie Agronomie* Maladies Ravageurs Adventices Amélioration Technologies Total variétale transformation** Communications 26 93 23 59 22 43 72 338 Posters 11 46 17 39 19 20 4 156 Total 37 139 40 98 41 63 76 494 Le secteur cotonnier américain en prise avec les défis intérieurs et extérieurs Pour aborder la question politique, les organisateurs font s'exprimer le ministre en charge de l'agriculture dans l'État où les conférences sont organisées, mais aussi des personnalités d'instances fédérales. Cette année, le ministre de la Louisiane a fustigé le projet de loi Cap & Trade visant à réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre par les agriculteurs. Le commissaire chargé de la surveillance des bourses de produits agricoles a commenté le rapport de l'étude qu'il avait commanditée après la flambée des cours du coton, au début du mois de mars 2008, et qui n'a pas permis de conclure à des actes de manipulation du marché.

Les travaux coordonnés par la Cotton Incorporated indiquent que la préoccupation de la durabilité de la production cotonnière est fortement prise en compte depuis quelques années aux États-Unis. Les travaux sur le bilan énergie et carbone sont déjà assez avancés et les résultats sont exploités pour souligner que les modes de production du coton sont compatibles avec les préoccupations environnementales : la Cotton Incorporated a ainsi mis en ligne un vade-mecum pour aider à argumenter dans ce sens 2.

Pour autant, le manque d'eau constitue aujourd'hui l'une des plus graves menaces de la production cotonnière, notamment au Texas qui est le principal État « cotonnier », fournissant plus de 50 % de la production américaine de coton. Le défi est lancé à la fois d'une irrigation plus économe et efficiente et d'une agriculture pluviale plus productive. Cela induira des investissements supplémentaires, auxquels certains producteurs de coton ne pourront pas faire face. De ce fait, le nombre de producteurs se réduira encore alors qu'il n'est plus que de 18 605 en 2007 (au lieu de 24 805 en 2002 et 33 640 en 1997). Les activités connexes à la production cotonnière vont donc diminuer, avec pour conséquence une perte d'emplois – estimée à 8 000 emplois dans le seul État du Texas. L'exode rural qui s'ensuivra sera préjudiciable à la survie des communautés rurales actuelles.

L'autre menace concerne le changement de politique de soutien, notamment sous le coup des attaques de l'OMC. À ce propos, les travaux présentés montrent un changement notable d'attitude dans la défense des subventions américaines. Les travaux antérieurs, visant à évaluer l'effet de la politique américaine sur le prix mondial, concluaient à un effet dépressif de seulement 3-5 %, alors que certaines études étrangères évaluaient cet effet négatif à 15-20 %. Les nouveaux travaux présentés ont porté sur l'effet des politiques de soutien des pays concurrents sur le marché mondial. Leurs résultats sont assez étonnants : ils indiquent que la politique de prix minimum garanti en Inde, de même que la politique de contrôle des importations du coton par la Chine, ont chacune le même effet sur le prix mondial que l'ensemble de toutes les mesures de soutien appliquées aux États-Unis. Ces résultats tendraient à indiquer que ce dernier pays n'est pas plus responsable de la baisse du prix mondial que d'autres pays.

Inquiétude évidente face à l'évolution des complexes parasitaires Au regard des sessions passées, les conférences de 2010 se singularisent par l'organisation de séances sur les changements observés dans les complexes des ennemis de la culture cotonnière. Un atelier spécifique a ainsi été

animé par des chercheurs pour discuter des plantes adventices résistantes au glyphosate, utilisé massivement dans la pratique du zéro labour. L'atelier a été relayé par un panel de discussions sur le bilan des apports des variétés transgéniques, compte tenu des changements observés. Le panel était composé de deux chercheurs, l'un spécialiste de la lutte contre les ravageurs et l'autre de la lutte contre les adventices, d'un producteur du Texas et d'un consultant.

Ces deux événements ont été les plus suivis par les participants, indiquant que les producteurs, les consultants et les chercheurs ont pris pleinement conscience des changements opérés sur le terrain dans les complexes de ravageurs et d'adventices. Les citations qui suivent témoignent de leurs doutes relatifs à la poursuite des variétés de coton transgéniques : « On est content que le coton transgénique existe, mais ça ne suffit pas pour que je dorme sur mes deux oreilles » Consultant « Les biotechnologies, une épée à double tranchant » Titre de l'intervention d'un consultant « La technique du zéro labour réduit l'érosion éolienne et améliore la rétention en eau des sols, c'est très adapté au Texas, on ne voudrait pas devoir l'abandonner du fait des adventices résistants au glyphosate » Producteur du Texas « Ce dont on a besoin, ce sont de nouveaux produits chimiques » Conclusion d'un malherbologue « J'entends dire qu'il faut revenir à la culture du coton conventionnel, mais dans quelle proportion et comment s'assurer qu'une nouvelle infestation de grande ampleur de chenilles des capsules ne vienne détruire la culture ? » Expert en contrôle des ravageurs.

Résultats des études sur les complexes parasitaires Évolution des complexes de ravageurs Aux États-Unis, avant l'adoption du coton Bt, les principaux ravageurs qui détruisaient les cultures de coton étaient les chenilles lépidoptères des capsules (Helicoverpas zea, Heliothis virescens et Pectinophora gossypiella) et le charançon des capsules Anthonomus grandis. Les ravageurs ciblés par les premières variétés de coton Bt étaient les chenilles des capsules. Leur commercialisation intervenant au moment où le programme national d'éradication du charançon lancé à la fin des années 1970 arrivait aux derniers États cotonniers, le problème des principaux ravageurs paraissait alors résolu.

L'efficacité du coton Bt contre ses ravageurs cibles est certes indéniable. L'emploi massif du coton Bt a progressivement entraîné la chute de leurs populations, à tel point que leur contrôle chimique nécessite en moyenne seulement 0,5 traitement par an à l'échelle nationale. Depuis 2003, l'utilisation du coton Bt n'induit d'ailleurs pratiquement plus de réductions du nombre de traitements contre ces ravageurs par rapport au coton conventionnel. De ce point de vue, il est étonnant de ne pas trouver d'analyse sur l'intérêt technique et économique à diminuer substantiellement le taux d'utilisation du coton Bt. Mais cette efficacité du coton Bt n'est plus suffisante et la situation actuelle est devenue compliquée.

Aujourd'hui, il faut déchanter devant un changement des complexes de ravageurs, probablement dû à la très grande sélectivité des toxines Bt contre les ravageurs cibles, sélectivité par ailleurs présentée auparavant comme un avantage. Au lancement du coton Bt, les craintes concernaient en effet la résistance des ravageurs cibles aux toxines Bt et les dégâts sur la faune non ciblée (Hardee et al., 2001), mais personne ne pensait au changement de statut de nuisibilité des ravageurs non ciblés.

Trois observations soulignent ce changement des complexes de ravageurs. Premièrement, la chenille des capsules Pectinophora gossypiella est imparfaitement contrôlée. Deuxièmement, il apparaît de graves infestations de chenilles phylophages du genre Spodoptera (S. exigua et S. frugiperda), comme cela est aussi observé dans d'autres pays utilisateurs du coton Bt (Chine, Burkina Faso avec les espèces S. littoralis et S. litura). Or, le traitement chimique contre ces chenilles phylophages était inutile avant le coton Bt et il est devenu indispensable aujourd'hui. Enfin, les insectes piqueurs-suceurs sont devenus des ravageurs prépondérants, alors qu'ils ne l'étaient pas systématiquement auparavant. Il s'agit de deux punaises, Lygus lineolaris et Lygus hesperus, d'acariens (Tetranychus spp.), d'aleurodes (Bemisia spp.) et de pucerons (Aphis spp.). Même si la composition des complexes de ravageurs ayant franchi le seuil de dégâts économiques est variable selon les États cotonniers, les plus fortes craintes sont exprimées à l'encontre des punaises et des pucerons qui sont présents sur de nombreuses autres espèces végétales. Pour la punaise L. lineolaris, 300 espèces hôtes ont ainsi été recensées. Pour les pucerons, l'augmentation du degré d'infestation est observée depuis 2006 et a atteint un niveau en 2009 jamais observé auparavant.

Ces nouvelles émergences de ravageurs ont pour conséquence le recours accru aux insecticides chimiques. Les semenciers ont augmenté le traitement des semences ; une dizaine de produits pesticides sont ainsi utilisés, et un chercheur s'est même étonné, avec ironie, que les semences puissent encore germer dans ces conditions. En 2009, le contrôle au champ des « nouveaux » ravageurs a nécessité 6,5 traitements chimiques en moyenne dans l'ensemble des États cotonniers américains, alors que ces traitements étaient peu pratiqués. Les pertes de rendement ont également été estimées en absence de traitements chimiques ou en situation d'efficacité insuffisante de ces traitements. Les orateurs se sont même accordés à reconnaître une perte d'efficacité des produits chimiques utilisés, corrélée à l'augmentation récente de la pression des nouveaux ravageurs. Cette perte d'efficacité concerne des produits de traitement des semences et des produits de traitement foliaire de types organophosphates, carbamates et neonicotinoïdes.

Finalement, le coût du contrôle des ravageurs du cotonnier tend à augmenter depuis l'utilisation des variétés transgéniques. La sophistication du traitement des semences est l'un des facteurs de l'augmentation du coût des semences de coton Bt, qui est passé de 20 dollars US par acre en 2005 à plus de 85 dollars US par acre en 2009. À cela, il faut ajouter le coût des multiples insecticides nécessaires pour contrôler les ravageurs non ciblés du coton Bt. L'évolution des coûts des pesticides est aussi à mettre en rapport avec celle de la structure du marché. D'une part, le nombre de firmes de phytopharmacie d'origine européenne ou américaine a drastiquement diminué : un orateur a fait remarquer qu'en 1962, on recensait 42 firmes, puis 33 en 1980, et finalement 7 en 2009. D'autre part, de nombreux produits nouveaux ont été mis sur le marché. Ces produits ont des modes d'action novateurs, mais chaque mode d'action est représenté par peu de produits commerciaux. La concurrence entre les produits est alors seulement virtuelle, car ils ne sont pas réellement substituables.

Face à l'ensemble de cette situation, la pertinence d'un retour à la culture du coton conventionnel, à un degré non explicité, est mentionnée. Il s'agit déjà d'une réalité : en 2009, il y en aurait eu 400 000 acres (sur une surface totale en coton de 8,9 millions d'acres) et une superficie de 1,5 million d'acres est attendue pour 2010.

La question est encore éludée par les chercheurs spécialistes du contrôle des ravageurs, ces chercheurs utilisant l'argument d'un retour possible à une forte infestation des ravageurs cibles.

Notes: Évolution des complexes de plantes adventices Les variétés de coton transgéniques tolérantes à la matière active herbicide glyphosate couvrent aujourd'hui 71 % des superficies totales de coton des États-Unis et cette part continue d'augmenter. Pourtant, depuis 2003, le phénomène de résistance des plantes adventices au glyphosate s'est progressivement étendu à tous les États producteurs de coton pour toutes les grandes cultures (coton, maïs, soja…). Ce phénomène reflète une dérive de la flore adventice, directement liée à la destruction des mauvaises herbes en zéro labour par l'utilisation d'herbicides, notamment le Roundup® de Monsanto à base de glyphosate.

Les espèces adventices résistantes au glyphosate les plus fréquemment citées sont en premier lieu Conyza canadensis (horseweed) et Amaranthus palmeri (« pigweed »), qui inquiètent le plus les producteurs américains, puis Lolium rigidum (« ryegrass »), Sorghum halepense (« johnsongrass »), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (« ragweed »). Les parcelles peuvent être totalement envahies par plusieurs d'entre elles. Une enquête réalisée en 2009 indique que le nombre d'espèces résistantes a varié de 2 à 18 selon les États cotonniers et qu'en certains comtés de ces États, 75 % des champs ont été touchés et que 45 % des producteurs ont recouru à l'arrachage manuel.

Quel paradoxe au pays de la motorisation et où l'on clame, avec l'expansion de la pratique de l'agriculture de précision, que la nouvelle révolution consiste à embarquer de plus en plus d'électronique sur les machines agricoles !

Un autre phénomène inattendu a vu le jour. La culture des variétés transgéniques de soja, coton et maïs tolérantes au glyphosate a contribué à transformer ces plantes cultivées elles-mêmes en adventices. Par exemple, dans les champs de coton, les plants de soja ou de maïs issus de graines laissées après la récolte constituent les adventices les plus difficiles à maîtriser, puisque non éliminées par le glyphosate auquel elles sont tolérantes. Le coton transgénique tolérant au glyphosate est aussi une mauvaise herbe pour le soja et le maïs. Évolution des complexes parasitaires en relation avec le zéro labour Les variétés transgéniques tolérantes au glyphosate ont permis d'étendre la pratique du zéro labour. En zéro labour, la culture principale est semée sans travail du sol dans un couvert végétal qui a été préalablement contrôlé par herbicide. Au moment des semis, ce couvert végétal permanent induit une température du sol plus faible qu'en culture sur sol nu et une humidité plus élevée. De ce fait, les maladies fongiques des plantules se développent (fonte des semis), ainsi que les maladies fongiques foliaires après le stade plantule. Les consultants préconisent donc l'utilisation accrue de fongicides. Malgré cela, chercheurs et consultants admettent qu'il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour optimiser les techniques de traitement fongicide.

L'interaction entre l'utilisation des variétés transgéniques et les techniques culturales du zéro labour a des effets au-delà du complexe des maladies fongiques. La pression des ravageurs est aussi influencée par le couvert végétal. L'augmentation de la pression des ravageurs de début de saison, notamment les thrips, les pucerons, les acariens et les punaises, est fréquemment signalée, au point que les consultants recommandent déjà la destruction de cette végétation quelques semaines avant le semis, y compris aux alentours des parcelles à semer, en attendant que les chercheurs trouvent de nouvelles solutions.

Recherches en cours sur la gestion des complexes parasitaires En résumé, les communications présentées indiquent que la recherche mise sur la chimie et sur les biotechnologies pour la protection de la culture du cotonnier, alors que les tentatives pour une approche plus systémique restent timides.

Encore des travaux pour attester de l'efficacité du coton Bt Alors que cela fait presque 15 ans que le coton Bt est cultivé à grande échelle, des travaux sont encore poursuivis pour statuer sur son efficacité. Les chenilles des capsules, ravageurs cibles des gènes Bt, sont toujours présentes, parfois à un degré assez élevé dans les États du delta du Mississipi, ce qui est une différence notable avec ce qui est observé en Chine (Wu et al., 2008). Les orateurs indiquent qu'on ne doit pas les occulter, même si elles ne sont plus les ravageurs qui menacent le plus le coton. Deux communications ont ajouté que la résistance des chenilles des capsules au coton Bt n'a pas émergé.

En moyenne des dernières années, le gain de rentabilité du coton Bt tend à être négligeable par rapport au coton conventionnel protégé chimiquement. La forte augmentation du coût d'emploi de la technologie Bt (semences et royalties) en est une cause importante. Le retour au coton conventionnel pourrait paraître légitime, mais cela n'a pas été explicitement évoqué dans les communications.

Persistance de la voie chimique pour contrôler les ravageurs cibles du coton Bt Rappelons que c'est l'émergence de la résistance des chenilles des capsules aux insecticides à base de pyréthrinoïdes qui a été l'un des facteurs de la proposition du coton transgénique. Une communication a d'ailleurs porté sur le suivi de la résistance de ces ravageurs aux pyréthrinoïdes, alors que ces produits sont bien moins utilisés depuis le recours au coton Bt. Ce travail a cependant sa pertinence à un moment où le retour à la culture du coton conventionnel est évoqué.

Les limites actuelles du coton Bt semblent même ranimer la recherche de nouvelles familles de produits chimiques afin de contrôler ces ravageurs lépidoptères. Un nouveau produit commercial (famille Anthranilic Diamide) a été présenté pour son efficacité sur un large spectre de lépidoptères sur les grandes cultures (coton, maïs, soja…). L'homologation de ce produit serait déjà acquise pour la plupart des cultures, sauf pour le soja.

Les résultats indiquent que deux applications de ce produit aboutissent à une protection équivalente à l'utilisation du coton Bt, mais l'information sur le coût reste évasive.

La proposition de produits chimiques à large spectre d'action marque un changement de stratégie des firmes de phytopharmacie par rapport à l'option de ―frappe ciblée‖ sur des ravageurs précis. L'incidence possible de cette stratégie sur les changements des complexes des ravageurs n'est pas abordée.

Contrôle chimique des ravageurs non-cibles du coton Bt L'évaluation des pertes de récolte causées par les nouveaux ravageurs – principalement les piqueurs-suceurs et à un degré moindre les chenilles phylophages – et l'évaluation de l'efficacité des nouvelles molécules d'insecticide ont fait l'objet de 21 communications sur les 59 traitant du contrôle des ravageurs.

Cinq communications ont porté sur l'observation avérée de la perte de sensibilité des ravageurs piqueurssuceurs (punaises, pucerons) vis-à-vis des insecticides utilisés depuis les années 2000 face à la recrudescence de leurs attaques. L'arrêt du recours à ces insecticides a donc été explicitement recommandé.

L'efficacité de nouveaux produits insecticides est actuellement évaluée par des expérimentations associant les chercheurs des firmes de phytopharmacie et les chercheurs des universités et les résultats sont présentés par les uns ou les autres. C'est un produit commercial de la famille des Sulfilimines qui semble avoir le vent en poupe, notamment vis-à-vis des deux espèces de punaises et des pucerons. L'efficacité contre les pucerons est telle qu'un orateur a même affirmé que le contrôle chimique des pucerons est ainsi résolu.

D'une manière générale, il faut souligner que les firmes ne cherchent pas à montrer que leurs produits sont meilleurs que ceux des concurrents. Elles insistent sur l'équivalence d'efficacité et sur la contribution à élargir la gamme des produits utilisables pour offrir flexibilité de choix et possibilité d'alternance dans l'utilisation des produits disponibles. Les travaux intègrent la mesure des effets sur un large spectre de ravageurs, avec cependant des doses différentes d'utilisation. Le large spectre est désormais présenté comme un avantage. De même, la variation des doses d'utilisation en fonction des ravageurs est avancée comme un atout de flexibilité et de compatibilité dans la mise en œuvre de programme de lutte intégrée.

Contrôle des ravageurs par les biotechnologies

Du côté des firmes de biotechnologie, la voie du coton transgénique est poursuivie avec la proposition de nouveaux types de variétés intégrant de nouveaux gènes.

C'est le cas de la firme Bayer avec le coton TwinLink, qui combine les deux gènes cry1Ab et cry2Ae contrôlant les ravageurs lépidoptères et le gène LibertyLink de cette firme pour la tolérance à un herbicide (à base de glufosinate d'ammonium). L'insertion d'un nouveau gène de tolérance au glyphosate de la même firme (gène GlyTol) est engagée pour donner lieu à de nouvelles variétés TwinLink/GlyTol, qui auront la particularité de tolérer deux herbicides différents.

Syngenta, une autre multinationale en phytopharmacie et en biotechnologie, travaille de son côté à la combinaison du gène Bt cry1Ab et du gène Vip3A, homologué mais pas encore proposé à la commercialisation, pour la résistance aux ravageurs.

D'autres solutions envisagent une association plus complexe de trois gènes. C'est un chercheur de Monsanto qui annonce la commercialisation prochaine de Bollgard3, issue de la combinaison des deux gènes Bt utilisés dans Bollgard2 (cry1Ac et cry2Ab) et du gène Vip3A de Syngenta. Il était étonnant d'entendre un chercheur de Monsanto vanter les mérites du gène de Syngenta en termes de spectre plus large contre les ravageurs lépidoptères !

Monsanto est la seule firme à donner des résultats d'un nouveau gène Bt pour le contrôle d'une espèce de punaises bien que les toxines Bt ne paraissent pas adaptées a priori au mode d'ingestion des punaises. Les résultats sont prometteurs, mais il reste encore du chemin à parcourir avant la commercialisation.

Exploration de pistes nouvelles pour le contrôle des nouveaux ravageurs Une première piste agronomique repose sur l'étude de la dynamique des populations des nouveaux ravageurs.

L'effet négatif du voisinage du maïs sur l'infestation des punaises dans les champs de coton est mis en évidence, amenant la recommandation de réaliser des traitements contre les punaises sur le maïs en bordure des champs de coton.

Les premiers travaux sont engagés pour comprendre le déterminisme du système olfactif d'une espèce de punaise, qui serait déterminant pour la recherche de nourriture : sa compréhension peut ouvrir des voies de contrôle, en perturbant l'alimentation de ces ravageurs.

Une autre recherche repose sur l'exploitation de la vidéo haute définition pour filmer en continu les déplacements et l'alimentation d'une espèce de punaise, en fonction de l'âge et du sexe des insectes. L'idée est de comprendre qui, des mâles ou des femelles, et à quel stade, causent le plus de dégâts au cotonnier.

Gestion des adventices résistantes au glyphosate Les chercheurs soulignent la nécessité de nouveaux produits chimiques, tout en considérant qu'il ne faut pas seulement miser sur les herbicides. Des techniques culturales, comme le retournement du sol, sont, dans certains cas, appropriées, même si cela pose un problème de compatibilité avec le zéro labour.

Les solutions chimiques proposées actuellement ne sont pas réellement efficaces. On a recouru, sans succès durable, aux herbicides résiduels ou de contact, en puisant dans les molécules existantes dont certaines déjà anciennes, comme le paraquat. À mesure que les phénomènes se développent et que de nouveaux produits sont proposés, de nouveaux programmes de lutte sont testés, qui associent plusieurs produits, en traitements de présemis et de post-émergence. Mais il est encore trop tôt pour se prononcer sur leur efficacité. Ces méthodes de lutte induisent bien sûr un coût supplémentaire.

Le nombre élevé d'espèces adventices résistant au glyphosate fait que leur contrôle doit combiner différentes techniques adaptées à la biologie de chaque adventice concernée. La connaissance de cette biologie devient un facteur primordial de l'efficacité des futurs moyens de lutte, d'autant plus que certaines plantes adventices, comme Ambrosia artemisiifolia, ont développé une sélection biologique avec une germination retardée, échappant ainsi à la période d'épandage des herbicides.

La mise en marché prochaine de nouvelles variétés transgéniques tolérantes à l'herbicide à base de 2-4 D peut être une autre solution possible. L'enquête réalisée en temps réel3 lors d'un atelier avec les consultants indique une certaine méfiance à l'égard de ces nouvelles variétés, en raison des risques de dispersion de l'herbicide hors des champs traités.

Conclusion Les conférences du Beltwide 2010 ont apporté une vision nouvelle des conséquences de l'utilisation des variétés de coton transgéniques aux États-Unis. Avec un recul de presque 15 années de culture, l'observation des changements dans les complexes d'ennemis de la culture du cotonnier et les solutions recherchées pour y faire face montrent que les effets positifs proclamés de l'utilisation de ces variétés ressemblent aujourd'hui à des illusions perdues dans trois domaines :

•– les variétés de coton transgénique actuellement cultivées ne résolvent pas définitivement les problèmes des ennemis de la culture, parce que de nouveaux ennemis sont apparus (insectes ravageurs et plantes adventices).

En conséquence, leur utilisation n'a pas permis de réduire durablement l'emploi des pesticides chimiques, redevenus nécessaires. Cet emploi est aujourd'hui coûteux et exige un haut degré de maîtrise technique, du fait de la nouveauté des molécules pesticides à utiliser et de la dépendance de leur efficacité aux conditions d'utilisation ; •– le contrôle des ennemis de la culture par l'utilisation de variétés transgéniques est devenu globalement plus coûteux, tant par l'augmentation continue du prix des semences que par les pesticides à utiliser en complément.

Dès lors, le sentiment de confort qui prévalait au début de cette utilisation est remplacé par un sentiment d'incertitude sur l'efficacité et la rentabilité de ce contrôle ; •– les solutions de contrôle par la chimie ou les biotechnologies se révèlent être complémentaires alors qu'en Syrie, le recours aux produits chimiques a fortement diminué sans recourir aux variétés transgéniques (Alascar et Fok, 2009). De surcroît, la concurrence entre les firmes au sein de chacune des deux branches est seulement virtuelle, soit par la non substituabilité des nouveaux pesticides chimiques, soit par l'entente possible entre les firmes de biotechnologies.

Les phénomènes observés aux États-Unis ne sont toutefois pas généralisables, parce qu'ils font référence à un cas extrême d'utilisation massive, simultanée et non coordonnée de variétés transgéniques de soja, de maïs et de coton, qui se succèdent sur les mêmes parcelles et dans les mêmes paysages. Il est donc risqué d'extrapoler ces phénomènes à d'autres régions du monde, même si de nouveaux ravageurs sont apparus en Chine et en Australie, tout comme des plantes adventices résistantes au glyphosate en Argentine et au Brésil. Face à ces phénomènes, un consultant a conclu à l'intérêt d'une approche systémique et coordonnée de l'utilisation des variétés transgéniques. Même si ce message n'a pas paru convaincre l'auditoire du Beltwide 2010, il nous paraît d'une importance primordiale pour bien appréhender la portée et les limites de l'utilisation des variétés transgéniques.

Références [Alascar et Fok, 2009] Alascar H, Fok M. Politique cotonnière en Syrie : adaptation partielle et progressive à la mondialisation. Cah Agric 2009 ; 18 : 393-401.

[Fernandez-Cornejo et Caswell, 2006] Fernandez-Cornejo J, Caswell M. The First Decade of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States. Washington (DC) : USDA Economic Research Service, 2006.

[Hardee et al., 2001] Hardee DD, Van Duyn JW, Layton MB, Bagwell RD. Bt Cotton Management of the Tobacco Budworm-Bollworm Complex. Washington (DC) : USDA Agricultural Research Service, 2001.

[Wu et al., 2008] Wu K-M, Lu Y-H, Feng H-Q, Jiang Y-Y, Zhao J-Z. Suppression of Cotton Bollworm in Multiple Crops in China in Areas with Bt Toxin–Containing Cotton. Science 2008 ; 321 : 1676-8.

1 http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/index.cfm?page=proceedings 2 http://www.cottoncampus.org/Cotton-Environmentally-Friendly-Sustainability/ 3 Les organisateurs des conférences Beltwide, toujours à l'avant-garde des technologies, ont réalisé une enquête en temps réel en utilisant les produits de la firme eInstruction (http://www.einstruction.com/products/index.html).

Author Address: Cirad UR SCAAvenue Agropolis TA B102/02 3498 Montpellier France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: FOK Michel, Marcelo VARELLA Year: 2010 Title: * Evolution des regles d'utilisation du soja transgenique au Bresil : une analyse par une approche systemique de la gouvernance.

Journal: Politique et Management Public, Volume 28, n¡Æ2, 2010. pp. 3-35.

Label: HeTo Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: Mots cles : Bresil ; Gouvernance ; soja ; OGM ; biotechnologies ; Monsanto; agro-business Kea words : Brazil; Governance; soybean; GMO; biotechnologies; Monsanto; agribusiness Abstract: Au Bresil, l'evolution de l'autorisation de l'utilisation du soja transgenique rendu tolerant a l'herbicide RoundUp¢ç de Monsanto, dit soja SRR, est un sujet qui a attire l'attention de la communaute internationale. Cet article en propose l'etude la plus complete a notre connaissance, en couvrant une periode de plus de dix ans et en s'interessant aux modalites pratiques d'acces au SRR. Notre analyse, qui a porte sur l.evolution de la gouvernance des regles d'utilisation du SRR, est la premiere analyse de gouvernance relative au domaine des OGM en agriculture. Cette etude a ete realisee en

appliquant l'approche systemique proposee par Turke (2008). La dynamique du systeme social concerne par l'utilisation du SRR illustre differentes configurations de gouvernance publique et privee, dans un contexte domine par la confiance dans le progres technique et par le role des grandes entreprises dans le developpement de l'agro-business.

Abstract In Brazil, the evolution of the authorization of the use of transgenic soybean, rendered tolerant to RoundUp herbicide of Monsanto (RRS), is a topic which has attracted attention of the international community. To our knowledge, this paper proposes the most comprehensive study of the mentioned topic by covering a period of more than ten years and by addressing the conditions of access to RRS. Our study, which lies in the analysis of the governance in setting the rules for RRS use, is the first governance study applied to the area of GMO in agriculture. The study of governance is implemented through the systemic approach of Turk (2008). The dynamics of the social system involved in the use of RRS demonstrates various shapes of public and private governance within a context dominated by the trust in technical progress and in the role of large firms to promote agribusiness.

URL: http://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/52/25/78/PDF/Fok_gouv_ogm.pdf Author Address: * CIRAD, UR SCA, 34398 Montpellier, France ** Centro Universitario de Brasilia, SEPN 707/907 - Campus do UniCEUB - Bresil XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Fornalé S, Shi X, Chai C, Encina A, Irar S, Capellades M, Fuguet E, Torres J-L, Rovira P, Puigdomenech P, Rigau J, Grotewold E, Gray J, Caparros-Ruiz D, Year: 2010 Title: * ZmMYB31 Directly Represses Maize Lignin Genes And Redirects The Phenylpropanoid Metabolic Flux.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 15 SEP 2010 02:41PM. Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: R2R3-MYB lignin cell wall flavonoids phenylpropanoids maize Abstract: SUMMARY Few regulators of phenylpropanoids have been identified in monocots with potential as biofuel crops. Here, we demonstrate the role of the maize R2R3-MYB factor ZmMYB31 in the control of the phenylpropanoid pathway. We determined its in vitro consensus DNA-binding sequence as ACCT/AACC, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) established that it interacts with two lignin gene promoters in vivo. To explore the potential of ZmMYB31 as a regulator of phenylpropanoids in other plants, its role in the regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway was further investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana. ZmMYB31 downregulates several genes involved in the synthesis of monolignols, transgenic plants are dwarf and show a significantly reduced lignin content with unaltered polymer composition. We demonstrate that these changes increase cell wall degradability of the transgenic plants. In addition, ZmMYB31 represses the synthesis of sinapoylmalate, resulting in plants more sensitive to UV irradiation, and induces several stress-related proteins. Our results suggest that, as an indirect effect of lignin biosynthesis repression, transgenic plants redirect carbon flux towards the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. Thus, ZmMYB31 can be considered a good candidate for the manipulation of lignin biosynthesis in biotechnological applications.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04363.x Author Address: 1Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Consortium CSIC-IRTA-UAB, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.

2Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606.

3Dept of Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and Plant Biotechnology Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210. USA 4Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de León, 24071, Spain.

5Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia IQAC-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.

6Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Frank S, Keck M, Sagasser M, Niehaus K, Weisshaar B, Stracke R, Year: 2010

Title: * Two differentially expressed MATE factor genes from apple complement the Arabidopsis transparent testa12 mutant.

Journal: Plant Biology Article first published online: 4 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana flavonoid biosynthesis Malus x domestica MATE transporter proanthocyanidins transparent testa12 (tt12) Abstract: Abstract Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a class of flavonoids with numerous functions in plant ecology and development, including protection against microbial infection, animal foraging and damage by UV light.

PAs are also beneficial in the human diet and livestock farming, preventing diseases of the cardiovascular system and lowering the risk of cancer, asthma and diabetes. Apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.) are naturally rich in flavonoids, but the flavonoid content and composition varies significantly between cultivars. In this work, we applied knowledge from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, for which the main features of flavonoid biosynthesis have been elucidated, to investigate PA accumulation in apple. We identified functional homologues of the Multidrug And Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) gene TRANSPARENT TESTA12 from A.Ă&#x201A; thaliana using a comparative genomics approach. MdMATE1 and MdMATE2 were differentially expressed, and the function of the encoded proteins was verified by complementation of the respective A.Ă&#x201A; thaliana mutant. In addition, MdMATE genes have a different gene structure in comparison to homologues from other species. Based on our findings, we propose that MdMATE1 and MdMATE2 are vacuolar flavonoid/H+-antiporters, active in PA accumulating cells of apple fruit. The identification of these flavonoid transporter genes expands our understanding of secondary metabolite biosynthesis and transport in apple, and is a prerequisite to improve the nutritional value of apples and apple-derived beverages.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00350.x Author Address: 1 Bielefeld University, Department of Biology, Genome Research, Bielefeld, Germany 2 Bielefeld University, Department of Biology, Metabolome and Proteome Research, Bielefeld, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Freeman John L, Tamaoki Masanori, Stushnoff Cecil, Quinn Colin F, Cappa Jennifer J, Devonshire Jean, Fakra Sirine C, Marcus Matthew A, McGrath Steve P, Van Hoewyk Doug, Pilon-Smits Elizabeth AH, Year: 2010 Title: * Molecular Mechanisms of Selenium Tolerance and Hyperaccumulation in Stanleya pinnata.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1630-1652.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: ReEn ImpactEnvironnement Abstract: The molecular mechanisms responsible for selenium (Se) tolerance and hyperaccumulation were studied in the Se hyperaccumulator Stanleya pinnata (Brassicaceae) by comparing it with the related secondary Se accumulator Stanleya albescens using a combination of physiological, structural, genomic, and biochemical approaches. S. pinnata accumulated 3.6-fold more Se and was tolerant to 20 {micro}M selenate, while S. albescens suffered reduced growth, chlorosis and necrosis, impaired photosynthesis, and high levels of reactive oxygen species. Levels of ascorbic acid, glutathione, total sulfur, and nonprotein thiols were higher in S. pinnata, suggesting that Se tolerance may in part be due to increased antioxidants and up-regulated sulfur assimilation. S. pinnata had higher selenocysteine methyltransferase protein levels and, judged from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, mainly accumulated the free amino acid methylselenocysteine, while S. albescens accumulated mainly the free amino acid selenocystathionine. S. albescens leaf x-ray absorption nearedge structure scans mainly detected a carbon-Se-carbon compound (presumably selenocystathionine) in addition to some selenocysteine and selenate. Thus, S. albescens may accumulate more toxic forms of Se in its leaves than S. pinnata. The species also showed different leaf Se sequestration patterns: while S. albescens showed a diffuse pattern, S. pinnata sequestered Se in localized epidermal cell clusters along leaf margins and tips, concentrated inside of epidermal cells. Transcript analyses of S. pinnata showed a constitutively higher expression of genes involved in sulfur assimilation, antioxidant activities, defense, and response to (methyl)jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, or ethylene. The levels of some of these hormones were constitutively elevated in S. pinnata compared with S. albescens, and leaf Se accumulation was slightly enhanced in both species when these hormones were supplied. Thus, defense-related phytohormones may play an important signaling role in the Se hyperaccumulation of S. pinnata, perhaps by constitutively up-regulating sulfur/Se assimilation followed by methylation of selenocysteine and the targeted sequestration of methylselenocysteine.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1630 Author Address: United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Water Management Research Division, Parlier, California 93648 USA California State University Fresno, Center for Irrigation Technology, Fresno, California 93740 USA Biology Department and Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 USA National Institute for Environmental Studies, Environmental Biology Division, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8506, Japan Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertshire AL5 2JQ, UKingdom Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720 Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina 29526 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Fuentes S, Pires N, Ostergaard L, Year: 2910 Title: * A clade in the QUASIMODO2 family evolved with vascular plants and supports a role for cell wall composition in adaptation to environmental changes.

Journal: Plant Molecular Biology (2010) 73: 6: 605–615 Accession Number: CABI:20103263558 Label: ReEn Temperature Physiol Keywords: adhesion; cell walls; effects; embryos; environmental factors; flowers; gene expression; genes; inflorescences; molecular biology; mutants; mutations; phylogenetics; vascular system; xylem; Capparales Abstract: The evolution of plant vascular tissue is tightly linked to the evolution of specialised cell walls.

Mutations in the QUASIMODO2 (QUA2) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana were previously shown to result in cell adhesion defects due to reduced levels of the cell wall component homogalacturonic acid. In this study, we provide additional information about the role of QUA2 and its closest paralogues, QUASIMODO2 LIKE1 (QUL1) and QUL2. Within the extensive QUA2 family, our phylogenetic analysis shows that these three genes form a clade that evolved with vascular plants. Consistent with a possible role of this clade in vasculature development, QUA2 is highly expressed in the vascular tissue of embryos and inflorescence stems and overexpression of QUA2 resulted in temperature-sensitive xylem collapse. Moreover, in-depth characterisation of qua2 qul1 qul2 triple mutant and 35S::QUA2 overexpression plants revealed contrasting temperaturedependent stem development with dramatic effects on stem width. Taken together, our results suggest that the QUA2-specific clade contributed to the evolution of vasculature and illustrate the important role that modification of cell wall composition plays in the adaptation to changing environmental conditions, including changes in temperature.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 45 ref.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/9m156016h466q541/fulltext.pdf Author Address: Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gaamouche T, Manes C-L dO, Kwiatkowska D, Berckmans B, Koumproglou R, Maes S, Beeckman T, Vernoux T, Doonan JH, Traas, Inzé D, De Veylder L, Year: 2010 Title: * Cyclin-dependent kinase activity maintains the shoot apical meristem cells in an undifferentiated state.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 26-37.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana cell cycle CDK endo-reduplication organogenesis shoot apical meristem Abstract: Summary As the shoot apex produces most of the cells that comprise the aerial part of the plant, perfect orchestration between cell division rates and fate specification is essential for normal organ formation and plant development. However, the inter-dependence of cell-cycle machinery and meristem-organizing genes is still poorly understood. To investigate this mechanism, we specifically inhibited the cell-cycle machinery in the shoot apex by expression of a dominant negative allele of the A-type cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) CDKA;1 in meristematic cells. A decrease in the cell division rate within the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS

domain of the shoot apex dramatically affected plant growth and development. Within the meristem, a subset of cells was driven into the differentiation pathway, as indicated by premature cell expansion and onset of endoreduplication. Although the meristem structure and expression patterns of the meristem identity genes were maintained in most plants, the reduced CDK activity caused splitting of the meristem in some plants. This phenotype correlated with the level of expression of the dominant negative CDKA;1 allele. Therefore, we propose a threshold model in which the effect of the cell-cycle machinery on meristem organization is determined by the level of CDK activity.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04317.x Author Address: 1Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium 2Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium 3Department of Biophysics and Morphogenesis of Plants, University of Silesia, 40-032 Katowice, Poland 4John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UKingdom 5Laboratoire de Reproduction et Dévelopement des Plantes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gaba Victor, Rosner Arie, Maslenin Ludmilla, Leibman Diana, Singer Sima, Kukurt Emre, Shiboleth Yoel, Gal-On Amit, Year: 2010 Title: * Hairpin-based virus resistance depends on the sequence similarity between challenge virus and discrete, highly accumulating siRNA species Secondary Title: European Journal of Plant Pathology 128, 2, 153-164.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0929-1873 Label: ViRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Potato virus Y - PVY - Transgenic resistance - Tobacco - Hairpin RNA construct - Viral strain specificity Abstract: Virus resistance can be effectively generated in transgenic plants by using the plant’s silencing machinery. To study the specificity of gene-silencing-based resistance, homozygous tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants containing a 597-nt hairpin RNA construct of the Potato Virus Y (PVY) replicase sequence were challenged with a variety of PVY strains. The transgene-carrying tobacco line was immune to five potato PVY strains with high sequence similarity (88.3â€―99.5%) to the transgene. Infection with more distant tomato and pepper PVY field strains (86â€―86.8% sequence similarity) caused delayed symptom appearance in the transgenic tobacco. Transgene production of small interfering (si) RNA was detected by northern blot and measured using a custom-designed microarray for the detection of small RNAs. siRNA accumulation peaks were observed throughout the inverted-repeat transgene. In the resistance-breaking tomato and pepper strains there were nucleotide differences in the sequences correlated to siRNA transgene accumulation, indicating the role of siRNA specificity in resistance breaking. The log of transgene siRNA signal intensity increased with probe GC content, indicating that the accumulating siRNA molecules were GC-rich. Sequence similarity of highly accumulating siRNAs with the target virus strain appears to be important for both resistance and resistance-breaking characteristics.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9654-5 Author Address: (1) Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Science, ARO Volcani Center, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel (2) Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, MI, Ann Arbor, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Garcia-Alonso Monica Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Current challenges in environmental risk assessment: The assessment of unintended effects of GM crops on non-target organisms.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 49-55.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe EvaluationRisqoe ImpactEnvironnement Abstract: As part of the regulatory approval process for commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops in the EU applicants have to asses the potential adverse effects that GM crops may have on human and animal health and the environment. This includes an assessment of potential adverse effects on non-target organisms arising from intended and unintended results of the genetic modification. The methodology to be used for the environmental risk assessment of GM crops to non-target organisms has been a major subject of debate for many years. However, after much research, a conceptual framework based on a tiered approach is now widely accepted by risk assessors, regulators and the scientific community. This methodology works well when the assessment is aimed at establishing the risk associated with intended effects of the genetic modification or unintended effects that have been identified during the comparative assessment. There the transformed plant is grown alongside its conventional counterpart and a number of plant characteristics are measured and compared.

However, the regulatory process in the EU now also considers the requirement to assess the risk of potential unintended effects that have not been identified during the comparative assessment. This represents a major challenge for risk assessors in that there is no clear basis in which to set testable hypothesis. This paper discusses some of the problems encountered by risk assessors when trying to fulfill this regulatory requirement and explores ways forward.

Author Address: Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gaso-Sokac Dajana, Kovac Spomenka, Josic Djuro, Year: 2010 Title: * Application of Proteomics in Food Technology and Food Biotechnology: Process Development, Quality Control and Product Safety.

Journal: Food Technology and Biotechnology Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Special Issue: Sp. Iss. SI Pages: 284295 Published: JUL-SEP 2010 Accession Number: WOS:000281138400006 Label: Nutrition EvaluationRisque Keywords: proteomics; food proteins and peptides; food quality; food safety KeyWords Plus: 2-DIMENSIONAL GEL-ELECTROPHORESIS; TANDEM MASS-SPECTROMETRY; GENETICALLY-MODIFIED CROPS; BIFIDOBACTERIUM-LONGUM NCC2705; CREUTZFELDTJAKOB-DISEASE; ESCHERICHIA-COLI O157-H7; BEAN PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS; CALCIUMBINDING PROTEIN; BACILLUS-CEREUS; PRION PROTEIN Abstract: Human food is a very complex biological mixture and food processing and safety are very important and essential disciplines. Proteornics technology using different high-performance separation techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, one-dimensional and multidimensional chromatography, combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry has the power to monitor the protein composition of foods and their changes during the production process. The use of proteomics in food technology is presented, especially for characterization and standardization of raw materials, process development, detection of batch-to-batch variations and quality control of the final product. Further attention is paid to the aspects of food safety, especially regarding biological and microbial safety and the use of genetically modified foods.

URL: <Go to ISI>://000281138400006 http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?Func=Frame&product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=End Note&UT=000281138400006&SID=Y2I6PN7a72J2pggg6c8&Init=Yes&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=FullR ecord&customersID=ResearchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images%2 Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: 1. COBRE CCRD, Prote Core, Providence, RI 02903 USA 2. Brown Univ, CORO W, Providence, RI 02903 USA 3. Univ Rijeka, Dept Biotechnol, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia 4. Univ JJ Strossmayer, Fac Food Technol, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia 5. Univ JJ Strossmayer, Dept Chem, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Gaufichon L, Reisdorf-Cren M, Rothstein SJ, Chardon F, Suzuki A, Year: 2010 Title: * Biological functions of asparagine synthetase in plants.

Journal: Plant Science 179, 3.

Accession Number: CABI:20103256120 Label: Physiol Keywords: ammonium; asparagine; aspartate-ammonia ligase; assimilation; carbon; genes; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; glutamate decarboxylase; glutamine; isoenzymes; light; light relations; metabolites; mutants; nitrogen; nucleotide sequences; photoreceptors; phylogenetics; seed germination; signal transduction; stress; stress response; transgenic plants asparagine synthetase; DNA sequences; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; isozymes Abstract: Ammonium is a form of inorganic nitrogen derived from several metabolic pathways, and is assimilated into glutamine, glutamate, asparagine and carbamoylphosphate. These molecules play important roles in nitrogen assimilation, recycling, transport and storage in plants. Ammonium assimilation into asparagine is catalyzed by ammonia-dependent asparagine synthetase encoded by asnA (EC 6.3.1.1) or glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetase encoded by asnB (EC 6.3.5.4) in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These organisms display a distinct distribution of these two forms of asparagine synthetase. Gene and primary protein structure for asparagine synthetase-A and -B from prokaryotes and eukaryotes is examined. Using nucleotide sequences, we constructed a phylogenetic tree that distinguished two major classes (classes I and II) for ASN genes from a range of organisms. Only the glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetases-B have been identified, and are encoded by a small multigene family in plants. The isoenzyme encoded by each member of the gene family provides asparagine at specific phases of development. These include the nitrogen mobilization in germinating seeds, nitrogen recycling in vegetative organs in response to stress, and nitrogen remobilization during seed embryogenesis. The expression of genes for asparagine synthetase is regulated by light and metabolites. Genetic and molecular data using mutants and transgenic plants have provided insights into the light perception by the photoreceptors, carbon and nitrogen sensing and signal transduction mechanism in the asn regulation. Global analysis of carbon and nitrogen metabolites supports the impact of asn regulation in the synthesis and transport of asparagine in plants.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103256120 Author Address: Departement Adaptation des Plantes a l'Environnement, IJPB, UMR1318 AgroParis Tech, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Route de St-Cyr, 78026 Versailles cedex, France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: GAUVRIT C, CHAUVEL B Year: 2010 Title: * Sensitivity of Ambrosia artemisiifolia to glufosinate and glyphosate at various developmental stages.

Journal: Weed Research 50, 5, 503-510.

Label: HeTo Resistance Keywords: common ragweed seed production pollen production herbicide allergenic pollen Abstract: Glufosinate and glyphosate at 375 g.a.i. h-1 and 540 g.a.i. h-1, respectively, were assessed for control of Ambrosia artemisiifolia under non-crop conditions at four different developmental stages (vegetative, BBCH 14; bud appearance, BBCH 53-55; onset of pollen production, BBCH 61; mid female flowering, BBCH 73-77).

Both herbicides displayed high efficacies at all development stages. However, after treatments at BBCH 14, new emergence or re-growth of A. artemisiifolia led to the presence of plants that produced pollen and seeds.

Treatments at BBCH 53â€―55 gave more than 99.9% reduced pollen production. Seed production was more than 99.9% reduced by glyphosate and 92.0â€―99.8% by glufosinate. Treatments at BBCH 61 suppressed viable seed production by more than 99.8%. When treatments were made at BBCH 73-77, seed production by A. artemisiifolia was not significantly affected, but seed viability was decreased by 10-85%. Although significantly reduced, the number of viable seeds was still 283-652 and 827-3893 m-2 in the plots treated by glufosinate and glyphosate respectively. It is concluded that on non-crop areas, herbicide treatment of A. artemisiifolia at bud appearance (BBCH 53-55) with glufosinate or glyphosate gave the most effective control of both pollen and seed production.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3180.2010.00800.x

Author Address: INRA, UMR1210 Biologie et Gestion des Adventices, Dijon, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gen-ichiro Arimuraa, Maffeic Massimo E Year: 2010 Title: * Calcium and secondary CPK signaling in plants in response to herbivore attack.

Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Volume 400, Issue 4, 1 October 2010, Pages 455-460. (Mini Review) doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.08.134 Label: InRe Physiol Review Keywords: Calcium signaling; Ca2+-dependent protein kinase (CPK); Herbivory; Plant defense response Abstract: Plant Ca2+ signals are involved in a sizable array of intracellular signaling pathways after pest invasion. Upon herbivore feeding there is a dramatic Ca2+ influx, followed by the activation of Ca2+dependent signal transduction pathways that include interacting downstream networks of kinases for defense responses. Notably, Ca2+-binding sensory proteins such as Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) have recently been documented to mediate the signaling following Ca2+ influx after herbivory, in phytohormoneindependent manners. Here, we review the sequence of signal transductions triggered by herbivory-evoked Ca2+ signaling leading to CPK actions for defense responses, and discuss in a comparative way the involvement of CPKs in the signal transduction of a variety of other biotic and abiotic stresses.

Research highlights ? Upon herbivory there is a Ca2+ influx limited to cell layers lining the wounded zone. ? Ca2+-binding sensory proteins are critically involved in herbivory responses. ? CPKs play extensive roles in various biological and environmental responses.

Author Address: a Global COE Program: Evolution and Biodiversity, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan b Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu 520-2113, Japan c Plant Physiology Unit, Department of Plant Biology and Innovation Centre, University of Turin, 10135 Turin, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Germida J, Dunfield K Year: 2008 Title: 造 Influence of field site on the diversity of soil bacterial communities associated with four varieties of genetically-modified, herbicide-tolerant canola.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf.

Label: HeTo ImpactBiol Abstract: Genetically-modified, herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) cropping systems are among the most successful of the fi rst generation of genetically modifi ed (GM) products, with millions of hectares grown globally each year. In fact, herbicide resistance is the most common transgenic traits in GM plants, with more than 70% of the global transgenic hectareage being resistant to at least one herbicide. In Canada, genetically modifi ed canola (oilseed rape; Brassica sp.,) tolerant to non-selective broad-spectrum herbicides received environmental and nutritional food and safety clearances by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 1995. Since then, growers rapidly adopted its use, and currently approximately 80% of Canadian canola is GMHT. One of the least understood areas in the environmental risk assessment of GMHT crops continues to be their non-target impacts on soil microbial communities and soil ecosystem functioning. In order to begin to examine this issue, we conducted a three-year fi eld study to assess the effects of GMHT canola on soil and plant- associated bacterial communities.

This study was a multiple field site study where canola varieties were seeded at five field sites across Saskatchewan, Canada. Field sites represented a range of soil textures and organic matter contents, and had never been previously seeded to GMHT canola. Treatments included eight (four GMHT and four non-GMHT) commercially available canola varieties and an unplanted fallow control plot. Varieties considered GMHT

included a Roundup Ready® variety, tolerant to glyphosate that contained the 5-enolpyruvylshikamate-3phosphate synthase (EPSPS) and glyphosate oxidoreductase (GOX) genes, and three Liberty-Link® varieties, tolerant to glufosinate-ammonium that contained the phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) gene and a kanamycin resistance gene (NPTII). Plants were grown under normal fi eld conditions, however, in order to attempt to assess the genetic impacts of the crops on the bacterial communities, no herbicides were applied to any of the plants.

The rhizosphere and root-interior bacterial communities were characterized via community level physiological profi les (CLPP), fatty acid methyl ester analysis (FAME) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Field sites and plants were sampled on various dates corresponding to preseeding, and when plants were at rosette, fl owering, maturity, and then post harvest fall stubble and overwintered stubble. The root material and soil were collected from each plot and placed into phosphate-buffered saline for dilution and inoculation of Biolog® plates for CLPP. In addition, FAME analysis of the rhizosphere and root-associated microbial community was conducted by extracting fatty acids from soil and roots according to standard MIDI protocols. FAMEs were analyzed by gas chromatography, and their composition was statistically compared using multivariate analysis. Soil DNA was extracted from rhizosphere soils using FastDNA® Spin Kit for soil. Bacterial DNA was amplifi ed with primers targeting the 16SrDNA gene, using a forward primer end-labeled with [Ð-32P] ATP. PCR products were restricted with two restriction enzymes (CfoI and MSpI) and T-RFLP analysis was conducted manually using a vertical gel electrophoresis system.

Gels were scored and banding patterns were analyzed using multivariate analysis.

The results showed that carbon utilization patterns and fatty acid methyl ester profi les of the microbial community associated with GMHT canola varieties were signifi cantly different from the microbial communities associated with non GMHT canola varieties. However, this effect was dependent on the transgene.

In particular, the glyphosate-tolerant variety Quest supported a unique microbial community compared to the communities supported by the four non GMHT varieties and three glufosinate ammonium-tolerant varieties tested. Analysis of rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with canola throughout the fi eld season demonstrated that these communities are subject to seasonal variation. Importantly, in April (after plants were harvested in the preceding September) no differences were observed between bacterial communities from fi eld plots that contained harvested transgenic canola stubble and fi eld plots that contained no plants during the fi eld season, demonstrating that in Saskatchewan, the effect of transgenic plants on the microbial community was temporary, and dependent on the presence of the plants.

The composition and functional diversity of bacterial communities from bulk soil and plant-associated bacterial communities were all signifi cantly infl uenced by fi eld site. Furthermore, fi eld site interacted with plant variety in its infl uence on the bacterial community. The effect of plant variety on the bacterial community at one fi eld site was sometimes entirely different in another fi eld site. Therefore, generalizations about the effect of GMHT plants on all soil microbial communities are not possible.

In a recently completed 4-year fi eld study exploring the interactions of glyphosate, and GMHT corn-soybean cropping systems on the soil ecosystem, we also concluded that fi eld site, and factors such as environment, as well as soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics had a major infl uence on the persistence of recombinant plant DNA in the soil. In-crop plant DNA levels ranged between 1,000 and 1,000,000 copies of cp4 epsps per gram soil fresh weight. Average persistence of cp4 epsps (gene conferring resistance to glyphosate) was low (1 to 10 copies per gram soil fresh weight) after crop harvest in October and before planting the following May in both corn and soybean. Below-ground microbial communities, including, soil food webs, and microorganisms, were infl uenced, but also dependent upon fi eld season and location.

The interaction between microbial communities, transgenic plants and field site, along with the seasonal variability in microbial communities documented in these studies emphasizes the complexity and need for a multifaceted approach to study the risks of GMHT plants to the diversity of the microbial community.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 University of Saskatchewan, 2 University of Guelph, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Programmer: Gessler Cesare, Giovanni Broggini, Gabriella Parravicini, Paolo Galli, Iris Szankowski, Roberta Paris, Andrea Patocchi, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Genetic modification of apple to control diseases.

Label: DisRe Efficacite Abstract: Apple scab is controlled by a high number of fungicide applications. Fireblight control is difficult and in some situations and up to three Streptomycin applications are necessary. The application of such pesticides is highly questioned because of their potential environmental impact and residues. Classical breeding has produced scab resistant cultivars and in the near future also fireblight resistant cvs. However, their popularity is limited as the traditional market dominant cvs have quality characteristics for producers, storage and consumers difficult to equal, and contrary to most other crops, apples are recognized as a cultivar, e.g.

Gala, Golden Delicious, and not as a crop e.g. Bananas. In order to maintain the cultivar, single genes coding for enzymes and other proteins which can inhibit or at least reduce the development of scab and fireblight can be introduced by DNA-technology. A large range of foreign genes e.g. encoding lysozymes from bacteriaphages, fungi and animals have been used and in some cases reduce fireblight and /or scab susceptibility. Pathogen derived genes or pathogen induced promotors may also contribute. In all cases, all of the incorporated genes and control sequences are foreign and the marker genes needed for the selection of the transformed cells are antibiotic (e.g. nptII) or herbicide resistance genes (Bar). However such transgenic plants are currently unacceptable in Europe, especially as apple is mostly a fresh consumed product and consumers are highly sensitive to the issue. Even if legislation would permit such transgenic apple cultivars, no producer will take the risk of not being able to sell his product. Moreover, his personal profit includes the reduction of the number of treatments. Objection of the consumers, opinion makers and sometime policy makers are very broad, ranging from ethical issues (we should not manipulate genes in a way which nature does not, e.g. across natural barriers) to potential risks of outcrossing, vertical gene transfer and others. Therefore an approach which delivers to plant only genes (including promotors and terminators) originating from a crossable donor plant avoids most of the product oriented objection and could be an interesting alternative to transgenesis. This, however, does not eliminate the general objections to the technology itself. Such plants are defined as cisgenic.

To create a cisgenic plant, firstly the apples own resistance genes and promoter sequences need to be cloned, and, secondly, a technology which eliminates the selection genes needs to be implemented. Both are currently available. We introduced HcrVf2, one of the open-reading-frames present in the genomic region introgressed in Malus x domestica from Malus floribunda 821, conferring Vf resistance against scab into the cvs. Gala and Elstar. The gene is constitutively expressed at a high level under the control of its own promoter and gives full resistance to an equal level and interaction as the Vf resistance introgressed by classical breeding. For the development of cisgenic plants, marker genes are necessary as they are for the development of transgenic plants. However, a system of post selection elimination of the marker genes has been implemented in strawberry and is currently applied to apple. A further system is reported to deliver â&#x20AC;&#x2014;marker gene freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; in tomato and tobacco plants. We are currently testing the two systems and developing a third, all using, as a target, the HcrVf2 gene with its own promoter. The final result will be a plant of the target cv. into which the HcrVf2 has been introduced by DNA-recombinant technology corresponding to the definition of cisgenic.

Concurrently, we are identifying further scab resistance genes and fireblight resistance regions with the final scope of obtain a cisgenic apple cv. with fireblight resistance and scab resistance based on several functional different resistances. Plants of popular cvs. with resistance to the two diseases can contribute to a reduction of environment contamination and fruit residues avoiding the major critics against transgenic plants.

Author Address: Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Geyer BC., Kannan L, Cherni I, Woods RR, Soreq H, Mor TS, Year: 2010 Title: *Transgenic plants as a source for the bioscavenging enzyme, human butyrylcholinesterase.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal 8, 8, 873-886.

Label: Biopharming Keywords: organophosphorous compounds nerve agents pesticides codon usage transgenic plants enzyme therapy Abstract: Organophosphorous pesticides and nerve agents inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase at neuronal synapses and in neuromuscular junctions. The resulting accumulation of acetylcholine overwhelms regulatory mechanisms, potentially leading to seizures and death from respiratory collapse. While current therapies are only capable of reducing mortality, elevation of the serum levels of the related enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by application of the purified protein as a bioscavenger of organophosphorous compounds is effective in preventing all symptoms associated with poisoning by these toxins. However, BChE therapy requires large

quantities of enzyme that can easily overwhelm current sources. Here, we report genetic optimization, cloning and high-level expression of human BChE in plants. Plant-derived BChE is shown to be biochemically similar to human plasma-derived BChE in terms of catalytic activity and inhibitor binding. We further demonstrate the ability of the plant-derived bioscavenger to protect animals against an organophosphorous pesticide challenge.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00515.x Author Address: 1School of Life Sciences and The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA 2Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gil-Humanes Javier, Piston Fernando, Tollefsen Stig, Sollid Ludvig M, Barro Francisco, Year: 2010 Title: * Effective shutdown in the expression of celiac disease-related wheat gliadin T-cell epitopes by RNA interference.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107, 39, 17023-17028 .

Date: September 28, 2010 Accession Number: 10.1073/pnas.1007773107 Label: Composition Sante Nutrition Abstract: Celiac disease (CD) is an enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten proteins from wheat and similar proteins from barley and rye. The inflammatory reaction is controlled by T cells that recognize gluten peptides in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 molecules. The only available treatment for the disease is a lifelong gluten-exclusion diet. We have used RNAi to down-regulate the expression of gliadins in bread wheat. A set of hairpin constructs were designed and expressed in the endosperm of bread wheat. The expression of gliadins was strongly down-regulated in the transgenic lines.

Total gluten protein was extracted from transgenic lines and tested for ability to stimulate four different T-cell clones derived from the intestinal lesion of CD patients and specific for the DQ2-α-II, DQ2-γ-VII, DQ8-α-I, and DQ8-γ-I epitopes. For five of the transgenic lines, there was a 1.5â€―2 log reduction in the amount of the DQ2-α-II and DQ2-γ-VII epitopes and at least 1 log reduction in the amount of the DQ8-α-I and DQ8-γ-I epitopes. Furthermore, transgenic lines were also tested with two T-cell lines that are reactive with ω-gliadin epitopes. The total gluten extracts were unable to elicit T-cell responses for three of the transgenic wheat lines, and there were reduced responses for six of the transgenic lines. This work shows that the down-regulation of gliadins by RNAi can be used to obtain wheat lines with very low levels of toxicity for CD patients.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/39/17023.abstract Author Address: aInstituto de Agricultura Sostenible, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), E-14080 Córdoba, Spain; and bCentre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Girin Thomas, Pauline Stephenson, Cassandra MP Goldsack, Sherry A Kempin, Amandine Perez, Nuno Pires, Penelope A Sparrow, Thomas A Wood, Martin F Yanofsky, Lars Østergaard, Year: 2010 Title: * Brassicaceae INDEHISCENT genes specify valve margin cell fate and repress replum formation.

Journal: The Plant Journal Volume 63, Issue 2, pages 329–338, July 2010.

Accession Number: CABI:20103246886 Label: Physiol Keywords: alleles; conservation; crops; ethyl methanesulfonate; fruits; genes; genetic transformation; mutants; mutations; phylogenetics; plant breeding; plant development; rape; transgenics canola; Capparales; ethyl methanesulphonate; oilseed rape Abstract: Members of the Brassicaceae family, including Arabidopsis thaliana and oilseed rape (Brassica napus), produce dry fruits that open upon maturity along a specialised tissue called the valve margin. Proper development of the valve margin in Arabidopsis is dependent on the INDEHISCENT (IND) gene, the role of which in genetic and hormonal regulation has been thoroughly characterised. Here we perform phylogenetic comparison of IND genes in Arabidopsis and Brassica to identify conserved regulatory sequences that are

responsible for specific expression at the valve margin. In addition we have taken a comparative development approach to demonstrate that the BraA.IND.a and BolC.IND.a genes from B. rapa and B. oleracea share identical function with Arabidopsis IND since ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) mutant alleles and silenced transgenic lines have valve margin defects. Furthermore we show that the degree of these defects can be finetuned for crop improvement. Wild-type Arabidopsis produces an outer replum composed of about six cell files at the medial region of the fruits, whereas Brassica fruits lack this tissue. A strong loss-of-function braA.ind.a mutant gained outer replum tissue in addition to its defect in valve margin development. An enlargement of replum size was also observed in the Arabidopsis ind mutant suggesting a general role of Brassicaceae IND genes in preventing valve margin cells from adopting replum identity.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 48 ref.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04244.x/abstract Author Address: 1Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UKingdom 2Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA 3Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: GMO Compass Year: 2010 Title: ££ EU report puts forward isolation distances for GM maize.

Journal: GMO Compass : http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/home/ Label: InRe Dispersion Reglement Abstract: Full text : (29 September 2010) On this week's meeting of the Agricultural Council of the EU, the Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli presented a Best Practice Document for the cultivation of GM maize. The report was drawn up by the European Coexistence Bureau to propose measures that avoid the mixing of GM and conventional maize.

According to Dalli, the report is meant to help Member States in developing their own coexistence guidelines – in July the Commission had come forward with a proposal to nationalise the cultivation decision of GM crops.

At the meeting several Member States criticised this move, though.

The measures suggested by the Coexistence Bureau relate to the storage of the seeds and, above all, to spatial isolation distances as best ways to limit or avoid co-mingling of maize from different cultivation systems. Even if the Best Practice Document is non-binding, Dalli explained that these measures "are in full accordance with the spirit and aims of the proposal" to devolve the definition of coexistence policies to Member States and to provide them with more flexibility to do so.

In compiling the report the Coexistence Bureau has not only drawn upon numerous scientific trials, studies and models covering different regions in the EU, it has also collaborated with 20 experts that were nominated by interested Member States. This work has resulted in sets of isolation distances that reduce cross-pollination between GM and non-GM maize and ensure compliance with different target levels for the presence of GMOs in conventional maize.

To keep the GMO content in grain maize below the current labelling threshold of 0.9 percent, isolation distances of 15 to 50 meters are sufficient, even under unfavourable wind conditions. For silage maize, where the whole plants are utilised, isolation distances of 0 to 25 metres are enough. Given that currently no thresholds have been defined yet for the admixture of GM material in conventional seeds, the isolation distances for the cultivation of GM maize may need to be larger in future to ensure adherence to the overall legal threshold of 0.9 percent. For instance, for grain maize distances of 20-55 metres would be enough to limit cross-pollination rates to 0.6 percent.

However, the report also states that in specific cases the application of the recommended best practices may be difficult, e.g. in regions with small or narrow fields. In such cases the experts of the Coexistence Bureau see possible solutions e.g. in voluntary agreements between farmers on harvest labelling and the clustering of fields of one production system.

No regulation of coexistence at the national level?

At the same meeting of the EU's Agricultural Council a majority of Member States objected to the Commission's proposal to nationalise the cultivation decision of GM crops. Among the opposing Member

States were Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Poland. They feared clashes with the World Trade Organisation if no consistent rules were followed in the EU. Furthermore they considered the proposal a violation of the single EU market and the EU common agricultural policy. Only Austria supported these plans. Now a working group is to be established to clarify the issue and develop a consensus.

See also on GMO Compass: EU Commission: Countries to decide independently on GM crops (News, 13 July 2010 http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/523.eu_commission_countries_decide_independently_gm_crops.html Coexistence: Different Agricultural Systems Working Side by Side http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/regulation/coexistence/ Coexistence Possible: Often With No Additional Effort http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/regulation/coexistence/201.coexistence_is_possible.html Maize http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/safety/environmental_safety/182.maize.html Further information: GMO / Research: Report on concrete measures to avoid mixing of GM and conventional maize http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/1181 European Coexistence Bureau (ECoB), Best Practice Documents for coexistence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming: 1. Maize crop production http://ecob.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents.html#best_practice http://ecob.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/Maize.pdf Notes: From : [Actualité de la sécurité alimentaire et de la biotechnologie agricole] jeu. 07/10/2010 05:15 Un rapport de l'UE propose des distances d'isolement pour le maïs GM Source : GMO Compass Auteur : n/a Un nouveau Document sur les meilleures pratiques (Best Practices Document) pour la culture de maïs génétiquement modifié (GM), rédigé par le Bureau européen pour la coexistence, fournit des lignes directrices relatives à la " coexistence " pour savoir comment éviter le mélange de maïs GM et de maïs conventionnel.

Conçues pour aider à informer la législation nationale des Etats membres de l'UE, les lignes directrices concernent le stockage de semences de maïs et en particulier les distances d'isolement entre champs de maïs GM et non-GM. Des distances d'isolement de 15 à 50 mètres suffiraient pour maintenir la teneur en OGM en dessous de 0,9 % (le seuil au-delà duquel les aliments doivent être étiquetés GM dans l'UE). Le Document sur les meilleures pratiques note que dans des cas particuliers, l'application de leurs recommandations peut s'avérer difficile, par exemple dans des zones où les champs sont petits ou étroits. John Dalli, commissaire en charge de la santé et de la protection des consommateurs, a présenté le document au Conseil de l'agriculture la semaine dernière. A cette réunion a été également examinée la nouvelle politique de décentralisation de la réglementation des OGM au sein de l'UE. La majorité des Etats membres de l'Union se disent opposés au plan proposé. On peut notamment citer l'Allemagne, la France, l'Italie, l'Espagne et la Pologne. Ces Etats ont fait part de leurs préoccupations, à savoir si la proposition serait interprétée comme une violation des règles de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) et si les propositions constituent une violation de l'idée d'un marché unique européen et d'une politique agricole commune des Etats membres. Seule l'Autriche soutient la politique. Un groupe de travail va être établi à présent pour clarifier la question et rechercher un consensus.

Pour consulter l'article en ligne en version originale anglaise, cliquer sur le lien ci-dessous. http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/541.docu.html URL: http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/news/541.docu.html Author Address: Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Godfree RC Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Risk assessment of virus-resistant pasture plants: a case study using the model Trifolium repens – Clover yellow vein virus pathosystem.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Transfert

Abstract: Rapid development and commercial release of novel disease-resistant plants over the past decade has led many ecologists to question the potential environmental hazards associated with their release into agricultural and natural plant communities. One central concern is that host populations currently regulated by disease may acquire resistance genes, experience rapid population growth, and invade target and non-target ecosystems. This risk is likely to be especially high for plant species selected for high persistence, such as pasture plants.

The objective of this project has been to assess the level of risk posed by transgenic and conventionally-bred virus-resistant (VR) pasture plants to non-target ecosystems and to develop effi cient risk-assessment protocols on which to base biosafety assessments targeting these species. I have used the model Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV)-Trifolium repens pathosystem in southeastern Australia to address these questions, with an overall focus on predicting the potential magnitude of ecological release that would occur if wild T. repens genotypes in this region were to acquire viral resistance.

Materials and Methods The risk assessment reported here has incorporated four key research methodologies: 1) surveys of wild T. repens populations in southeastern Australia for virus presence and abudance, 2) fl oristic surveys of native plant communities aimed at defi ning relationships among wild T. repens populations and other native species, 3) glasshouse and fi eld experiments aimed at determining the impact of naturally-occurring ClYVV isolates on wild T. repens genotypes by comparing the performance of infected and virus-free T. repens clones, and 4) assessment of the impact of ClYVV on in situ wild clover populations located in high conservation-value montane and subalpine plant communities in south-eastern Australia.

Results Field surveys of montane and subalpine T. repens populations in southeast Australia indicated that ClYVV was present in 80% of populations in the survey region but that other viruses were rare (Godfree et. al. 2004). The results of fl oristic surveys (Godfree et al. 2004, 2006) conducted in the same region showed that T. repens was one of the most abundant forbs present in these environments, although its abundance was usually low (0-25% cover), existing primarily in inter-tussock space among grass species.

Glasshouse experiments using ClYVV isolates and T. repens lines from grassland and woodland communities indicated that viral infection reduced host survival, stolon growth, morphology and fl ower production by 1050%. However, infectivity and aggressiveness among ClYVV isolates and resistance and tolerance among T. repens lines varied signifi cantly. Field experiments also showed that ClYVV signifi cantly reduced the population growth rate of clover by limiting host plant fecundity, growth and survival, with viral impacts being generally greater in grassland environments. Demographic modeling of these data suggests that the release of wild clover populations from the pathogenic effects of ClYVV would likely result in a 3% mean increase in population growth rate and invasion of some new environments by clover populations (Godfree et al. 2007).

However, surveys of in situ montane and subalpine wild T. repens populations failed to detect any impact of ClYVV on host performance.

Discussion These results indicate that the expansion of non-target host plant populations following the introduction of compatible diseaseresistant genotypes into the environment is a plausible scenario but that the level of ecological release is likely to be dependent on the spatial distribution and abundance of both host and pathogen, co-evolutionary history of the pathosystem, and the presence of complex host-disease-environment interactions.

These factors all need to be considered if ecological risks associated with release of VR plants are to be realistically assessed. In the present case, the evidence suggests that the release of wild Trifolium repens from the pathogenic effects of Clover yellow vein virus would likely result in an increase in the growth rate and niche breadth of extant host populations, which may place sympatric native species at risk. However, further research is required to determine the role of other factors such as gene fl ow, hybrid fi tness, and vector dynamics in mediating the degree of release observed in the fi eld.

The results of this project also confi rm that as one moves from controlled glasshouse experiments to in situ field studies the diffi culty involved in quantifying small but ecologically important host-pathogen interactions increases greatly, and so the latter should not be solely relied upon as a basis for risk assessment. This highlights the importance of incorporating a complementary set of fi eld surveys, plant community analyses, tiered glasshouse/fi eld experiments and in-situ monitoring of wild populations into protocols aimed at assessing the biosafety of disease-resistant plants in general. continued..

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Matthew Woods, Andrew Young, Brendan Lepschi, Lyndsey Vivian, Peter Thrall and Paul Chu for scientifi c and technical contributions to the parts of this project. I also thank Dairy Australia for partial funding of this work.

References Godfree, R.C., Chu, P.W.G. and Woods, M.J. 2004. White clover (Trifolium repens) and associated viruses in the subalpine region of south-eastern Australia: implications for GMO risk assessment. Australian Journal of Botany 52: 321-331.

Godfree, R.C., Vivian, L.M. and Lepschi, B.J. 2006. Risk assessment of transgenic virus-resistant white clover: non-target plant community characterisation and implications for fi eld trial design. Biological Invasions 8: 1159-1178.

Godfree, R.C., Thrall, P.H. and Young, A.G. 2007. Enemy release after introduction of disease-resistant genotypes into plantpathogen systems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA 104: 2756-2760.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: CSIRO Plant Industry, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Godoy MG, Gutarra ML, Castro AM, Machado OL, Freire DM, Year: 2010 Title: * Adding value to a toxic residue from the biodiesel industry: production of two distinct pool of lipases from Penicillium simplicissimum in castor bean waste.

Journal: J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print].

Label: Biofuel Abstract: In countries with a strong agricultural base, such as Brazil, the generation of solid residues is very high. In some cases, these wastes present no utility due to their toxic and allergenic compounds, and so are an environmental concern. The castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a promising candidate for biodiesel production.

From the biodiesel production process developed in the Petrobras Research Center using castor bean seeds, a toxic and alkaline waste is produced. The use of agroindustrial wastes in solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a very interesting alternative for obtaining enzymes at low cost. Therefore, in this work, castor bean waste was used, without any treatment, as a culture medium for fungal growth and lipase production. The fungus Penicillium simplicissimum was able to grow and produce an enzyme in this waste. In order to maximize the enzyme production, two sequential designs-Plackett-Burman (variable screening) followed by central composite rotatable design (CCRD)-were carried out, attaining a considerable increase in lipase production, reaching an activity of 155.0 U/g after 96 h of fermentation. The use of experimental design strategy was efficient, leading to an increase of 340% in the lipase production. Zymography showed the presence of different lipases in the crude extract. The partial characterization of such extract showed the occurrence of two lipase pools with distinct characteristics of pH and temperature of action: one group with optimal action at pH 6.5 and 45°C and another one at pH 9.0 and 25°C. These results demonstrate how to add value to a toxic and worthless residue through the production of lipases with distinct characteristics. This pool of enzymes, produced through a low cost methodology, can be applied in different areas of biotechnology.

Author Address: Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Biotecnologia Microbiana - 549-1 e 2, Instituto de Química, Centro de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco A, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21941-909, Brazil.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gomez LD, Gilday A, Feil R, Lunn JE, Graham IA, Year: 2010 Title: * AtTPS1-mediated trehalose 6-phosphate synthesis is essential for embryogenic and vegetative growth and responsiveness to ABA in germinating seeds and stomatal guard cells.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 1-13.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis TILLING trehalose trehalose 6-phosphate synthase sugar signalling ABA Abstract: Summary Trehalose and associated metabolites are part of the sugar signalling system in plants and have profound effects on development. Disruption of the TREHALOSE 6-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE (TPS1)

gene in Arabidopsis results in delayed embryo growth, altered cell wall morphology and carbon metabolism and abortion at the torpedo stage. Here we investigate the role of the TPS1 gene in post-embryonic development using two approaches. In the first we use the seed-specific ABI3 promoter to drive the TPS1 cDNA during embryo development, resulting in rescue of the embryo-lethal tps1 phenotype. Lack of expression from the ABI3::TPS1 transgene in post-germinative tps1 seedlings results in severe growth arrest, accumulation of soluble sugars and starch and leads to an increase in expression of genes related to ABA signalling. In the second approach we use TILLING (targeted induced local lesions in genomes) to generate three weaker, nonembryo-lethal, alleles (tps1-11, tps1-12 and tps1-13) and use these to demonstrate that the TPS1 protein plays a key role in modulating trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) levels in vegetative tissues of Arabidopsis. All three weaker alleles give a consistent phenotype of slow growth and delayed flowering. Germination of tps1-11, tps1-12 and tps1-13 is hypersensitive to ABA with the degree of hypersensitivity correlating with the decrease in T6P levels in the different alleles. Stomatal pore aperture is regulated by ABA, and this was found to be affected in tps112. Our results show that the TPS1 gene product plays an essential role in regulating the growth of vegetative as well as embryogenic tissue in a mechanism involving ABA and sugar metabolism.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04312.x Author Address: 1CNAP, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UKingdom 2Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am M端hlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Granell A, Fernandez-del-Carmen A, Orzaez D, Year: 2010 Title: * In planta production of plant-derived and non-plant-derived adjuvants.

Journal: Expert Review of Vaccines 9, 8, 843-858.

Date: Aug Accession Number: ISI:000281104800008 Label: Biopharming Keywords: CTB; lectin; plant adjuvant; plant-made vaccine; recombinant protein; RTB; saponin toxin-b-subunit; heat-labile enterotoxin; virus-like particles; hepatitis-c virus; transgenic tobacco chloroplasts; synthetic neutralizing epitope; glucosidase-aggregating factor; vaccine candidate antigen; insulin fusion protein; high-yield expression Abstract: Recombinant antigen production in plants is a safe and economically sound strategy for vaccine development, particularly for oral/mucosal vaccination, but subunit vaccines usually suffer from weak immunogenicity and require adjuvants that escort the antigens, target them to relevant sites and/or activate antigen-presenting cells for elicitation of protective immunity. Genetic fusions of antigens with bacterial adjuvants as the B subunit of the cholera toxin have been successful in inducing protective immunity of plantmade vaccines. In addition, several plant compounds, mainly plant defensive molecules as lectins and saponins, have shown strong adjuvant activities. The molecular diversity of the plant kingdom offers a vast source of nonbacterial compounds with adjuvant activity, which can be assayed in emerging plant manufacturing systems for the design of new plant vaccine formulations.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 Cited Reference Count: 148 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281104800008 Author Address: [Granell, Antonio; Fernandez-del-Carmen, Asun; Orzaez, Diego] Univ Politecn Valencia, CSIC, Inst Biol Mol & Celular Plantas, Valencia 46022, Spain.

Orzaez, D, Univ Politecn Valencia, CSIC, Inst Biol Mol & Celular Plantas, CPI Ed 8E,Camino Vera S-N, Valencia 46022, Spain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Groenewald Jan.Hendrik Year: 2010 Title: 造 Sustainable GMO Technologies for African Agriculture. (Opinion Paper) Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: ImpactEnvironnement Socioeconomic Abstract: Abstract Agricultural sustainability usually refers to agronomic sustainability, including aspects such as agronomical practices, productivity and ecological diversity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all factors that should be considered during the risk assessment of a genetically modified (GM) crop before it is released commercially. Most GM crops that have been commercialised to date were developed primarily for large-scale farming systems and would, arguably, not impart the same scale of benefit to small-scale and subsistence farmers, typical of developing countries.

Therefore, to allow developing countries to derive the full potential benefits of biotech crops, we propose that, in addition to the traditional biosafety aspects mentioned above, technology developers should also more carefully consider factors such as the relevance and accessibility of a particular technology to ensure sustainability. Risk assessment and risk management play a critical role in the successful commercialisation of GM crops and should therefore be considered as an integral part of any GM research and development programme. This paper will develop these concepts and present a risk analysis framework which can be used in an R&D programme to identify, assess and mitigate potential biosafety and other deployment risks.

Full text : 1 Introduction In a discussion on the sustainability of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), it usually revolves around their sustainable use in agricultural systems, focusing predominantly on food/feed and environmental safety.

Sustainability is therefore often equated to the post-release safety of the GMO, an aspect that is regulated in all systems and is therefore carefully considered during the development and risk assessment processes. Potential socioeconomic impacts, by contrast, are currently either not regulated in many countries or are only considered at a very late stage of product development. The facts that most of the current commercial GMO crops were designed around the needs of specific markets that differ considerably from those in the developing world, and that they were not developed based on locally established priorities and competencies, resulted in GMO products that are unable to deliver positive socioeconomic impacts to many farmers in developing countries.

The sustainable adoption and use of GM technology also depend on many socioeconomic and practical constraints, which should be considered proactively in ex ante sustainability analyses. By integrating sustainability analyses, including biosafety and socioeconomic assessments, into a GMO research and development pipeline, the development of both safe and economically sustainable products could be ensured.

Such an approach should also improve the overall efficiency of the innovation system because it will help to ensure the development of safe, relevant and accessible products that are truly sustainable.

2 Why focus on sustainable GM technologies?

Obvious answers to this question will revolve around the post-release endurance, safety, diversity and productivity aspects of the GM crop and its receiving environment, but it also has an important developmental or strategic aspect. To successfully unlock the potential of GM technology, it is important to realise that the technology in itself is not a product. GM technology should be packaged into a final product that, in addition to the sustainability aspects listed above, is also relevant and accessible to ensure adoption and continued use.

Defining sustainability in this holistic way and integrating these considerations from an early stage into a GM research and development programme will not only help with the development of safe, sustainable products, but will also improve the efficiency of the innovation process because flawed products can be discarded at an early stage.

3 Defining the sustainability of GMOs Sustainability implies safety and the safety of GMOs is defined in terms of their food/feed and environmental safety, issues that should be proactively considered from the very start of a GM research and development project to ensure regulatory compliance. These safety aspects of sustainability are not disputed and are similar for all markets, but GM crop sustainability also includes a socioeconomic aspect that can vary dramatically between different markets. It should therefore come as no surprise that the socioeconomic sustainability and benefit of the currently available GM crops have been questioned in many developing countries. Even in countries where the potential socioeconomic impact of GMOs is considered before general release, this is only done as part of regulatory compliance with the aim of limiting undesired ex post impacts and is not intended to be a comprehensive feasibility analysis. To ensure the sustainable adoption and use of GMOs in a particular environment, these aspects should be considered proactively during the development process of the specific product. The integrated, proactive assessment of both the biosafety and socioeconomic aspects, i.e. a continuous sustainability assessment, of a new GMO is therefore critical to ensure the development of sustainable products for African agriculture that will impart a real benefit to the adopters of the technology (Figure 8.1).

Figure 8.1: Integrating sustainability assessments into a GMO crop R,D&C programme To be sustainable, GMOs for African agriculture have to be safe, relevant and accessible. The best way to ensure this is to develop these crops locally, based on local knowledge, priorities, capacities and constraints.

4 Sustainability assessment of GMOs Sustainability was previously defined on the basis of its three contributing aspects, i.e. food/ feed safety, environmental safety and socioeconomic feasibility. However, when using it as an integrated tool for decisionmaking in a GMO R,D&C programme, it is more relevant to define it chronologically. I will therefore briefly discuss the seven sequential sustainability assessment clusters as indicated in Figure 8.1 and illustrate the principle of integrated sustainability assessment by way of a few examples in each cluster. (a) Biosafety assessment – at molecular level: Even before the first construct is developed for a transformation programme, the possible implications of the individual genetic components and interventions should be considered. This early-stage, strategic assessment could help to ensure that the final product will be safe and viable. Possible impacts of the molecular biology interventions/protocols and tools that are used during the transformation programme include the following: • The choice of a particular transformation system can impact on transgene copy number and the presence of partial vector sequences.

• Using tissue-specific promoter sequences could reduce the possible environmental impact of the transgene.

• Certain selectable markers such as antibiotic resistance genes might be prohibited in certain regulatory territories.

• Under the current South African legislation the use of a human gene will have specific labelling implications while analogues from different sources will not. (b) Biosafety assessment – at organism level: Both the selection of a particular organism/ crop and the GM trait(s) of the resulting organism should be considered at an early stage. Possible risks associated with different organisms will obviously vary – targeting a particular crop disease via the causative agent, its possible vectors or the crop itself will, for example, have very different possible impacts.

• Modifying food crops to sustain industrial applications could also have significant socioeconomic impacts.

• The availability of biological containment measures could play a significant role in risk management strategies.

• The introduction of a GM crop into its geographical centre of origin or where sexually compatible wild relatives are present would imply vertical gene flow, which could limit the type of GM traits that could be transferred to that particular crop. (c) Biosafety assessment – comprehensive regulatory overview: The regulatory overview or development of the regulatory dossier for a GMO constitutes the comprehensive characterisation of the final transgenic line that has been earmarked for commercialisation, i.e. the GM product. At this stage, all the aspects of biosafety, i.e. food/feed safety and environmental safety, and where appropriate, the potential socioeconomic impacts of the GMO are considered.

• As part of the food/feed safety assessment, possible toxic components, allergens, nutrients and their interactions will be investigated, with the frame of reference for many of these studies being substantial equivalence.

• Possible environmental impacts will be considered with reference to the new GM trait and where relevant, e.g. the transgene‘s possible impact on the competitiveness of the organism, the potential for gene flow and its likely impact, non-target organisms and resistance development.

• Currently, no clear guidelines exist for evaluating the possible socioeconomic impacts of GMOs, but it is probably fair to say that current evaluations focus on ensuring that the impacted industry and the majority of its stakeholders will not be disadvantaged by the release of the GMO. Possible changes in agricultural practices and potential gains and losses in agricultural inputs, yields and markets are also considered. (d) Biosafety assessment – monitoring: In most countries the release of GMOs is conditional on post-release monitoring to gauge possible long-term effects and to ensure the employment of prescribed management practices, e.g. the use of refugia as part of a resistance management programme. One strategic aspect to assess here is the identification of measurable endpoints, e.g. exactly how will nontarget impacts be evaluated over time? (e) Socioeconomic assessment – relevance: When considering the use of GM technology, its relevance to a particular targeted community should be carefully considered. As stated earlier, the focus should be on the intended product and its potential benefits and not on the technology. The potential benefit for the specific target market/community under their particular circumstances should be clearly described. The benefit should

be a priority for the targeted community. Other technologies that could deliver the same benefit and the acceptability of GM technology should also be considered. (f) Socioeconomic assessment - accessibility: Many technical and practical aspects surrounding the deployment of a GMO can impact on its accessibility in a developing country.

• The potential costs or legal obligations associated with intellectual property rights could impact on many of the technology packages that have been used during the development of a GMO. Also, technology deployment should never be at the expense of freedom to choose.

• Management practises associated with particular GM traits could make them non-viable on a small scale or in an informal environment, e.g. seed-saving and associated introgression could contribute to resistance development.

• Cultural practices and preferences could impact on the acceptability of a particular trait, e.g. yellow maize as a result of high ß-carotene levels for human consumption, or the presence of an inconspicuous trait in an unacceptable variety. (g) Socioeconomic assessment – integration: Integrating GM technology effectively and seamlessly into current local agricultural systems is crucial for the sustainable use of the technology. If the deployment of GM technology remains dependent on sophisticated distribution, implementation and management programmes, the distribution of its benefits will be severely limited in the developing world. Again, the sustainable solution is to focus more widely on issues such as institutional development than just on the technology.

5 Conclusion A final strategic aspect of sustainability that deserves brief mention is the public acceptance of GM technology.

Other applications of GM technology, such as that in the medical industry have not initiated as many negative perceptions, most probably because the potential benefit/risk ratio is perceived to be much more favourable in these applications.

The nature of the debate on GM foods will therefore probably change significantly when more products are developed that deliver a tangible benefit to the end consumer. Developing such products specifically for application in the developing world and ensuring that they are supported with credible biosafety and sustainability data and underpinning principles as described above, will help to ensure that the true potential of GM technology can be unlocked for African agriculture.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Biosafety South Africa, 105 Wentworth, Somerset Links Office Park, Somerset West 7130, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gruère Guillaume, Kimani Virginia Year: 2010 Title: £ IMPLEMENTING INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENETICALLY MODIFIED COMMODITIES UNDER THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY ARTICLE 18.2(A) AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL THE CASE OF KENYA Journal: IFPRI Note Number 17, 2010 Label: ImpactBiol Réglement Abstract: This note summarizes a study on the implications of implementing strict information requirements for genetically modified (GM) commodities under Article 18.2(a) of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Kenya. The results show that enforcement of strict ―does contain‖ requirements, compared with the default ―may contain‖ option, would create additional costs and challenges in the difficult implementation of import regulations.

Notes: FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kimani, V. 2009. Import control and documentation requirements for living modified organisms for food, feed or processing: Implication of the Cartagena Protocol‘s Article 18.2(a) in Kenya. ===================================== From : AgriGenomics Research ; http://www.agbio.net/index.aspx?ID=113932 Two new notes on information requirements for LMO-FFPs under the Biosafety Protocol Date Posted: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

New Notes from the Program for Biosafety Systems on information requirements for LMO-FFPs under the Biosafety Protocol Two new notes from the Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) summarize results from studies on the economic implications of introducing stringent information requirements for shipments of living modified organisms for food, feed or processing (LMO-FFPs) under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety Article 18.2(a). The first (PBS Note 17) focuses on implementation challenges for Kenya, and shows that the enforcement of ―does contain‖ strict requirements, compared with the default ―may contain‖ option, would create additional costs and challenges in the difficult implementation of import regulations. The second note (PBS Note 18) summarizes a global economic study of the trade and price effects of introducing a strict documentation option in the case of maize. The results show that it would increase maize prices and distort international trade, with significant economic losses in Protocol member countries.

The two notes are available on the IFPRI website: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/pbsnote17.pdf http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/pbsnote18.pdf Further Information: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/pbsnote17.pdf URL: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/pbsnote17.pdf Author Address: International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C. USA Pesticides and Agricultural Resource Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.

Pesticides and Agricultural Resource Centre XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gschwendtner Silvia, Reichmann Michael, Müller, Martin, Radl Viviane, Munch Jean, Schloter Michael, Year: 2010 Title: * Effects of genetically modified amylopectin-accumulating potato plants on the abundance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the rhizosphere.

Secondary Title: Plant and Soil 335, 1, 413-422.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-079X Label: Composition ImpactBiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Genetically modified potato plants - Real-time PCR - Gene abundance - Plant beneficial microorganisms - Phytopathogens - Rhizosphere Abstract: In this study, the potential effects of a genetically modified (GM) amylopectin-accumulating potato line (Solanum tuberosum L.) on plant beneficial bacteria and fungi as well as on phytopathogens in the rhizosphere were investigated in a greenhouse experiment and a field trial. For comparison, the non-transgenic parental cultivar of the GM line and a second non-transgenic cultivar were included in the study. Rhizospheres were sampled during young leaf development (EC30) and at florescence (EC60). The microbial community composition was analysed by real-time PCR to quantify the abundances of Pseudomonas spp., Clavibacter michiganensis, Trichoderma spp. and Phytophthora infestans. Additionally, total bacterial and fungal abundances were measured. None of the examined gene abundance patterns were affected by the genetic modification when wild type and GM line were compared. However, significant differences were observed between the two natural potato cultivars, especially during the early leaf development of the plants.

Furthermore, gene abundance patterns were also influenced by the plant developmental stage. Interestingly, the impact of the cultivar and the plant vegetation stage on the microbial community structure was more pronounced in field than in greenhouse. Overall, field-grown plants showed a higher abundance of microorganisms in the rhizosphere than plants grown under greenhouse conditions.

Notes: 50 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0430-2 http://www.springerlink.com/content/k82012811r762306/fulltext.html Author Address: (1) Chair of Soil Ecology, Technische Universität München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany (2) Institute for Crop Science and Plant Breeding, Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL), Am Gereuth 8, 85354 Freising, Germany

(3) Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Department of Terrestrial Ecogenetics, Institute of Soil Ecology, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Guan ZJ, Guo B, Huo YL, Guan ZP, Wei YH, Year: 2010 Title: * Overview of expression of hepatitis B surface antigen in transgenic plants.

Journal: Vaccine. 2010 Sep 15. [Epub ahead of print].

Label: Biopharming Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a pathogen for chronic liver infection, afflicts more than 350 million people world-wide. The effective way to control the virus is to take HBV vaccine. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an effective protective antigen suitable for vaccine development. At present, "edible" vaccine based on transgenic plants is one of the most promising directions in novel types of vaccines. HBsAg production from transgenic plants has been carried out, and the transgenic plant expression systems have developed from model plants (such as tobacco, potato and tomato) to other various plant platforms. Crude or purified extracts of transformed plants have been found to conduct immunological responses and clinical trials for hepatitis B, which gave the researches of plant-based HBsAg production a big boost. The aim of this review was to summarize the recent data about plant-based HBsAg development including molecular biology of HBsAg gene, selection of expression vector, the expression of HBsAg gene in plants, as well as corresponding immunological responses in animal models or human.

Author Address: Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Department of Life Sciences, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, Shanxi 044000, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gubba Augustine Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Transgenic Plants with Virus Resistance: Opportunities and Challenges for Africa.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: ViRe Bioengineering Adoption Socioeconomic Abstract: Full text : 1. Introduction The use of genetically modified (GM) technology and its products in Africa is still in its infancy. South Africa, which has biosafety regulations in place, is the only country on the continent that is commercially producing GM crops. However, countries such as Egypt and Burkina Faso have recently reported growing GM crops on a commercial basis. The GM crops that are produced on a commercial basis have been limited to maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).

These four crops have been transformed for the two traits of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. There is a need in Africa also to develop GM crops with other important traits. This presentation will focus on the trait of plant disease resistance, specifically resistance to plant virus infection. Compared to other pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, viruses have very simple structures and genomes, and for that reason GM crops with resistance to viral infection can easily be produced.

2. Examples of viruses of economic importance in African agriculture For a long time viruses have been known to be major limiting factors in the production of Africa‘s major food and commercial crops. The literature abounds with examples of the detrimental effects of viruses on many different crops grown on the African continent (Figure 3.1). Maize streak virus (MSV) (Zea mays L.), discovered in 1901, is a major pathogen of maize (Wambugu, 1999; Bosque-Perez, 2000). The virus has rendered the production of maize in some parts of Africa virtually impossible. The twin threat of cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak virus disease (CBSD) has had devastating effects on the production of cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) in East and Central Africa (Gibson et al., 1996; Legg & Tresh, 2000; Hillocks et al., 2001; Tresh & Cooter, 2005). The hopelessness of farmers trying to eke out a living from their heavily diseased crops is a common feature in all production areas. In the recent past, banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) has emerged as a major threat to banana (Musa paradisiacal L.) production, putting at risk the

food security of more than 70 million people in 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa who depend on banana for their livelihood and food supply (FAO, 2001). Infected banana plants produce little or no fruit.

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major source of dietary protein for cash-poor farmers who constitute a large majority of people in Africa. The seed-borne viruses, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) continue to be serious threats to bean production on the continent (Mukeshimana et al., 2003). Potato virus X (PVX), potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV) singly or in combination, result in substantial yield losses in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in all areas of production. Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) is among the most important food staples grown in subSaharan Africa, particularly East Africa. Efforts to control sweet potato disease virus (SPDV), a result of the synergistic interaction between sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) which results in up to 95% reduction in tuber yield of potato (Ipomea batatas L.) throughout Africa, are being pursued in earnest (Gibson et al., 2003).

The economic impact of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is huge mainly due to its extremely broad host range and worldwide distribution (Rosello et al., 1996). It possesses one of the largest host ranges of any plant virus, with over 1 090 plant species in over 100 families cited (Peters, 2003). The virus infects many different vegetable crops and reduces the marketable value of produce. With an estimated crop loss of over US$1 million for several crops, TSWV ranks among the ten most detrimental plant viruses worldwide (Goldbach & Peters, 1994). Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) occurs wherever cucurbits are grown and infected plants have very poor fruit set.

In West Africa, the production of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) has been under threat from cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) for over 70 years and the search for virus-resistant cacao varieties is still on (Posnette & Todd, 2008). CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo record combined loses of over 500 000 tons/year. In the citrusproducing countries, infections of trees with citrus tristeza virus (CTV) have resulted in millions of infected trees being felled, leading to severe financial losses for the affected farmers (Bar-Joseph & Marcus, 1989).

Control of CTV continues to be a challenge.

It is evident that the damage associated with viral diseases to different crops translates into major financial losses for the affected farmer and in most cases the losses are a real threat to food security. Given that the strategies that have been commonly used to control or manage plant viral diseases have not been very effective, there is an urgent need to look at alternative methods that can complement the existing strategies. To this end, the concept of pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) as described by Sanford and Johnson (1985) to produce genetically modified plants with virus resistance offers exciting possibilities.

2.1 Transgenic Papaya (Carica papaya L.) with Virus Resistance One of the very few transgenic crops with virus resistance that have been commercialized is papaya (Carica papaya L.). Papaya with resistance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is now grown on a commercial basis by farmers on the Hawaiian islands (Gonsalves, 1998). These beautiful islands have a compelling story to tell on how GM technology was used to save the local papaya industry from total collapse due to infection by PRSV. The Hawaii papaya story can be used as a model to address the many virus problems that have affected African farming communities for a long time.

At the height of the PRSV problem, abandoned papaya orchards were a common feature of the landscape in the main papaya-growing areas, and this bore testimony to the devastating effects the virus was having on the papaya industry. Efforts to control the virus using resistant papaya cultivars and cross-protection had failed dramatically. Local scientists looked at the concept of PDR for providing a lasting solution to the problem. To this end, the coat protein (CP) gene of PRSV was used in the transformation of papaya (Cai et al., 1990; Fitch et al., 1992). The resultant transgenic plants showed resistance to PRSV under greenhouse conditions (Tennant et al., 1994).

Following a series of field tests, and having met the stringent environmental and biosafety requirements, transgenic papaya was eventually commercially released in 1998 (Gonsalves, 1998). Using GM technology, the papaya industry in Hawaii was transformed from the seemingly hopeless state at the height of the PRSV problem to where the industry today is back to its former glory (Figure 3.2). Today, transgenic Rainbow papaya is being exported to mainland US and Canada.

3 Lessons from the Hawaii papaya story The fact that the local farmers and the scientific community in Hawaii came together to solve an economically important viral disease problem shows that there is no need to involve a multinational company in such projects. The participation of multinational companies in such projects always attracts the opponents of GM who use the opportunity to portray the technology in a negative light. The papaya story is a model of how GM

technology can be harnessed to solve a viral disease problem and help save a whole community from total financial ruin. This model can be adapted to suit specific environments.

4 The way forward for Africa PDR has been demonstrated to be very effective in controlling/managing an important viral disease. It is important that the use of PDR should occupy a prominent position on the African agricultural research agenda.

There is an urgent need to initiate projects that address the numerous viral disease problems that African farmers are currently facing and have been facing for a very long time.

4.1 Development of Transgenic Plants with Virus Resistance in Africa It is pleasing to note that different laboratories across the continent are using GM technology to develop transgenic crops with virus resistance on a routine basis. The first all- African produced modified plant in the form of transgenic maize with resistance to MSV has been developed (Shepherd et al., 2007). This maize is at present being evaluated under containment. Other projects underway on the continent include: (a) Transgenic cucurbits and potato with resistance to several viruses being developed in Egypt. (b) Transgenic sweet potato with resistance to SPDV being developed in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. (c) Transgenic cassava with resistance to CMD and CBSD being developed in Uganda and Kenya. Confined trials of cassava transformed for resistance to CMD are now being conducted in Uganda.

As the number of scientists with training in molecular biology, tissue culture and virology increase, there is likely to be a concomitant increase in the number of projects on developing transgenic crops with virus resistance. Against this background, the future for the development of GMOs in Africa looks promising.

4.2 Opportunities and Challenges Given the many virus disease problems in Africa that need urgent research attention, many opportunities exist for using GM technology. However, there are many challenges that have to be addressed before these opportunities can be exploited. First, it is important for individual countries to have biosafety regulations in place so as to create environments in which GMO research can take off. Second, it will also be necessary to identify centres of research excellence on the continent that can spearhead the research. Such centres must have a molecular biologist, a virologist and a tissue culture specialist to lead the research. Third, substantial amounts of money will be needed to fund this expensive research. The money will be used to buy equipment and consumables, and build facilities in which the research will be conducted.

5 Conclusion GM technology in the form of GMO plants with virus resistance could be the key to unlocking the potential of African agriculture by, among other things, addressing and solving the numerous viral disease problems that have hampered the economic production of Africaâ&#x20AC;˘fs major food and commercial crops. Lessons learnt from the Hawaii transgenic papaya project can be used as a model to develop GMOs with virus resistance by the various National Agricultural Research Services (NARS) and universities across the continent. The longsuffering farmer will have a brighter future.

REFERENCES Bar-Joseph, M., Marcus, R. & Lee, R.F. 1989. The continuous challenge of citrus tristeza virus control.

Annual Review of Phytopathology, 27: 291-316.

Bosque-Perez, N.A. 2000. Eight decades of maize streak virus research. Virus Research, 71: 107-121.

Cai, W., Gonsalves, C., Tennant, P., Fermin, G., Souza, M., Sarindu, N, Jan, F-J., Zhu, H.Z. & Gonsalves, D. 1990. A protocol for efficient transformation and regeneration of Carica papaya L. In Vitro Cell, 35:6169.

FAO: Agriculture 21: 2001. Acting together against banana diseases in Africa.

Fitch, M.M.M., Manshardt, R.M., Gonsalves, D., Slightom, J.L. & Sanford, J.C. 1992. Virus-resistant papaya plants derived from tissues bombarded with the coat protein gene of papaya ringspot virus. Bio/ Technology, 10: 1466-1472.

Gibson, R.W., Legg, J.P. & Otim-Nape, G.W. 1996. Unusually severe symptoms are a characteristic of the current epidemic of mosaic virus disease of cassava in Uganda. Annals of Applied Biology, 128, 479-490.

Goldbach, R. & Peters, D. 1994. Possible causes of the emergence of tospovirus diseases. Seminars in Virology, 5: 113-120.

Gonsalves, D. 1998. Control of Papaya ringspot virus in papaya: a case study. Annual Review of Phytopathology, 36: 415-437.

Hillocks, R.J., Raya, M.D., Mtanda, K. & Kiozia, H. 2001. Effects of brown streak virus disease on yield and quality of cassava in Tanzania. Journal of Phytopathology, 149: 389-394.

Legg, J.P. & Tresh, J.M. 2000. Cassava mosaic virus disease in East Africa: a dynamic disease in a

changing environment. Virus Research, 71: 135-141.

Mukeshimana, G., Hart, L.P. & Kelly, J.D. 2003. Bean common mosaic virus and bean common mosaic necrosis virus. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2894.

Peters, D. 2003. Tospoviruses. In: Loebenstein, G. & Thottappilly, G. (Eds), Viruses and Virus Diseases of Major Crops in Developing Countries. Boston, USA: Kluwer Academic, pp. 719-742.

Posnette, A.F. & Todd, J. McA. 2008. Virus diseases of cacao in West Africa VIII. The search for virus resistant cacao. Annals of Applied Biology, 38: 785-800.

Rosello, S., Diez, M.J. & Nuez, F. 1996. Viral diseases causing the greatest economic losses to the tomato crop. I. The tomato spotted wilt virus – a review. Scientia Horticulture 76: 117-150.

Sanford, J.C. & Johnson, S.A. 1985. The concept of parasite-derived resistance deriving resistance genes from the parasite‘s own genome. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 113: 395-405.

Shepherd, D.N., Magwende, T., Martin, D.P., Bezuidenhout, M., Kloppers, F.J., Carolissen, C.N., Monjane, A.L., Rybicki, E.P. & Thompson, J.A. 2007. Maize streak virus-resistant transgenic maize: a first for Africa.

Plant Biotechnology Journal, 5: 759-767.

Tennant, P., Gonsalves, C., King, K-S., Fitch, M., Manshardt, R., Slightom, J.L. & Gonsalves, D. 1994.

Differential protection against papaya ringspot virus isolates in coat protein gene transgenic papaya and classically cross-protected papaya. Phytopathology, 84:1359-1366.

Tresh, J.M. & Cooter, R.J. 2005. Strategies for controlling cassava mosaic virus disease in Africa. Plant Pathology, 54: 587-614.

Wambugu, F. 1999. Why Africa needs agricultural biotech. Nature, 400: 15-16.

Gibson, R.W., Aritua, V., Byamukama, E., Mpende, I. & Kayongo, J. 2003. Control strategies for sweet potato disease virus in Africa. Virus Research, 100: 115-122.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Plant Pathology, School of Agricultural Sciences & Agribusiness, University of KwaZuluNatal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gunsolus Jeffrey L Year: 2010 Title: + Diversify Weed Control Strategies to Keep Glyphosate Effective.

Journal: Plant Management Network Number 104: September 28, 2010 - University of Minnesota Press Release. www.extension.umn.edu Label: HeTo Resistance Abstract: Full text : St. Paul, Minnesota (September 13, 2010)--If using multiple applications of glyphosate at increasingly higher rates is not improving weed control in your crops, you must stop following glyphosate failure with more glyphosate.

Early September is a good time to assess fields for the presence of common waterhemp and giant and common ragweed that have survived this year‘s glyphosate applications, and to develop a strategy that prevents this from happening next year.

Glyphosate has been used extensively on Minnesota corn and soybean acres since the late 1990s.

Unfortunately, sole reliance on glyphosate has resulted in giant and common ragweed and common waterhemp plants that are resistant to glyphosate. Glyphosate-resistant weeds are often injured by the herbicide, yet many plants still go to seed, increasing their numbers in following years.

To maintain the usefulness of glyphosate in corn, soybean and sugar beet cropping systems in the future, it is important to reduce total reliance on glyphosate by diversifying weed management practices, putting more emphasis on spring and early-summer weed control and focusing glyphosate use in the crop where it is of greatest value to you.

I recommend the following strategies based on experience and extensive research conducted by University of Minnesota Extension and other land-grant institutions: • Diversification of your chemical weed control practices is critical to managing resistance. Select herbicide partners for glyphosate that will effectively control the weeds that have become difficult for glyphosate to control. This partnership could include a preemergence herbicide applied when the crop is planted, followed by glyphosate or an early-season postemergence herbicide tank mixed with glyphosate. The advantage of the

preemergence herbicide is the residual weed control for multiple flushes of early-emerging weeds and reduction of the potential for crop yield loss due to weed competition from a delayed postemergence glyphosate application.

• Postemergence tank-mix partners are often preferred by farmers because they reduce the number of field operations, but timing of application is critical as they must be applied to 3- to 4-inch weeds for maximum effectiveness.

• Liberty Link corn and soybeans offer another postemergence herbicide strategy—the use of Ignite herbicide, which controls weeds without killing the Liberty Link crops. Application to weeds three- to four- inches tall is critical and more consistent results are achieved following a preemergence herbicide.

• As other herbicides are introduced into your weed control plan, crop rotation restrictions associated with each herbicide could influence your crop rotation; this is especially true for sugar beets.

• Also, consider using glyphosate only in the crop where effective herbicide alternatives to glyphosate are lacking.

• Finally, consider rotation to early-season competitive crops, such as small grains.

URL: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/cm/news/2010/WeedStrategies/ Author Address: University of Minnesota Extension 612-625-8130 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Guo Jian-Lin, Yu Chun-Lin, Fan Chun-Yuan, Lu Qi-Neng, Yin Jing-Ming, Zhang Yun-Feng, Yang Qing, Year: 2010 Title: * Cloning and characterization of a potato TFL1 gene involved in tuberization regulation.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103, 1, 103-109.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Physiol AgronomicTrait Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Cloning - Expression analysis - Potato - StTFL1 Abstract: Both tuberization and flowering are influenced by photoperiod in potato. TERMINAL FLOWER1 is a key regulator of floral timing in Arabidopsis and other herbaceous species. In order to clarify the relationship of TFL1 protein with tuberization, a homolog of TFL1, designated Solanum tuberosum TFL1 (StTFL1; accession no. DQ307621), was isolated from potato plantlets by reverse transcriptase-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The predicted amino acid sequence of this cDNA had a high degree of identity with other homologous members of the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein family. Analysis of mRNA levels for StTFL1 showed that it was highly expressed in roots and initial stolons, with the expression becoming progressively weaker during subsequent tuberization. Over-expression of StTFL1 resulted in normal tuberization in transgenic lines under the long-day condition. These results demonstrate that StTFL1 is involved in the regulation of tuberization.

Notes: 19 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9759-8 Author Address: (1) College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095 Nanjing, China (2) Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Plant Ex Situ Conservation, 210014 Nanjing, China (3) Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, 223300 Huai‘an city, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Guo Y, Han L, Hymes M, Denver R, Clark SE, Year: 2010 Title: * CLAVATA2 forms a distinct CLE-binding receptor complex regulating Arabidopsis stem cell specification.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 889-900.

Label: Physiol Keywords: CLAVATA2 CLE peptide CORYNE CLAVATA1 receptor complex meristem

Abstract: CLAVATA1 (CLV1), CLV2, CLV3, CORYNE (CRN), BAM1 and BAM2 are key regulators that function at the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of plants to promote differentiation by limiting the size of the organizing center that maintains stem cell identity in neighboring cells. Previous results have indicated that the extracellular domain of the receptor kinase CLV1 binds to the CLV3-derived CLE ligand. The biochemical role of the receptor-like protein CLV2 has remained largely unknown. Although genetic analysis suggested that CLV2, together with the membrane kinase CRN, acts in parallel with CLV1, recent studies using transient expression indicated that CLV2 and CRN from a complex with CLV1. Here, we report detection of distinct CLV2-CRN heteromultimeric and CLV1-BAM multimeric complexes in transient expression in tobacco and in Arabidopsis meristems. Weaker interactions between the two complexes were detectable in transient expression. We also find that CLV2 alone generates a membrane-localized CLE binding activity independent of CLV1. CLV2, CLV1 and the CLV1 homologs BAM1 and BAM2 all bind to the CLV3-derived CLE peptide with similar kinetics, but BAM receptors show a broader range of interactions with different CLE peptides.

Finally, we show that BAM and CLV1 overexpression can compensate for the loss of CLV2 function in vivo.

These results suggest two parallel ligand-binding receptor complexes controlling stem cell specification in Arabidopsis.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04295.x Author Address: Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Guo Zhiyi, Hao Xiaohui, Yan Jin Lei, Shang Limei, Pei Xin, Wu Hui-Jing, Zhao Yu Yvonne, Zhang Xuan, Yang Fang, Year: 2010 Title: ?? A New Method of Site-directed Mutagenesis by Modifying Overlap Extension PCR. Journal: Biological Technology 2009 Vol 19, 06.

Label: Bioengineering Keywords: site-directed mutagenesis , overlap extension PCR , the high GC content , Abstract: To improve the overlap extension PCR, the introduction of DNA site-directed mutagenesis to achieve a simple and accurate. Methods: The amplified through the application of different enzymes and reaction system to produce overlap extension PCR method to introduce mutations in the DNA fragment, and then subcloned into the vector. In this paper, human cyclin D1 promoter NF-?B site (-39/-30) as an example.

Results: DNA sequencing proved that the successful introduction of site-directed mutagenesis. an introduction of four mutations in base pairs. mutation the introduction of 100%.

Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Gyau Amos, Julian Voss, Achim Spiller, Ulrich Enneking, Year: 2009 Title: * Farmer Acceptance of Genetically Modified seeds in Germany: Results of a Cluster Analysis.

Journal: International Food and Agribusiness Management Review Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009 Label: Adoption Keywords: Biotechnology, cluster analysis, German farmers Abstract: Discussion on plant genetic engineering has experienced increasing momentum with the introduction of Genetically Modified (GM) corn in Germany and other European countries. This paper determines the various groups of German farmers, their attitudes and expected decisions on the use of GM foods using cluster analysis of 370 German farm managers. The results of cluster analysis indicate five main farmer groups who differ in terms of certain demographic characteristics and attitudes towards GM adoption. The study proposes tailored communication and risk management as an important measure that can be used by the biotechnology advocates to improve the level of acceptance.

Conclusion and Implications In the foregoing analysis, we identified and characterised the various groups of German farm managers concerning their perception of GM acceptance based on the technology acceptance model by Voss et al. (2009).

Five main groups of farmers were identified and their behaviour level of informedness about biotechnology in

agriculture, willingness to take risks, general attitude towards biotechnology, and their demographic characteristics were determined. The study revealed that the farmer groups differ significantly on their general attitude towards GM acceptance, as well as the level of education and informedness. The differences in the various characteristics and attitudes among the various groups of farmers suggest that differentiated and specifically designed strategies need to be adopted by the relevant stakeholders in the promotion of GM. For instance, it is suggested that the use of tailored information could be used as a tool by the biotechnology advocates to improve the level of acceptance by the German farmers. Since the respondents in clusters 2 and 3 have indicated that they are only marginally informed about the various aspects of biotechnology in agriculture, stakeholders who see the promotion of biotechnology as important for agricultural development through improvement in productivity and farm income can enhance their course by designing information and educational programs according to the specific characteristics of the clusters. As an example, respondents in cluster 2 can be educated and informed about the potential economic benefits of the GM seed. Once they are able to realize the economic benefits that GM can provide, they are more likely to transform from being Skeptics to Supporters and Die-hards. A recent study of BT corn adoption in Spain by Gomez Barbero et al.

(2008) published in Nature Biotechnology in the year 2008 revealed that Spanish farmers who adopted BT corn had higher economic benefits compared to the non-adopters as a result of increase in yield of the BT corn over the conventional corn. In addition, it was observed in the study that no price premium was obtained for the conventional corn over the BT variety. In addition, respondents in cluster 3 could also be enlightened on the negative campaigns that have been going around about the potential impact of GM seeds by its strong opponents.

While it is admitted generally that provision of information is expected to influence attitudes, Frewer et al.

(1995) advocate that the social context in which the information is disseminated is also important to determine the public reactions to that information. This therefore suggests the need for credible, trusted and regulated information sources in order to enhance acceptability (Dittus and Hilliers, 1993; Slovic, 1993). Frewer et al.

(1995) argue that the use of proactive information provision by industry and government and the development of effective communication strategies such as the use of â&#x20AC;&#x2022;consensus conference approachâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; can facilitate trust in the information provided through improvement in dialogue among the interest groups. In addition, the media could also be tasked to provide more information on the biotechnology since the media is one major source of such information to the general public. Quality press, television documentaries, and news broadcasts are an important source of trusted information to the general public compared to government and industry sources Frewer et al. (1995).

In addition, since it is observed that the Strong Opponents and the Economic Skeptics also show the strongest belief that the use of GM is associated with risk, some form of risk management tools may be instituted in order to influence the rate of adoption by the German farmers. Fernandez-Cornejo and McBride (2002) have argued that market and production risks faced by producers can be reduced through measures such as contracting, integration, hedging, and time sequencing transactions. Insurance can be instituted for those who would like to transform from the use of non-GM seeds to GM on their farms. These measures can alleviate some of the fears in terms of economic loss about which opponents and the skeptics are concerned. Perry et al. (1977), and Bender and Hill (2000) observed an increase in contracting among growers of GM corn and soybeans as a means to assure producers of market in many countries. Finally, since the Strong Opponents have shown that they are well informed about the arguments, which are put forward by the supporters, we recommend that the biotechnology activists would have to redefine their campaign messages and arguments that are used to defend the use of biotechnology. Thus, their present message might not have gone well with some sections of the population, especially the managers in cluster 5. It is expected that a well defined and efficiently disseminated message may transform the skeptics if not the opponents to accept the use of GM seeds.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/92552 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/92552/2/20081036_Formatted.pdf Author Address: a Research Fellow, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia b Director, Agrifood Consulting, Weender Landstr. 6, 37073, Goettingen, Germany c Professor, Goettingen University, Department of Agriculture Economics and Rural Development, Platz der Goettinger, Sieben 5,37073 Gottingen, Germany d Professor, University of Applied Sciences Osnabruck, Faculty of Agriculture and Landscape Architecture, Oldenburger Landstrasse 24, 49090 Osnabruck, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Hai Zhongyu, Shen Bao-Gen Year: 2010 Title: ?? Genetic Transformation Technique of Plant Gene.

Journal: ANHUI AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE BULLETIN: 2010 16(11).

Label: Bioengineering Review Keywords: Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of DNA directly into law Abstract: The existing main plant genetic analysis of genetic transformation methods, the proposed method for the selection of transgenic plants for reference.

Author Address: Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434025 China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hails R, Newstrom-Lloyd L Year: 2008 Title: 造 Conceptual, statistical and mathematical models to predict the probability of introgression, invasion and harm.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion Abstract: In the early days of risk assessment of genetically modIfi ed (GM) plants, comparisons were drawn between successful weeds, nonnative invasive plants and the GM plant being reviewed. However, this approach to risk assessment was quickly replaced with the current approach, as our ability to defi ne what makes a successful weed is very poor. Since these early days in the 1980s, the current process has developed from toxicological approaches, with the identifi cation of hazard, the estimation of exposure and the characterization of risk. This procedure as currently practiced by regulatory committees has much to recommend it, but also has its weaknesses. For example, there is no explicit consideration of benefi ts. Consequently, it is likely that the existing regulatory procedure would detect a GM plant with a potential to become invasive, but could reject a non-invasive GM plant that could directly or indirectly bring environmental benefi ts through changes in agricultural practice.

This paper will report the outcome of a two day workshop held at Landcare Research, Christchurch, New Zealand on 14th and 15th November 2008. The workshop will review conceptual, statistical and mathematical models to predict the likelihood of introgression and invasion for non-native and GM plants and to assess the potential for environmental harm from such events. The starting point will be a review of the current processes employed by regulatory agencies for non-native and GM plants, with a discussion of strengths and weaknesses.

Different risk assessment models, methods and tools will then be presented, including those employed in other field (e.g. the regulation of weeds, genetically modifi ed animals, ecotoxicology, environmental modelling) and novel approaches. One example of novel methodology is provided by pathway analysis, which is currently used in systems biology to model processes within cells. Scaling up from cell processes to metabolic networks has proved challenging and raises similar issues to those found in risk assessment. However, new methods present potential solutions to these problems.

A second example is provided by Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) which are graphical models incorporating probabilistic relationships among variables. This method has primarily been used to examine the management of natural resources and is particularly useful for combining expert knowledge with empirical data, and in situations characterised by high uncertainty. Both of these features make them potentially very useful for risk assessment of GM and non-native plants, but there are few examples to date of rigorous model testing. Thus the potential of this approach is yet to be fully evaluated.

Breakout groups will discuss a range of methods and approaches, and discuss which elements could be incorporated into the risk assessment of GM and non-native plants. This paper will draw together those conclusions and recommend future avenues for the development of a practical, cost effective conceptual model to inform risk assessment in the future, explicitly considering whether non-native plants and GM plants could be considered within similar frameworks.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UKingdom

2Landcare Research, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hall Clare, Toma Luiza, Moran Dominic, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Investigation of the factors influencing adoption of GM crops at country level.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: Adoption Keywords: Genetically modified crops structural equation model global adoption.

Abstract: With the possible exception of nuclear technology, few scientific breakthroughs have generated the level of emotive debate that has surrounded the roll-out of agricultural biotechnology. Initial discussion about the environmental impacts of agricultural genetic modification, are now frequently juxtaposed with counterclaims that the technologies could actually be part of a wider global environmental solution in relation to climate change mitigation and food shortages. This study tests whether there are any consistent messages on why some countries seem to be advancing adoption of the technology, while others are not. We consider the range of claims in existing literature on adoption tendencies and then use structural equation modelling to test and estimate these a priori determinants of GM adoption. We found that being an exporter of maize and soybeans, agricultural area, participation in the Responsible Care Program of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association, having the EU and/or Japan as main trading partners, and participation in international environmental agreements, significantly influence decisions about whether or not to adopt GM crops at the country-level. In addition, there are two variables that are indirectly related to adoption decisions at countrylevel, namely technological readiness and government effectiveness.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/50366 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/50366/2/632.pdf Author Address: Land Economy and Environment Research Group, Scottish Agricultural College (SAC); West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Han Bin, MA Hui-ling, Li Yun-Xia, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Lysozyme-GFP Dual Gene in the Transformation in Callus of Alfalfa.

Journal: ACTA AGRECTIR SINICA : 2010 18(3) Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Key words: alfalfa lysozyme Lyz green fluorescent protein GFP callus by Agrobacterium-mediated gene Key words: dual gene of alfalfa callus induction Transformation of green fluorescent protein resistant callus medium lysozyme Agrobacterium transformation efficiency of PCR amplification conditions Varia conversion factors inhibiting effect of fluorescence detection cephalosporins growth alfalfa infection time Abstract: Agrobacterium-mediated method using lysozyme (Lyz) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene transfer, "Gannon 1" hybrid alfalfa (Medicago sativa Martyn) and "Gannon 3" alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) varieties, obtained with the dual gene in transgenic alfalfa callus; by fluorescence detection and PCR amplification, to detect lysozyme Lyz and green fluorescent protein GFP gene in alfalfa callus cells; of the dual gene in alfalfa, "Gannon 1" and "Gannon 3" in the transformation of a number of factors to determine the appropriate conversion conditions in order to improve the genetic transformation efficiency. The results showed that: 75 mg · L-1 card kanamycin on callus growth of alfalfa has significant inhibitory effect; 300 mg · L-1 cefotaxime can effectively suppress the growth of Agrobacterium LBA4404; OD600 of 0.4 to 0.5 of the Agrobacterium infection appropriate time is 10 min; by 3 ~ 4 d pre-culture materials were cultured 3 d after infection, after the callus induction medium MS +2,4-D 2.0 mg · L-1 + KT 0.5 mg · L-1 + 0.6% agar +2.5% sucrose, the callus induced resistance; "Gannon 1" and "Gannon 3" resistant callus induction rates were 35% and 32%.

Author Address: Institute of Grassland Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, Lanzhou, 730070, China; grass eco system the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gansu, Lanzhou, 730070, China; in - U.S. Grassland Livestock Farming Research Center, Gansu, Lanzhou, 730070, China

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Han L, Li G-J, Yang K-Y, Mao G, Wang R, Liu Y, Zhang S, Year: 2010 Title: * Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 and 6 regulate Botrytis cinerea-induced ethylene production in Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 114-127.

Label: FuRe Physiol Keywords: mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation ethylene biosynthesis ACC synthase Botrytis cinerea plant defense response Abstract: Summary Plants challenged by pathogens, especially necrotrophic fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, produce high levels of ethylene. At present, the signaling pathways underlying the induction of ethylene after pathogen infection are largely unknown. MPK6, an Arabidopsis stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was previously shown to regulate the stability of ACS2 and ACS6, two type I ACS isozymes (1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase). Phosphorylation of ACS2 and ACS6 by MPK6 prevents rapid degradation of ACS2/ACS6 by the 26S proteasome pathway, resulting in an increase in cellular ACS activity and ethylene biosynthesis. Here, we show that MPK3, which shares high homology and common upstream MAPK kinases with MPK6, is also capable of phosphorylating ACS2 and ACS6. In the mpk3 mutant background, ethylene production in gain-of-function GVG-NtMEK2DD transgenic plants was compromised, suggesting that MPK6 and MPK3 function together to stabilize ACS2 and ACS6. Using a liquid-cultured seedling system, we found that B.Ă&#x201A; cinerea-induced ethylene biosynthesis was greatly compromised in mpk3/mpk6 double mutant seedlings. In contrast, ethylene production decreased only slightly in the mpk6 single mutant and not at all in the mpk3 single mutant, demonstrating overlapping roles for these two highly homologous MAPKs in pathogen-induced ethylene induction. Consistent with the role of MPK3/MPK6 in the process, mutation of ACS2 and ACS6, two genes encoding downstream substrates of MPK3/MPK6, also reduced B.Ă&#x201A; cinerea-induced ethylene production. The residual levels of ethylene induction in the acs2/acs6 double mutant suggest the involvement of additional ACS isoforms, possibly regulated by MAPK-independent pathway(s).

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04318.x Author Address: Division of Biochemistry, Interdisciplinary Plant Group and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hann Dagmar, Rathjen John Year: 2010 Title: * The long and winding road: virulence effector proteins of plant pathogenic bacteria.

Secondary Title: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 67, 20, 3425-3434.

Publisher: Birkhuser Basel Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1420-682X Label: BaRe Physiol Review Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Type III secretion system - Effector proteins - MAMPs - Innate immunity - Virulence factors Abstract: Plant pathogenic bacteria inject about 30 virulence effector proteins into the host cell using a specialized secretion apparatus. Bacteria which are unable to do this elicit host immunity and cannot grow inside living plant tissue. Thus, the primary function of the effectors is to suppress host immunity. The identity of individual effectors within each complement varies even between closely related bacterial strains, and effectors themselves act redundantly and are apparently interchangeable. Many effectors are known to target components of plant defense pathways, but it is difficult to study their role in molecular terms. For some of them, there is controversy about their mode of action. We propose that effectors act promiscuously by targeting host molecules with low specificity and affinity.

Notes: 78 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00018-010-0428-1

Author Address: (1) Section of Plant Physiology, Botanical Institute, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 1, 4056 Basel, Switzerland (2) Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, RN Robertson Building, Biology Place, Acton, ACT, 0200, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hannon Eugene R, Mark S Sisterson, S Patricia Stock, Yves Carrière, Bruce E Tabashnik, Aaron J Gassmann, Year: 2010 Title: * Effects of Four Nematode Species on Fitness Costs of Pink Bollworm Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis Toxin CrylAc. Journal: Journal of Economic Entomology 103(5):1821-1831. 2010 doi: 10.1603/EC10087 Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: ecological negative cross-resistance, Pectinophora gossypiella, resistance management, simulation modeling, Steinernema riobrave Abstract: Evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the efficacy of transgenic crops that produce insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt). In conjunction with refuges of non-Bt host plants, fitness costs can delay the evolution of resistance. Furthermore, fitness costs often vary with ecological conditions, suggesting that agricultural landscapes can be manipulated to magnify fitness costs and thereby prolong the efficacy of Bt crops. In the current study, we tested the effects of four species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) on the magnitude and dominance of fitness costs of resistance to Bt toxin CrylAc in pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). For more than a decade, field populations of pink bollworm in the United States have remained susceptible to Bt cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. producing CrylAc; however, we used laboratory strains that had a mixture of susceptible and resistant individuals. In laboratory experiments, dominant fitness costs were imposed by the nematode Steinernema riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar, and Raulston but no fitness costs were imposed by Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, Steinernema sp. (ML18 strain), or Heterorhabditis sonorensis Stock, Rivera-Orduño, and Flores-Lara. In computer simulations, evolution of resistance to CrylAc by pink bollworm was substantially delayed by treating some non-Bt cotton refuge fields with nematodes that imposed a dominant fitness cost, similar to the cost observed in laboratory experiments with S. riobrave. Based on the results here and in related studies, we conclude that entomopathogenic nematodes could bolster insect resistance management, but the success of this approach will depend on selecting the appropriate species of nematode and environment, as fitness costs were magnified by only two of five species evaluated and also depended on environmental factors.

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Vila-Aiub, M. M., P. Neve, and S. B. Powles. 2009. Fitness costs associated with evolved herbicide resistance alleles in plants. New Phytol 184: 751–67. CrossRef, PubMed URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EC10087 Author Address: 1 Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. USA 2 USDA—ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, CA 93648.

3 Corresponding author: Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hardy Serge, Vincent Legagneux, Yann Audic, Luc Paillard, Year: 2010 Title: * Reverse genetics in eukaryotes.

Journal: Biology of the Cell (2010) 102, (561–580) (Printed in Great Britain) Label: Expression Review Keywords: eukaryote, gene targeting, knock-down, knock-out, mutation, phenotype, reverse genetics.

Abbreviations used: DSB, double-strand break; dsRNA, double-stranded RNA; ES cell, embryonic stem cell; FRT, FLP recombination target; HR, homologous recombination; KI, knock-in; KO, knock-out; cKO, conditional KO; miRNA, microRNA; MO, morpholino; MosDEL, Mos1-mediated deletion; MosSCI, Mos1mediated single-copy insertion; MosTIC, Mos1 excision-induced transgene instructed gene conversion; ORF, open reading frame; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex; siRNA, small interfering RNA; shRNA, smallhairpin RNA; SSR, site-specific recombinase; TILLING, targeting induced local lesions in genomes; UAS, upstream activating sequence; UTR, untranslated region; y+, yellow+.

Abstract: Reverse genetics consists in the modification of the activity of a target gene to analyse the phenotypic consequences. Four main approaches are used towards this goal and will be explained in this review. Two of them are centred on genome alterations. Mutations produced by random chemical or insertional mutagenesis can be screened to recover only mutants in a specific gene of interest. Alternatively, these alterations may be specifically targeted on a gene of interest by HR (homologous recombination). The other two approaches are centred on mRNA. RNA interference is a powerful method to reduce the level of gene products, while MO (morpholino) antisense oligonucleotides alter mRNA metabolism or translation. Some model species, such as Drosophila, are amenable to most of these approaches, whereas other model species are restricted to one of them. For example, in mice and yeasts, gene targeting by HR is prevalent, whereas in Xenopus and zebrafish MO oligonucleotides are mainly used. Genome-wide collections of mutants or

inactivated models obtained in several species by these approaches have been made and will help decipher gene functions in the post-genomic era.

Author Address: Université de Rennes 1, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 140, Rennes, France, and †CNRS, UMR6061, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes, Rennes, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Harscoët E, Dubreucq B, Palauqui J-C, Lepiniec L, Year: 2010 Title: * NOF1 Encodes an Arabidopsis Protein Involved in the Control of rRNA Expression. PLoS ONE 5(9): e12829.

Accession Number: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012829 Label: Expression Physiol Abstract: The control of ribosomal RNA biogenesis is essential for the regulation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Here, we report the characterization of NOF1 that encodes a putative nucleolar protein involved in the control of rRNA expression in Arabidopsis. The gene has been isolated by T-DNA tagging and its function verified by the characterization of a second allele and genetic complementation of the mutants. The nof1 mutants are affected in female gametogenesis and embryo development. This result is consistent with the detection of NOF1 mRNA in all tissues throughout plant life's cycle, and preferentially in differentiating cells.

Interestingly, the closely related proteins from zebra fish and yeast are also necessary for cell division and differentiation. We showed that the nof1-1 mutant displays higher rRNA expression and hypomethylation of rRNA promoter. Taken together, the results presented here demonstrated that NOF1 is an Arabidopsis gene involved in the control of rRNA expression, and suggested that it encodes a putative nucleolar protein, the function of which may be conserved in eukaryotes.

URL: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0012829 Author Address: INRA, IJPB, UMR 1318 INRA-AgroParisTech, Versailles, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hartl Jochen, Herrmann Roland Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Would Consumers Value New Functional Properties of GM Food? A Choice-Modeling Approach for Rapeseed Oil. Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China.

Label: Adoption Conso Keywords: Genetically modified food functional food rapeseed oil Germany choice modeling Abstract: European consumers and, in particular, German consumers are known to be very critical towards the introduction of genetically modified (GM) foods. It is analyzed here whether German consumers do reject second-generation GMO foods, too. Whereas first-generation GM crops induced producer-related benefits, second-generation GM crops are associated with consumer-oriented benefits like an improvement of nutritional quality. The determinants of demand for second-generation GM rapeseed oil are investigated within an online survey of 1556 German consumers. It is elaborated how two functional properties of that product matter; i.e. long-chain omega 3 fatty acids and the cholesterol-lowering effect of phytosterols. It turns out that GMO rapeseed oil is neglected by 74% of all respondents. Output traits, however, will increase the probability of purchases of GMO rapeseed oil. This is more the case for long-chain omega 3 fatty acids than for phytosterols.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51728 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51728/2/51728%20main.pdf Author Address: Institute of Agricultural Policy and Market Research, University of Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390 Giessen, Germany.

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Author: Hayashi Nagao, Haruhiko Inoue, Takahiro Kato, Taketo Funao, Masaki Shirota, Takehiko Shimizu, Hiroyuki Kanamori, Hiroko Yamane, Yuriko Hayano-Saito, Takashi Matsumoto, Masahiro Yano, Hiroshi Takatsuji, Year: 2010 Title: * Durable panicle blast-resistance gene Pb1 encodes an atypical CC-NBS-LRR protein and was generated by acquiring a promoter through local genome duplication.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 28 AUG 2010 10:33AM EST | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365313X.2010.04348.x.

Label: FuRe Keywords: rice; blast resistance; field resistance; P-loop ;adult resistance Abstract: Rice blast is one of the most widespread and destructive plant diseases worldwide. Breeders have used disease resistance (R) genes that mediate fungal race-specific ‗gene-for-gene‘ resistance to manage rice blast, but the resistance is prone to breakdown due to high pathogenic variability of blast fungus. Panicle blast 1 (Pb1) is a blast-resistance gene derived from the indica cultivar ‗Modan.‘Pb1-mediated resistance, which is characterized by durability of resistance and adult/panicle blast resistance, has been introduced into elite varieties for commercial cultivation. We isolated the Pb1 gene by map-based cloning. It encoded a coiled-coil– nucleotide-binding-site–leucine-rich repeat (CC–NBS–LRR) protein. The Pb1 protein sequence differed from previously reported R-proteins, particularly in the NBS domain, in which the P-loop was apparently absent and some other motifs were degenerated. Pb1 was located within one of tandemly repeated 60-kb units, which presumably arose through local genome duplication. Pb1 transcript levels increased during the development of Pb1+ cultivars; this expression pattern accounts for their adult/panicle resistance. Promoter:GUS analysis indicated that genome duplication played a crucial role in the generation of Pb1 by placing a promoter sequence upstream of its coding sequence, thereby conferring a Pb1-characteristic expression pattern to a transcriptionally inactive ‗sleeping‘ resistance gene. We discuss possible determinants for the durability of Pb1mediated blast resistance.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04348.x/abstract Author Address: Plant Disease Resistance Research Unit, Division of Plant Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Kannondai 2-1-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan.

2Field Crop Division, Aichi Agricultural Research Center, Nagakutecho, Aichi 480-1103, Japan.

3Institute of the Society for Techno-Innovation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ippaizuka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0854, Japan.

4National Agricultural Research Center for Hokkaido Region, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Hitsujigaoka, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8555, Japan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: He Y, Chen L, Zhou Y, Mawhinney TP, Chen B, Kang B-H, Hauser BA, Chen S, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana isopropylmalate dehydrogenases reveals their important roles in gametophyte development.

Journal: New Phytologist Article first published online: 14 SEP 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana gametophyte development glucosinolate isopropylmalate dehydrogenase leucine Abstract: * Isopropylmalate dehydrogenases (IPMDHs) catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of 3isopropylmalate (3-IPM) in leucine biosynthesis in microorganisms. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains three putative IPMDH genes. * IPMDH2 and IPMDH3 proteins exhibited significantly higher activity toward 3-IPM than IPMDH1, which is indicative of a pivotal role in leucine biosynthesis. Single mutants of IPMDH2 or IPMDH3 lacked a discernible phenotype. Genetic analysis showed that ipmdh2 ipmdh3 was lethal in male gametophytes and had reduced transmission through female gametophytes. The aborted pollen grains were small, abnormal in cellular structure, and arrested in germination. In addition, half of the double mutant embryo sacs exhibited slowed development. * The IPMDH2/ipmdh2 ipmdh3/ipmdh3 genotype exhibited abnormal vegetative phenotypes, suggesting haplo-insufficiency of IPMDH2 in the ipmdh3 background. This mutant and a triple mutant containing one

allele of IPMDH2 or IPMDH3 had decreased leucine biosynthetic enzyme activities and lower free leucine concentrations. The latter mutant showed changes in glucosinolate profiles different from those in the ipmdh1 mutant. * The results demonstrate that IPMDH2 and IPMDH3 primarily function in leucine biosynthesis, are essential for pollen development and are needed for proper embryo sac development.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03460.x Author Address: 1) Department of Biology, Genetics Institute, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA 2) State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China 3) Department of Biochemistry and Child Health, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA 4) Department of Microbiology and Cell Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA 5) Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (ICBR), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Heldt Hans-Walter Year: 2010 Title: ¤ . The Situation Concerning GM Crop Plants in Germany.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Adoption Reglement InRe FuRe Conso Abstract: Full text : 1 Plant research in Germany In Germany, experimental plant research has a long tradition. The first publication on a transgenic plant was by Jeff Schellâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s group at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne together with the group of Marc van Montagu in Gent, Belgium (De Block et al., 1984). At present, a large number of institutions in Germany are engaged in experimental plant research, examples of which are given below. This list, which is far from complete, includes large research institutes with up to several hundred staff members and research groups at universities. The research institutes, as well as universities, carry out primarily basic research, which is in many cases related to biotechnical applications.

1.1 The Max Planck Society The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes basic research. With about 80 institutes, it supports promising research activities in life sciences, natural sciences and humanities that require personnel and equipment expenditures that universities cannot afford. (a) Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm (Prof. Ralph Bock, Prof. Mark Stitt, Prof. Lothar Willmitzer). From genome structure to genome function, network analyses, genetic diversity, phenotyping, data mining and biomodelling and biotechnology. (b) Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne (Prof. George Coupland, Prof. Maarten Koorneef, Prof. Paul Schulze-Leffert). Plant developmental biology, plant breeding and genetics, plant microbe interactions. (c) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena (Prof. Ian T. Baldwin, Prof. Wilhelm Boland, Prof.

Jonathan Gershenzon). Molecular ecology, plant defense mechanisms, metabolism of secondary plant compounds.

1.2 The Leibniz Association The Leibniz Association is the umbrella organisation for 86 institutions conducting research or providing scientific infrastructure. They conduct strategic theme-based research with an interdisciplinary approach. (a) Leibniz-Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben (Prof. Andreas Graner, Dr Winfried Weschke, Dr Helmut Baeumlein, Dr Udo Conrad, Dr Lothar Altschmied, Prof. Falk Schreiber, Dr Mario Gils, Prof. Nicolaus van Wiren, Dr Michael Melzer).

Gene bank with 148 000 accessions from 3 049 plant species and 801 genera, and herbarium with 390 000 samples. Seed development, gene regulation, phytoantibodies, expression mapping, plant bioinformatics, hybrid

wheat, molecular engineering, molecular farming, elucidation of genes regulated by biotic and abiotic stress, structural cell biology. (b) Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle (Prof. Steffen Abel, Prof. Dierk Scheel, Prof. Ludger Wesjohann). Molecular signal processing, stress and developmental biology, bioorganic chemistry of natural products from plants and fungi. (c) Institute for Biosafety of Genetically Modified Plants, Quedlinburg and Brunswick (Prof. Joachim Schiemann). Risk assessment and monitoring of GM organisms and co-existence of cultivation systems with and without GM plants, investigation of possible effects of GM plants on nature and sustainable agriculture.

The institute gives advice to the government on the safety aspects of gene technology.

1.3 University of Bielefeld (a) Department of Genetics (Prof. Alfred Puehler). Research to indentify genes from plants and microorganisms responsible for relevant biological phenomena, e.g. symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Biological safety research analyses of the potential and probabilities of a putative horizontal gene transfer in natural habitats. (b) Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants (Prof. Karl-Josef Dietz). Analysis of protein structure and function (peroxiredoxins, V-ATPase), salt adaption and tolerance, heavy metal tolerance.

1.4 University of Cologne Botanical Institute II (Prof. Ulf Ingo Flügge). Molecular plant physiology (chloroplast translocators). Plant membrane database, improved antioxidant content for food applications, European Arabidopsis stock centre (Tamara).

1.5 University of Düsseldorf (a) Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology of Plants (Prof. Peter Westhoff). Genetic analysis of chloroplast differentiation, molecular basis and evolution of C4 photosynthesis. (b) Department of Plant Biochemistry (Prof. Andreas Paul Weber, Prof. Peter Jahns). Systems biology and biochemistry of intracellular transport processes in plants, photo-oxidative stress in plants.

1.6 University of Erlangen (a) Department of Molecular Plant Physiology (Prof. Norbert Sauer). Multiple aspects of transport through plasmodesmata, long-distance assimilate allocation between tissues and organs, and cell-to-cell signalling in plants. (b) Department of Biochemistry (Prof. Uwe Sonnewald). Molecular plant biochemistry and physiology (photosynthetic carbon fixation and its use for primary and secondary metabolites). Plant biotechnology (plantmade vaccines and antibodies, improved food and feed sources with reduced allergenic potential and increased nutritional value).

1.7 University of Freiburg Department of Plant Biotechnology (Prof. Ralf Reski). Production of pharmaceutically relevant proteins by transgenic Physcomitrella grown in bioreactors.

1.8 University of Göttingen (a) Department of International Food Economics and Rural Development (Prof. Matin Qaim). Role of agricultural biotechnology for rural development, e.g. poverty and welfare in India, socioeconomic impacts of banana tissue cultures in East Africa. (b) Department of Tropical Plant Cultivation (Prof. H. Thiessen). Biogeochemical determinants of land-cover change and land use in savanna cultivation grazing systems. (c) Department of Molecular Phytopathology and Mycotoxin Research (Prof. Ptr. Karlovsky). Role of secondary metabolites in biotic interactions between plants and fungi. (d) Department of Biochemistry (Prof. Ivo Feussner). Role of oxilipins in plant development and stress response, production of unusual fatty acids in crop plants for industrial purposes. (e) Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology (Prof. Christiane Gatz). Regulation of gene expression in response to xenobiotic stress.

1.9 University of Heidelberg (a) Department of Plant Cell Biology (Prof. David G. Robinson). Intracellular protein transfer in plant cells (e.g. vesicle-mediated). (b) Department of Plant Molecular Physiology (Prof. Thomas Rausch). Molecular mechanisms by which crop plants counter the effects of abiotic and biotic stress exposure, development of genetic markers for breeding stress-resistant crop plants.

1.10 University Hohenheim Department of Plant Production and Agro Ecology in the Tropics and Subtropics (Prof. Joachim Sauerborn, Prof. Folkard Asch, Prof. Georg Cadisch). Plant production in the tropics and subtropics, crop water stress

management, development of sustainable agricultural production systems, generation of fungal disease-resistant crops.

1.11 University of Potsdam (a) Department of Molecular Biology (Prof. Bernd Mueller-Roeber). Plant genome research, biomolecular technologies. (b) Department of Plant Physiology (Prof. Martin Steup). Various aspects of starch metabolism.

1.12 University of Rostock (a) Department of Biochemistry (Prof. Birgit Piechulla). Floral scent synthesis and emission, molecular basis of chronobiology of plants. (b) Department of Plant Physiology (Prof. Hermann Bauwe). Investigation of the process of photorespiration at the molecular level.

German companies invest large sums in plant biotechnology. BASF Plant, among other projects, carries out research on the development of drought-tolerant crops, protection of plants against the fungus Phytophtera, generation of canola traits with healthy long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and starch for industrial use in potato (AMFLORA). Bayer Crop Science is working on the generation of genetically modified rice, cotton, maize, canola and soybean. KWS Saat AG has developed herbicide-resistant sugar beet, and is involved in the generation of large-size maize plants for biogas production. Unfortunately much of the research and production of the above companies is being done outside Germany due to the hostility of the public in Germany towards GM plants.

2 Licensing of GM crops in Europe for human consumption and fodder and for cultivation The licensing for all countries of the European Union is carried out by the European Council. After an assessment of the safety of the environment and consumption by the European Food Safety Authority, the assessment has to be approved by a qualified majority vote of the European Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. The different European Councils each represent 27 member countries. The bigger the country‘s population, the more votes it has, but the number is weighted in favour of the less populous countries. A qualified majority is reached if a majority of member states approves, and there is a minimum of 74% of the votes and the votes in favour represent at least 62% of the total population of the European Union.

Obviously, the hurdle for any agreement is very high. This explains how until now only relatively few products from GM crops have been admitted in the European Union for human consumption or fodder as listed below. It should be noted that this licensing does not include cultivation in Europe.

3 GM crop products admitted in Europe • Maize: 11 traits, herbicide and insect resistance (Syngenta, Monsanto, Pioneer) • Canola: 4 traits, herbicide resistance, male sterility (Bayer Crop Science, Monsanto) • Soybeans: 2 traits, herbicide resistance (Bayer Crop Science, Monsanto) • Sugar beet: 1 trait, herbicide resistance (KWS Saat, Monsanto) • Cotton: 6 traits, herbicide and insect resistance (Monsanto, Bayer Crop Science) • Carnation flowers: 4 traits, altered colour of flowers, durability (Florigene Ltd) In Europe the rule is that products from GM crops have to be labelled. If food or fodder contains more than 0.9% of a GM product, or if 0.9% of a product derived from GM material was involved in producing it, then the label must say so. This applies to food in the supermarket as well as food served in restaurants. It has the effect that GM products are not used in restaurants as they would have to be marked on the menu card. The products are practically unsaleable in supermarkets. If labelled products were to appear on the shelves, activists from Greenpeace and other GM opponents would turn up and make such a fuss that the shopkeepers would not put up with it. Thus, in reality the consumer has no choice.

When licensed GM products are used as fodder, the resulting animal products do not have to be labelled according to the European rules. Since animal farmers are largely dependent on imported soybean and maize as fodder, GM products are frequently fed to the animals. This has raised protests of GM opponents in Germany with the result that in Germany the label ―Without Gene Technology‖ has been recently created for animal products not containing GM fodder. It remains to be seen to what extent this label will actually appear on products on the shelves of supermarkets.

In several European countries, due to misinformation campaigns of GM opponents such as Greenpeace, large parts of the public are against plant gene technology, and as the leading politicians of these countries follow this sentiment, it is often very difficult to obtain a qualified majority for the admission of a GM trait in the European Council. To give an example: the safety of maize MON 88017 as food or fodder was approved by the European Food Safety Authority, but it failed a qualified majority for its licensing in the European Council of

Agriculture. This had severe consequences: shiploads of shredded soybean had to be returned since they contained traces far below 0.1% of the maize Mon 88017 as contaminant. Since the Council has until now not agreed on threshold values for permissible contaminations, due to the sensitivities of modern analysis techniques, even traces of dust from unlicensed GM traits are enough for a rejection. This creates great difficulties in the fodder industry.

Licensing for the cultivation of GM crops is extremely difficult. In 2003, BASF generated, in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam, a potato with uniform starch (amylopectin) for industrial use (AMFLORA). Numerous studies gave convincing evidence that growing of AMFLORA was safe for the environment and it was approved by the European Food Safety Authority as safe for human consumption in case these potatoes were eaten by mistake. The commercial cultivation of the potato was planned for 2007.

Until now the European Commission has still not given its approval. So far only a single GM trait, namely the maize MON 810 containing a Bt protein for protection against the corn borer, has been admitted in Europe, and for about ten years has been grown successfully in Spain and also in a very few places in Germany. There is a provision that member governments are allowed to ban the cultivation of a GM crop licensed in Europe if there is an immediate danger. For the sake of popularity, governments of some member states, including Germany, used this provision to ban the cultivation of MON 810 based on dubious publications which have been debunked by experts.

In a country such as Germany, the problem with GM products is that the consumer derives no benefit from consuming them, since food prices are low anyway. Also there is no pressing need for the large majority of German farmers to cultivate the insect- and herbicide-resistant crop plants currently available. On the other hand, people are very conscious about the quality of their food, and many are willing to pay much higher prices for food if it is labelled ―organic‖ despite the fact that it has never been proved that ―organic‖ food is healthier than conventional food. Organisations of GM opponents exploit this sentiment to seek donations by worrying the public with unfounded allegations that the consumption of GM food is a health hazard. Professionally organised campaigns, in particular by Greenpeace, have been very successful in convincing the majority of the public of this, and the politicians, when making decisions, just follow this sentiment.

4 Activities of German Academies in conjunction with the InterAcademy Panel (IAP) to counteract the misleading campaigns by GM opponent organisations The Union of German Academies of Sciences and Humanities adopted a programme funded by the IAP on the prospects of GM crops for sustaining the food supply for the growing populations of developing countries (IAP GMO Initiative on Genetically Modified Plants). The programme aimed at counteracting the false arguments of environmental activists against Green Biotechnology by forming a panel of experts to collect scientifically based arguments. Texts were to be produced and presented in a simple manner in order to attract the attention of decision-makers and the media. A Commission of Green Biotechnology of the Union of German Academies produced two draft reports and a statement which were the basis for extensive discussions at an International Workshop on GM Crops held in Berlin in May 2006. The panel of international experts at this workshop (the participant from South Africa was Prof. Jocelyn Webster from AfricaBIO) passed, by subsequent correspondence, the reports Are there hazards for the consumer from eating GM food? and GM insect-resistant crops with regard to developing countries, which were both adopted as official documents of the IAP. Moreover, a statement on GM crops in developing countries was passed. A summary of the findings of these documents, being relevant to the present workshop, is therefore given below.

4.1 Commission of Green Biotechnology of the Union of German Academies and an International Workshop on GM Crops held in Berlin in May 2006 (a) Are there health hazards for the consumer from eating genetically modified food? Based on the published scientific literature, this report examines the potential hazards and risks of consuming genetically modified (GM) plant products. Toxicity, carcinogenicity and food allergenicity, and the possible effects of consuming foreign DNA (including antibiotic-resistant genes) are all taken into account. The report concludes that food derived from GM plants approved by the EU and the US poses no risks greater than those from the corresponding ―conventional‖ food. On the contrary, in some cases food from GM plants appears to be superior with respect to health.

Probably no discovery in plant sciences has had, in so short a time, such farreaching consequences on agriculture as the method reported in 1983 for the genetic modification of plants using gene technology. In 2005, such genetically modified varieties comprised 60% of global soybean cultivation, 14% of maize, 28% of cotton and 18% of rape seed; between 2003 and 2005 the overall increase of the area worldwide given over to GM crops was 33%. This clearly demonstrates that the application of gene technology in agriculture has been economically very successful.

Genetic modifications to crop plants have so far focused primarily on the production of herbicide-tolerant varieties for minimising harvest losses due to weeds, and the generation of insect-resistant varieties to decrease losses from insect damage. More recent developments are directed at protection against viral and fungal infections, the enhancement of tolerance towards drought and salinity, the formation of male sterile plants for the generation of productive hybrids, and the improvement of the nutritional quality of crop plants, for example by modifying the fatty acid composition in oil seeds.

The campaigns of opponents of agricultural biotechnology have deliberately provoked widespread public anxiety by asserting that food from GMOs is a health hazard. ―Organic‖ products are advertised as free from GMOs, thus claiming that they are especially healthy. The slightest trace of GMOs in ―organic‖ products as a result of cross-pollination is termed ―genetic pollution‖; in some countries it may justify a claim for damages. (b) Does the consumption of food from GM plants really involve a health hazard for the consumer? This report bases its findings on reliable and attributed data. Thus, in marked contrast to the claims made by opponents of these foods, all the information used is derived from publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals in which contributions are reviewed anonymously by experts in the field. The interests of the consumer are protected by very rigorous licensing procedures based on scientifically robust protocols as laid down by national and international organisations, including the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the EU. These regulations are much stricter than those required for conventionally grown food which normally receive no formal testing whatsoever from a health perspective. Moreover, in the EU it is now obligatory that all food ingredients from GM plants are so labelled if they exceed a threshold content of 0.9% for each ingredient.

In principle, no absolute guarantee can ever be offered for the safety of any food, whether produced conventionally or from GM plants. It is common knowledge that conventionally produced food can be the cause of allergies in predisposed persons; nuts (and particularly peanuts), strawberries, shellfish and wheat are all familiar examples. Foods of plant origin often contain toxic or carcinogenic substances; nature has provided plants with a large arsenal of defensive substances as protection against damage from feeding insects or from bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, plant products may be contaminated by fungal toxins, a number of which are strongly carcinogenic; Fusaria toxins, which often pollute wheat and maize (even when grown ―organically‖), are examples. It has been estimated that in industrial countries most of the carcinogenic substances ingested derive from ―natural‖ plant food.

Since absolute safety is never possible, the basis for approving GM food products is the failure – after extensive prescribed testing – to find any adverse indicators. Such tests show that these foods are at least as safe and nutritious as the corresponding products from conventionally produced crops.

This paper addresses in more detail some conceivable risks of consuming GMOs or products containing them.

Note has been taken in particular of the very detailed GM Science Review of the Royal Society (First Report 2003, Second Report 2004), compiled by a panel of 28 distinguished scientists from various disciplines, a report from the Food Standard Agency (UK) and the Symposium of Green Biotechnology of the Union of the German Academies (2002). (c) Is it possible that some or all GM foods are more toxic or carcinogenic than conventionally grown food, either directly because of the new gene product itself or from unexpected effects of the new inserted gene(s) causing damage to one or more existing genes?

It must be stressed that in conventional breeding seeds have for long been treated with mutagenic chemicals or high-energy radiation (Y-rays from a cobalt radiation source) to promote random mutations in the hope that some of them may be beneficial. The potential dangers from such mutations, as well as from the natural mutations which occur continually in all living organisms, are very much higher than those from transgenic plants. Yet no formal testing of their safety as human and animal food is required.

The situation is very different for GM products. It takes at least ten years to develop a new GM trait, during which time a very detailed investigation is undertaken in both laboratory and field trials of the equivalence of the GM plant to its conventional counterpart: they are compared with respect to phenotype, growth and nutritional properties, and chemical composition. Toxicity and carcinogenicity are tested in feeding trials with livestock and rats before the product can be approved for the market. Trials with thousands of animals have shown GM products to be harmless: no scientifically substantiated reports have suggested that the health or productivity of animals is impaired after being fed GM fodder in comparison with the conventional equivalent.

Moreover, for some ten years GM food products have been part of the human diet in the US and some other countries. It is estimated that 60–70% of processed foods on US supermarket shelves contain GM components – and they are not labelled. Accordingly, trillions of GM meals have been eaten without any scientifically based report indicating a single health hazard – not one. Furthermore, in spite of a number attempts to do so, there has

been no successful consumer claim in any court anywhere for compensation for damage supposedly incurred from the consumption of GM products. This constitutes yet more evidence for the efficacy of the testing procedures and for the safety of the products themselves.

On the other hand, the well-known health risk to consumers from the presence in maize of contaminating fungal toxins is decreased in GM insect-resistant varieties. Conventional maize cobs are often infected with the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, resulting in production of the fungal toxin fumonisin. For more than a century, ―mouldy corn disease‖ has been recognised as a hazard for horses, pigs and other livestock, with entire herds dying after being fed corn infected with Fusaria. Sixteen years ago, fumonisin was identified as the cause of the disease. It is known to induce liver cancer in rats. Fumonisin is thus a serious problem; it is so stable that it survives processing and can sometimes be found in cornflakes. In the UK in September 2003, the analysis of 30 samples of maize products in supermarkets led to the removal of ten of them because of excessively high levels of The contaminated samples with the highest fumonisin contents were those labeled ―organic‖.

Several studies have found contamination with fumonisin to be greatly decreased in insect-resistant (Bt) GM maize, whereas in conventional maize plants the fungi proliferate in cobs injured by insects. In GM maize there is much less insect damage and hence less fumonisin. These findings indicate that food from GM maize is more healthy for humans than that from conventionally grown maize. (d) Is there a higher risk of food allergy from eating food derived from GM plants than from conventional food?

Estimates suggest that 5–8% of children and of 1–2% adults are allergic to certain conventionally produced foods. Peanuts, for instance, are known to contain 12 allergenic proteins.

While there is no legal requirement for the testing of foods from conventional varieties, strict allergy tests are mandatory for GMO products. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has introduced a protocol for detailed GMO allergenicity tests, both for the plant products concerned and also for their pollen. This protocol is being constantly improved. Tests of this sort on one occasion alerted scientists to the fact that the introduction of a gene from Brazil nut into soybean, in the hope that it would improve quality, would be allergenic for certain people. As a result, further development of that GMO was abandoned by the company involved prior to any commercialisation, demonstrating that the safety regulation system functions well.

Our collective experience to date shows the strict allergenicity tests of GM products to have been very successful: not one allergenic GM product has been introduced onto the market. In conventional breeding, in which genes are altered at random by experimentally-caused mutations or unexpected gene combinations generated by crossings, such tests are not legally required. For this reason the risk of GM plants causing allergies can be regarded as substantially lower than that of products from conventional breeding. Furthermore, intensive gene technology research is already underway with a view to removing allergens from peanuts, wheat and rice. (e) Has the consumption of transgenic DNA adverse effects on health? Might transgenic DNA survive the digestive tract and become incorporated into human cells, thus altering their genetic information? Does transgenic DNA affect the intestinal microflora and might this constitute a health risk?

Every day, people on average consume 0.1–1 g DNA in their food. In food from GM plants, transgenic DNA would amount to about 1/100 000–1/1 000 000 parts of this. Scientists are in agreement that digestion of transgenic DNA in no way differs from that of DNA from conventional food. The ―new‖ genes in GM plants derive mostly from other organisms already present in conventional food: viruses and soil bacteria are present in vegetables.

All DNA, transgenic or not, is degraded in the digestive tract although this process may not always be complete. Experiments with animals have shown that very limited quantities of DNA fragments from food may be taken up into blood and body cells, which probably applies equally to humans. Nevertheless, this would have no effect on the genetic composition of human cells: the stable integration of plant DNA into animal genomes has never been observed, with natural barriers apparently in place to prevent any such horizontal gene transfer.

To provide a promoter (gene switch) for the synthesis of the foreign protein in GM has been speculation that the DNA sequence of this virus promoter might be incorporated from undigested plant material into the genome of human cells, there to provoke the development of tumours. No evidence has been provided for this theory which ignores the fact that the viral promoter has the properties of a plant DNA with its uptake into the human genome prevented by the natural barriers mentioned above.

However, there is another significant detail negating this speculation: for centuries, cabbage and cauliflower have been part of the human diet. Half of all cauliflower and 10% of cabbage are infected with the virus, so people have been eating cauliflower mosaic virus for centuries or perhaps for millennia. There have never been adverse health reports from the consumption of these naturally ―contaminated‖ vegetables.

Experimental research has demonstrated that natural barriers make the horizontal gene transfer of plant DNA extremely unlikely, whether from the roots of plants into soil bacteria or from an animal digestive tract into intestinal bacteria. This argues strongly against unsupported assertions that recombinant DNA from a transgenic plant might be spread by bacteria.

The situation is different in the case of recombinant DNA originally derived from a bacterial source. Those DNA sequences can indeed be inserted into bacterial genomes by homologous recombination. A number of approved GM plants do contain bacterial genes conferring resistance to antibiotics; they are used as selection markers in the procedure of gene transfer. The possibility exists of these resistance genes being transferred to intestinal bacteria. In most cases, the gene employed confers resistance to the antibiotics kanamycin and neomycin. Because of their high toxicity, these antibiotics are very seldom used in human medicine, and then exclusively for external applications only. Moreover, the resistance genes to these two antibiotics are already present in large amounts in an average soil sample. bacterial ampicillin-resistant genes have been used as selection markers for the generation of GM plants. Since ampicillin is used medically for severe infections such as meningitis, there has been speculation that the consumption of products from the corresponding GM plants may lead to a loss of therapeutic effectiveness due to the spread of ampicillin resistance via intestinal bacteria.

Plausible though this scenario at first sight appears to be, in normal healthy persons up to 27% of the Escherichia coli bacteria in the intestine already contain this ampicillin-resistant gene. The practice of adding antibiotics to cattle fodder means that the droppings of 75% of cattle and pigs in Germany were found to contain Escherichia coli bearing the ampicillin resistance gene. In New Zealand, some 20% of soil bacteria were found to contain the ampicillin marker even though GM plants had never been grown there. This clearly shows that the presence of these antibiotic resistance markers in GM plants, even if they were able to survive passage through the digestive tract, represent no risk to human health. However, since it seems to be impossible to convey to the general public the difference between various antibiotics and the corresponding resistance genes, they are no longer used as selection markers or are later excised and so not present in GM plants.

In summary, the evidence suggests it to be most unlikely that the consumption of the well-characterised transgenic DNA from approved GMO food presents any recognisable health risk.

5 Conclusion This paper noted at the outset that the consumption of any foodstuff present various degrees of risks to health.

Estimating the importance of risks specifically related to GM food products can be made only by comparison with the corresponding conventional products. The former offer the advantage of having been exceptionally thoroughly tested with respect to health risks, but the latter have not been tested at all. In estimating the health risks, it is also relevant to remember that, since 1996, hundreds of millions of people in plants, a promoter from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CMV) is often used. There the Americas and elsewhere have regularly been consuming GM products as part of their normal diets without any proven evidence of adverse health effects. It might be argued that this is only evidence for the absence of strong and easily observed adverse effects, and that milder or long-term damage cannot be excluded. While long-term effects are not expected, which is equally true for all food; how many of our ailments in later life derive from decades of eating particular foods? For the most part, we do not know.

The present regulations for the approval of GM plants and their product have established a framework which: affords an effective safety evaluation on the basis of scientific • data before marketing • requires GM products to be labelled by law, so offering the consumer informed choice • specifies monitoring procedures which will reveal unexpected effects after the introduction of GM products onto the market • permits the regulatory authorities to evaluate these data at any time.

This report shows that, because of the rigour with which they must be tested and the controls to which they are subject, it is extremely unlikely that GMO products approved for market in the European Union and other countries present a greater health risk than the corresponding products from conventional sources.

6 Genetically modified insect-resistant crops with regard to developing countries Using existing literature, this report summarises ecological and economical aspects of the cultivation of genetically modified insect-resistant varieties of maize, rice and cotton. It shows that the growth of these crops by smallholder farmers in developing countries can be beneficial for their earnings, their health and also for the ecosystem.

Agriculture in general leads to ecological disturbances as wild plant communities are replaced by monocultures of crop plants. In order to obtain sufficiently high yields, fertilizers are used and weeds combated by herbicides and tilling. Insect attack and fungal infections have to be minimised. These are both achieved conventionally by the application of pesticides which have adverse effects on the agricultural ecosystems. An alternative approach

is to use genetically modified (GM) crops resistant to pests. It is just over ten years since the first GM crops were introduced, yet they are very popular with farmers.

In 2005 it was estimated that approved GM crops were grown globally on 90 million ha, about 5% of all arable land; the increase between 2003 and 2005 alone was 33%. Some 90% of those benefiting were resource-poor farmers from developing countries whose increased incomes from biotech crops contributed to the alleviation of their poverty. The Nuffield Council of Bioethics stated in 1999 that ―GM crops had a considerable potential to improve food security and the effectiveness for the agriculture in developing countries‖.

Whether the growth of GM crops is more economically rewarding and less damaging to the environment than the cultivation of their conventional counterparts with conventional protection by agrochemicals needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. The present report deals with three important crops grown in developing countries: maize, rice and cotton, all with genetically engineered resistance against feeding insects. This has been achieved by the expression within the crop plants of proteins (Bt proteins) derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringensis. Over 200 different Bt proteins toxic to selected insects have been identified in various strains of this bacterium. For 40 years Bt proteins have had a safe history as biopesticide preparations and are approved for organic farming. Rats fed with very high doses of Bt proteins showed no detectable toxic effects, whereas synthetic pesticides, such as organophosphates and chlorinated biphenyls, are toxic. The high price of Bt preparations, however, makes them expensive for use on commodity crops and they represent less than 2% of pesticides sold worldwide. Synthetic pesticides kill a very broad spectrum of insects, i.e. the target pests, as well as beneficial insects, whereas Bt crops kill primarily those insects attacking the crops. Seeds incorporating Bt technology are particularly suitable for smallholder farmers, because they do not require the equipment and knowledge necessary for pesticide applications, and reduce farmers‘ exposure to insecticides, particularly for those using hand sprayers.

6.1 Maize Worldwide, maize is the leading staple in terms of tonnage, with two-thirds of the global hectarage grown in developing countries. It is noteworthy that the yields of maize harvested per hectare in the Corn Belt of the US can be 20-fold higher than that of resource-poor subsistence farmers in developing countries. Although most maize is used as animal feed, it is a staple food in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. For example, the consumption of maize in Kenya has been reported to be 400 g per person per day. In such countries it is imperative for food security that maize harvest yields are improved. Decreasing the harvest losses caused by insect pests is a major factor in yield improvement and stability.

On a global basis, the most important insect pests of maize are the larvae of various moths (corn borers). In temperate areas of America, and also more recently in Europe, rootworm larvae which damage roots have emerged as serious maize pests, with the yield losses in fields infested with rootworms as high as 50%. While rootworms can be combated by spraying organophosphates onto the soil, stem borers are difficult to control by pesticide spraying as the caterpillars penetrate into the plant. The application of pesticides must thus target the caterpillars during the very short time between their emerging from the egg and entering the maize plant. Bt maize, by contrast, has the advantage of the caterpillars being targeted when they feed on the plant and are so prevented from entering the stem. Although combating some pests will increase the population of others, the global deployment of Bt genes to control maize pests has been estimated to have the potential of eliminating 40–50% of the insecticides currently in use.

During the past ten years, hundreds of million people have consumed products from GM maize and it has been widely used as animal feed. Yet, as discussed in an earlier report of our commission (―Are there health hazards for the consumer from eating genetically modified food?‖), there is no evidence of the consumption of GM maize or its products being harmful to health. Moreover, there is clear evidence that GM maize offers the advantage of being much less subject to contamination by mycotoxins such as fumonisin and aflatoxin, toxins produced by fungi that infest maize cobs and cause serious illnesses in man and animals. The invading fungi are opportunistic, primarily infecting kernels damaged by caterpillars. Contamination by these powerful toxins can be so high that harvest products have to be withdrawn from the market. For subsistence farmers, e.g. in parts of Africa, the toxins cause serious health problems, particularly for children. The significantly lower mycotoxin contamination of GM maize is due to the fact that the cobs have fewer injuries. Thus, Bt maize offers a critically important advantage for consumers concerned about food safety.

So far, Bt maize seeds have been distributed as hybrid varieties giving high yields, but the harvested grains cannot be used as farmer-saved seed. Critics of biotechnology often offer this as a reason why, in developing countries, Bt seeds are not suitable for smallholder farmers who mostly use farmer-saved seeds. However, hybrids are the predominant seed types in many developing countries. In China, the largest producer of maize after the US, where maize is grown by 105 million farmers with an average holding of 0.23 ha per farm, 84%

have adopted hybrid seeds since they offer a higher return. For areas such as Central America and West Central Africa, where most of the maize is grown by subsistence farmers with farmer-saved seeds, non-profit organisations are called upon to introduce Bt genes into local varieties so that these farmers may also profit from Bt technology.

6.2 Rice Worldwide, rice is the principal food for nearly two billion people, with the main producers being China, India and Indonesia. In these countries, rice is mostly grown by about 250 million smallholder farmers. Again, major insect pests are caterpillars such as stem borers and leaf-folders. At present, the productivity of rice plantations depends heavily on chemical inputs. The introduction of conventional pesticides about 30 years ago had a devastating impact on insect diversity, drastically reducing the populations of fish and crabs in the rice fields.

Many companies and institutions in the world, e.g. in Iran and China, are developing genetically modified insect-resistant rice. Bt rice cultivars have already been field-tested in Iran, China and Costa Rica, to be fully commercialised in due course. Field studies indicate that the introduction of Bt rice has the potential for decreasing the amount of pesticides sprayed on the fields by more than 50% together with considerable increases in harvest yield.

6.3 Cotton Cotton is grown in developing countries, mainly by smallholder farmers. The harvest is particularly threatened by insect pests such as the cotton bollworm and caterpillars feeding within the fruit where the cotton fibres are produced. Without treatment, these pests can destroy most of the harvest. Conventionally, they are combated by spraying organophosphate or pyrethroid pesticides. More pesticides are applied per hectare of cotton than to any other crop with the number of sprayings necessary per season varying from 2 to 12, but sometimes as high as 30. Despite major expenditure on pesticides, cotton cultivation has totally collapsed in various regions of the world because of extremely high infestation levels.

For the past nine years, genetically modified cultivars containing a Bt protein toxic to the cotton bollworm have been available. Their commercial introduction has been very successful: by 2005, Bt cotton was grown on 28% of the global hectarage of cotton, with an increase of 33% in the last year. Whereas the Bt cotton technology was originally commercialised by a single company in the US, it is now also distributed by a range of companies and institutions in China, India and elsewhere. In China in 2005, about 65% of the cotton was Bt cultivars, and in South Africa as much as 85%.

7 Ecological aspects Experience with traditional crops shows that, through hybridisation, they can give rise to weeds requiring special agricultural practices for their elimination. It is well established that gene flow occurs between both GM cultivars and non-GM crops and their wild relatives. Cultivars of maize, rice and cotton sown as crops do not have sufficient biological fitness to survive in natural habitats; in most cases the incorporation of a few additional genes is unlikely to alter the fitness of a cultivar in a natural ecosystem. Maize has wild relatives only in Mexico and Central America, whereas the wild relatives of cotton and rice are more widespread. So far, no transgenes have been observed to escape from maize or cotton to a wild relative, there permanently to initiate a selective advantage. In the wild, insect resistance could offer such a selective advantage, but insect resistance mediated by a single gene is unlikely to persist. In the case of Bt rice, particularly with modern rice cultivars designed for dry-land agriculture, special attention must be paid to the question of the possibility of gene flow to weedy wild rice relatives. It is surely relevant for such scenarios that, for more than 30 years, a very large number of rice cultivars have been grown into which single genes conferring resistance to certain insects have been introduced by conventional breeding. There are no known cases in which wild or weedy rice populations have become more competitive as a result of hybridisation with these cultivars.

Some years ago it was reported in a laboratory experiment that feeding pollen to Bt maize caused considerable toxicity to Monarch butterflies and that survival of the species was threatened by this GM crop. The report provoked so much public anxiety that the EU placed a moratorium lasting several years on the approval of GM crops. Extensive field studies, subsequently carried out by numerous investigators, clearly demonstrated that the cultivation of Bt maize has no measurable impact on Monarch butterflies. A large number of studies on Bt maize, rice and cotton, performed in several countries, have all shown that the populations of many non-target insects are higher in fields of Bt cultivars than in There has been concern that Bt proteins from the litter of plants and root exudates persist in the soil and have an impact on its fauna. Taking into account that agricultural soils are in any case highly modified by conventional cultivation, and particularly by tilling and the application of fertilisers and pesticides, the impact of Bt crops on the fauna in the soil has been shown in extensive studies, including bioassays, to be negligible.

As mentioned earlier, Bt proteins are toxic only to selective insect pests. Combating those pests that are insensitive to the Bt toxin means that in many cases the cultivation of Bt cultivars still requires the application of pesticides, although the number of pesticide sprays required is mostly much lower than with conventional cultivars. Decreases in pesticide applications are beneficial not only to the environment but also to farm labourers. Spraying chemical pesticides is a considerable health hazard, especially if hand sprayers are used. A survey in China revealed there were formerly on average 54 000 poisoning incidents annually, including 490 deaths due to the use of pesticides, and that the introduction of Bt cotton cultivars reduced this health risk substantially. These facts provide overwhelming support for the beneficial effect of Bt crop cultivation, both for the environment and for the health of farm labourers.

8 Economic aspects Since the seeds of Bt cultivars are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, a farmer will have to decide whether infestation by pests is high enough to make the purchase of GM seeds profitable. Although the returns for using Bt technology can result in reduced labour and pesticide costs, as well as increased harvest yields, there remain situations in which the cost of Bt seeds is not justified.

The fact that in 2003 30% of maize and 46% of cotton in the US were planted as Bt cultivars clearly demonstrates that Bt technology can indeed be profitable for farmers. The fact also that only 30% and 46% was planted suggests that there are circumstances in which the additional cost of the seeds is not justified. The decision of whether or not to use such seeds was made by individual American farmers on commercial grounds.

This also applies to many developing countries. In China, where cotton is grown by about 11 million farmers with an average holding of 0.4 ha, about two-thirds of these farmers have already adopted Bt cotton. Bt technology is reported as being profitable because it leads in many cases both to a substantial decrease in pesticide use and to a yield increase.

In India, where cotton contributes 30% of the national agricultural gross domestic production and is grown mainly by smallholder farmers, the infestation of cotton fields by insect pests is very high and the average yield per area is only about half of the world average. In India, only three years after the commercial release of Bt cotton, about one million farmers have decided to grow it. As reported, most, although not all of the farmers, made substantial profits as a result. Future success depends on the introduction of locally adapted varieties. In both China and India the distribution of Bt technology is no longer restricted to multinational companies but increasingly involves national companies and institutions, resulting in more competitive pricing.

These examples show clearly that Bt technology can indeed be valuable in economic terms to smallholder farmers with relatively small fields in developing countries, as well as to the large farms in developed countries.

There is, however, the possibility that pests may become resistant to Bt toxins as has happened in the past with the extensive use of organophosphates and pyrethroids. Although the evolution of resistant pests will not cause major ecological problems, it might seriously affect the economy of farmers and seed companies. In order to prevent such resistance, countries, such as the US, have adopted insect-resistant management programmes which include providing refuges of non-GM crops or other hosts. This ensures that susceptible insects are available in sufficient numbers to mate with any resistant survivors from Bt fields, so preventing the build-up of resistant insect populations. Thus far this system has worked well; almost all farmers obey the rules and several recent studies have failed to find any resistance. Smallholder farmers do not have such problems, because they usually have several small fields with diverse crops.

World agriculture must continue to fulfil the food and fibre needs of the growing human population, as well as rectify the existing widespread malnutrition. To achieve this aim, pest control will have to rely on integrated pest-management practices which include crop rotation, biological control, Bt technology and the sparing use of pesticides. Bt technology has shown itself to be a valuable contribution to knowledge-based agriculture.

9 Statement on genetically modified crops Molecular engineering of crops has brought revolutionary advances in agriculture. In 2005, just ten years from their introduction, many GM crop varieties have been grown on about 5% of all global arable crop land in 21 countries by 8.5 million farmers, 90% of whom are resource poor. Some developing countries have used GM varieties and benefited from them for several years and are now in a position to affirm their need and their will to develop more GM farming. We of the academies of sciences worldwide wish to state the following: Foods from GM crops are more extensively tested than any other. They have been shown to be as safe as, or even sometimes safer, than foods derived from the corresponding conventional plants. Ten years of human consumption and extensive nutritional testing amply support this conclusion (see the report of the IAP GMO initiative: Are there health hazards for the consumer from eating genetically modified food?).

Any food, GM or not, may certainly involve some risk – known or not, indexed or not – for human health.

There is at present not the least scientific or medical evidence that possible risks posed by GM food are higher than risks posed by non-GM food.

The environmental impact of GM crops is no greater than that of traditional crops. In some cases GM crops have decreased the negative effects of current agricultural practices: for example, insect-resistant cotton requires mostly substantially decreased applications of chemical pesticides, and herbicide-tolerant crops allow no-till practices, cutting energy use and promoting healthy soils. Seed-incorporated technology is particularly suitable for small farmers in developing countries. GM crops resistant to insects, viruses or fungi reduce farmers‘ exposure to chemical pesticides, particularly when pesticides are applied with hand sprays. The successful cultivation of GM cotton in China and South Africa shows how former subsistence farmers have significantly increased their income and dramatically improved their quality of life.

In both developed and some developing countries, organic farmers already operate in an environment in which they are subject to influences from neighbouring activities. With proper separation safeguards the presence of genes encoding GM traits in organic products is negligible. Nothing in GM agriculture prevents organic farmers from pursuing their normal practices. Although the rules of organic farming currently exclude the use of GM crops, there is no evidence-based justification for that position.

GM crops can make a major global contribution to the quantity and quality of food. In developing countries, farmers suffer major crop losses caused by insects and diseases. GM technology has already shown that such losses can be significantly reduced, leading directly to improvements in food quality and safety (e.g. insectresistant maize has appreciably lower levels of highly carcinogenic fungal toxins).

Just as each consumer ought to have the right to accept or reject GM food, so farmers in developing countries and elsewhere should be able to decide for themselves whether to plant conventional, organic or GM crops.

They should have the freedom to decide whether it is profitable for them to use the more costly GM seeds instead of conventional seeds. For there to be choice, appropriate regulations including labelling of GM products must be in place, regulations that are proportionate and not excessive. For developing countries to have access to crop biotechnology for their own agriculture, international and non-profit organisations must help governments to formulate appropriate regulations and assist with the training of personnel to administer them. We wish to debunk the unsupported arguments against genetically modified (GM) crops. On the basis of a wealth of experimental evidence on GM crops – evidence that has accumulated in the past decade from many studies – we affirm that: • Foods from legally approved GM crops are no less safe for humans and animals as conventional crops.

• In the country concerned, legally approved GM crops do not pose greater environmental hazards than conventional crops.

• Small-scale farmers, not just large farms and multinational corporations, can profit from the adoption of GM crops, which in turn could contribute to the alleviation of poverty and hunger in the developing world.

• GM crops pose no unresolvable conflict with either non-GM crops or organic farming.

• GM crops can make major contributions to the quantity and quality of food worldwide.

• Freedom of choice should apply to all farmers and consumers, not just to some of them.

• Decisions about the cultivation of GM crops and the consumption of GM foods must be based on the best available scientific evidence, not on ideological or political beliefs. We should be able to call on governments and non-government environmental organisations to end any unjustified campaigns against GM crops.

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Union of the German Academies of Science and Humanities Report, InterAcademy Panel Initiative on Genetically Modified Organisms. 2006. Are there hazards for the consumer when eating food from genetically modified plants? Available at: http://www.akademienunion.de/publikationen/literatursammlung_gentechnik/english.html.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hemaid Ibrahim Soliman, Mahdia Gabr and Naglaa A. Abdallah Year: 2010 Title: * Efficient transformation and regeneration of fig (Ficus carica L.) via somatic embryogenesis.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 1 January/February 2010 Pages 40 - 51.

Label: Bioengineering Abstract: Fig is one of the most important fruit trees in Egypt. It used to constitute the major source of income for the inhabitants of the western north coast of Egypt. Since 1993 fig cultivations were threatened by a number of factors including virus, insect and mite infections. An efficient system for regeneration and transformation of the common fig Ficus carica L. cultivar Sultani (fresh consumption) was required to conserve fig cultivation in the area. The effect of different combinations of BA and NAA/2,4-D and kinetin on callus formation from leaf segments were studied. Results showed that the best medium for callus formation was MS supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/l kinetin. The best plantlet differentiation was obtained at concentrations of 30 mg/l 2iP and 7 mg/l TDZ with 0.25 mg/l NAA (with a regeneration efficiency of 83 and 79%, respectively). On the other hand, the obtained callus failed to induce organogenesis on media containing a combination of BA and

kinetin. The highest shoot formation percentage (89%) was obtained when using 2 mg/l TDZ and 4 mg/l 2iP. The highest percentage of shoots forming roots (95%) was obtained when using MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Explants were transformed using Agrobacterium and microprojectile bombardment using the plasmid pISV2678 which harbors the gus-intron and bar genes. Results showed that the highest transformation efficiency using the Agrobacterium (17.5%) was obtained when explants were co-cultivated with the bacteria for 30 min. The highest transformation efficiency recorded using the microprojectile bombardment (12%) was obtained with 2.0 µg DNA per shot at 1,100 psi and a distance of 6 cm repeated twice. The transgenic nature of regenerated plants was confirmed by PCR analysis, histochemical GUS assay and leaf painting assay.

Author Address: Department of Plant Genetic Resources, Desert Research Center, Cairo Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, ARC, Egypt XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hernández-Martínez P, Navarro-Cerrillo G, Caccia S, de Maagd RA, Moar WJ, et al, Year: 2010 Title: * Constitutive Activation of the Midgut Response to Bacillus thuringiensis in Bt-Resistant Spodoptera exigua.

Journal: PLoS ONE 5(9): e12795.

Accession Number: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012795 Label: InRe Resistance Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis is the most effective microbial control agent for controlling numerous species from different insect orders. The main threat for the long term use of B. thuringiensis in pest control is the ability of insects to develop resistance. Thus, the identification of insect genes involved in conferring resistance is of paramount importance. A colony of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was selected for 15 years in the laboratory for resistance to Xentari™, a B. thuringiensis-based insecticide, reaching a final resistance level of greater than 1,000-fold. Around 600 midgut ESTs were analyzed by DNA-macroarray in order to find differences in midgut gene expression between susceptible and resistant insects. Among the differentially expressed genes, repat and arylphorin were identified and their increased expression was correlated with B. thuringiensis resistance. We also found overlap among genes that were constitutively over-expressed in resistant insects with genes that were up-regulated in susceptible insects after exposure to Xentari™, suggesting a permanent activation of the response to Xentari™ in resistant insects. Increased aminopeptidase activity in the lumen of resistant insects in the absence of exposure to Xentari™ corroborated the hypothesis of permanent activation of response genes. Increase in midgut proliferation has been proposed as a mechanism of response to pathogens in the adult from several insect species. Analysis of S. exigua larvae revealed that midgut proliferation was neither increased in resistant insects nor induced by exposure of susceptible larvae to Xentari™, suggesting that mechanisms other than midgut proliferation are involved in the response to B. thuringiensis by S. exigua larvae.

URL: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0012795 Author Address: 1 Department of Genetics, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain, 2 Plant Research International B.V., Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands, 3 Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hiruma Kei, Onozawa-Komori Mariko, Takahashi Fumika, Asakura Makoto, Bednarek Pawel, Okuno Tetsuro, Schulze-Lefert Paul, Takano Yoshitaka, Year: 2010 Title: * Entry Mode-Dependent Function of an Indole Glucosinolate Pathway in Arabidopsis for Nonhost Resistance against Anthracnose Pathogens.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2429-2443.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: FuRe

Abstract: When faced with nonadapted fungal pathogens, Arabidopsis thaliana mounts nonhost resistance responses, which typically result in the termination of early pathogenesis steps. We report that nonadapted anthracnose fungi engage two alternative entry modes during pathogenesis on leaves: turgor-mediated invasion beneath melanized appressoria, and a previously undiscovered hyphal tip-based entry (HTE) that is independent of appressorium formation. The frequency of HTE is positively regulated by carbohydrate nutrients and appears to be subject to constitutive inhibition by the fungal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade of MAPK ESSENTIAL FOR APPRESSORIUM FORMATION1. The same MAPK cascade is essential for appressorium formation. Unexpectedly, the Arabidopsis indole glucosinolate pathway restricts entry of the nonadapted anthracnose fungi only when these pathogens employ HTE. Arabidopsis mutants defective in indole glucosinolate biosynthesis or metabolism support the initiation of postinvasion growth of nonadapted Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum orbiculare. However, genetic disruption of Colletotrichum appressorium formation does not permit HTE on host plants. Thus, Colletotrichum appressoria play a critical role in the suppression of preinvasion plant defenses, in addition to their previously described role in turgormediated plant cell invasion. We also show that HTE is the predominant morphogenetic response of Colletotrichum at wound sites. This implies the existence of a fungal sensing system to trigger appropriate morphogenetic responses during pathogenesis at wound sites and on intact leaf tissue.

Notes: This work describes a previously undiscovered cellular process that fungi use for entry into leaves: hyphal tip-based entry (HTE) that is independent of appressorium formation. It shows that HTE is the predominant morphogenetic response of Colletotrichum during pathogenesis at wound sites and might have broader significance as infection strategy on fruits during ripening.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2429 Author Address: a Department of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan b Max-Planck-Institut f端r Pflanzenz端chtungsforschung, D-50829 Cologne, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hodges LD, Lee LY, McNett H, Gelvin SB, Ream W, Year: 2009 Title: * The Agrobacterium rhizogenes GALLS gene encodes two secreted proteins required for genetic transformation of plants.

Journal: Journal of Bacteriology 191, 1.

Accession Number: CABI:20103264417 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: binding proteins; codons; fluorescent proteins; gene expression; genes; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; mutants; mutations; nuclei; open reading frames; strains; tobacco; transgenic plants bacterium; carrier proteins; cell nuclei; coding triplet; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; ORFs Abstract: Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rhizogenes are related pathogens that cause crown gall and hairy root diseases, which result from integration and expression of bacterial genes in the plant genome. Single-stranded DNA (T strands) and virulence proteins are translocated into plant cells by a type IV secretion system. VirD2 nicks a specific DNA sequence, attaches to the 5 end, and pilots the DNA into plant cells. A. tumefaciens translocates single-stranded DNA-binding protein VirE2 into plant cells where it likely binds T strands and may aid in targeting them into the nucleus. Although some A. rhizogenes strains lack VirE2, they transfer T strands efficiently due to the GALLS gene, which complements an A. tumefaciens virE2 mutant for tumor formation. Unlike VirE2, full-length GALLS (GALLS-FL) contains ATP-binding and helicase motifs similar to those in TraA, a strand transferase involved in conjugation. GALLS-FL and VirE2 contain nuclear localization signals (NLS) and secretion signals. Mutations in any of these domains abolish the ability of the GALLS gene to substitute for virE2. Here, we show that the GALLS gene encodes two proteins from one open reading frame: GALLS-FL and a protein comprised of the C-terminal domain, which initiates at an internal in-frame start codon. On some hosts, both GALLS proteins were required to substitute for VirE2.

GALLS-FL tagged with yellow fluorescent protein localized to the nucleus of tobacco cells in an NLSdependent manner. In plant cells, the GALLS proteins interacted with themselves, VirD2, and each other.

VirD2 interacted with GALLS-FL and localized inside the nucleus, where its predicted helicase activity may pull T strands into the nucleus.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 51 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103264417 Author Address: Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. reamw@orst.edu XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hokanson Karen E, Ellstrand Norman C, Ouedraogo Jeremy T, Olweny Patrick A, Schaal Barbara A, Raybould Alan F, Year: 2010 Title: * Biofortified sorghum in Africa: using problem formulation to inform risk assessment.

Journal: Nature Biotechnology 28, 9, 900-903 | Opinion and Comment | Correspondence Date: 2010/09//print Label: Nutrition EvaluationRisque Abstract: Full text : see table in http To the Editor: Most of the genetically modified (GM) crops approved to date (e.g., corn, cotton and soybean improved for insect resistance or herbicide tolerance) do not have compatible wild relatives near their intended area of cultivation, and those that do are not being cultivated in the center of diversity of the species. However, many GM crops being developed to solve agronomic or nutritional problems in developing countries may be grown near centers of origin and diversity of the crop, where these plants were first domesticated and remain major crops1. Furthermore, they are often being developed by publicly funded, nonprofit institutions2. Such developers, and the regulatory authorities that oversee them, often have relatively limited experience and resources for risk assessment and are faced with some of the first decisions regarding risks associated with gene flow in centers of diversity.

Although the potential for negative effects of gene flow from GM crops in centers of diversity must be considered, some would argue that another kind of risk will be increased if the benefit offered by these products is delayed3, 4. It is essential, therefore, that data required for risk assessment, including those related to gene flow, are limited to information necessary to allow sound regulatory decisions. Numerous studies related to gene flow from GM crops have been conducted or proposed to address interesting research questions, including evaluations of distance and rates of gene flow, fitness of hybrids, ecosystem dynamics and other parameters5.

Although some of these studies are useful for decision making, many lack a clear identification of the harm and how the study relates to a causal pathway from the GM crop to that harm. This accumulation of data under the name of 'risk assessment' can lead to considerable confusion about what is necessary for a regulatory decision6.

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Problem formulation begins with the identification of the protection goals of the law or other instrument that triggered the risk assessment (e.g., protection of biodiversity). A proper problem formulation then derives adverse effects (harm) as operational assessment endpoints (e.g., the abundance of a valued species) based on the protection goals. This is followed by the development of possible scenarios of harm (that is, how there may be adverse change to the assessment endpoints given what is known about the crop plant, the introduced traits and the environment; a risk scenario or conceptual model). Testable hypotheses can then be formulated and an experimental plan to test them can be determined.

The advantage of following the steps of problem formulation is that it focuses data acquisition on clear questions to help decision makers, rather than on attempts to exhaustively characterize all possible outcomes following cultivation of GM crops. It is important to recognize that for risk assessment to be effective, harm must be defined before data acquisition. Definitions of harm are necessarily subjective, and subjectivity in risk assessment cannot be eliminated by doing more scientific research. Thus, extensive collection of data cannot substitute for clear decision-making criteria6, 8, 10.

Most of the genetically modified (GM) crops approved to date (e.g., corn, cotton and soybean improved for insect resistance or herbicide tolerance) do not have compatible wild relatives near their intended area of cultivation, and those that do are not being cultivated in the center of diversity of the species. However, many GM crops being developed to solve agronomic or nutritional problems in developing countries may be grown near centers of origin and diversity of the crop, where these plants were first domesticated and remain major crops1. Furthermore, they are often being developed by publicly funded, nonprofit institutions2. Such developers, and the regulatory authorities that oversee them, often have relatively limited experience and

resources for risk assessment and are faced with some of the first decisions regarding risks associated with gene flow in centers of diversity.

Although the potential for negative effects of gene flow from GM crops in centers of diversity must be considered, some would argue that another kind of risk will be increased if the benefit offered by these products is delayed3, 4. It is essential, therefore, that data required for risk assessment, including those related to gene flow, are limited to information necessary to allow sound regulatory decisions. Numerous studies related to gene flow from GM crops have been conducted or proposed to address interesting research questions, including evaluations of distance and rates of gene flow, fitness of hybrids, ecosystem dynamics and other parameters5.

Although some of these studies are useful for decision making, many lack a clear identification of the harm and how the study relates to a causal pathway from the GM crop to that harm. This accumulation of data under the name of 'risk assessment' can lead to considerable confusion about what is necessary for a regulatory decision6.

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Problem formulation begins with the identification of the protection goals of the law or other instrument that triggered the risk assessment (e.g., protection of biodiversity). A proper problem formulation then derives adverse effects (harm) as operational assessment endpoints (e.g., the abundance of a valued species) based on the protection goals. This is followed by the development of possible scenarios of harm (that is, how there may be adverse change to the assessment endpoints given what is known about the crop plant, the introduced traits and the environment; a risk scenario or conceptual model). Testable hypotheses can then be formulated and an experimental plan to test them can be determined.

The advantage of following the steps of problem formulation is that it focuses data acquisition on clear questions to help decision makers, rather than on attempts to exhaustively characterize all possible outcomes following cultivation of GM crops. It is important to recognize that for risk assessment to be effective, harm must be defined before data acquisition. Definitions of harm are necessarily subjective, and subjectivity in risk assessment cannot be eliminated by doing more scientific research. Thus, extensive collection of data cannot substitute for clear decision-making criteria6, 8, 10.

In the following article, we present a case study that shows how these concepts can be applied to risk assessment for GM nutritionally enhanced sorghum intended for cultivation in the center of diversity of the crop and provides a model to help focus the criteria for risk assessments of other GM crops in their centers of diversity. The case is based on a discussion among a panel of individuals (including the authors of this correspondence) with expertise and experience in risk assessment, gene flow, sorghum biology and sorghum as a crop in Africa. This was assembled at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis in October 2008 by the Program for Biosafety Systems, an organization involved in capacity building for regulation of biotech, to discuss the environmental risks associated with gene flow to wild relatives in the case of African biofortified sorghum (ABS). This panel was not convened to make a determination of the level of risk, but to discuss how it is possible to assess the risk. The steps of problem formulation were used to guide this discussion.

Sorghum is a major crop and staple food in sub-Saharan Africa. ABS is being developed with funding from the public sector in a humanitarian effort to bring better nutrition to the people of Africa (see http://www.grandchallenges.org/ImproveNutrition). Biotech is being used to introduce genes into sorghum for increased lysine and threonine, increased protein digestibility, reduced phytic acid to enhance the availability of iron and zinc, as well as increased levels of the vitamin A precursor beta carotene. The specific genes inserted into ABS and their modes of action were considered during our discussion. The genes are being combined in a single unit that will behave as a locus, to be expressed in the seed endosperm only. These sorghum lines will soon be ready for field trials and for breeding to introduce the genes into suitable local varieties.

The center of origin and diversity for sorghum is in the Ethiopia-Sudan region of Africa13. Existing data suggest that gene flow does occur readily between the crop and nearby or sympatric weedy populations, although very rarely to distant, more-or-less truly 'wild' populations13, 14, 15. According to theory, even neutral genes from cultivated sorghum, which are not expected to have a selective advantage or disadvantage by definition, may persist in the wild populations, even if gene flow should be rare16, 17. The discussion panel agreed that when GM sorghum is grown in standard conditions for the cultivation of sorghum, transgenes are likely to be transferred to and persist in the wild populations, as with other genes from cultivated sorghum. For the purposes of a risk assessment, in this case, it should not be necessary to carry out any additional studies to test for the likelihood or frequency of gene flow to wild sorghum.

The important question the panel identified for environmental risk assessment of gene flow from ABS in Africa is whether there may be harmful consequences when the transgenes enter the wild populations through gene flow. To answer this question using problem formulation, the first steps are to determine the protection goals

and identify assessment endpoints that fit those goals. In many countries, protection goals are defined by law. If no legal definition exists, it may be necessary to define the goals in the risk assessment, perhaps using precedent from similar assessments elsewhere. Identification of the harm presents one of the greatest challenges for risk assessors. As noted before, 'harm' is subjective and cannot be deduced scientifically; science can help us predict whether there will be consequences of actions, but it cannot determine whether those consequences are acceptable18. In this case study, harm is defined as adverse changes to ecological assessment endpoints. We recognize that assessment endpoints could also be cultural, political or economic but did not consider those endpoints in our discussion.

In this case, we considered specific adverse changes to valued entities (that is, harms) and scenarios by which they could result from gene flow from ABS to wild sorghum (Table 1). The harms we identified include loss of valuable genetic diversity in the crop, loss in abundance or diversity of valued flora or fauna, and loss of crop yield. More than one scenario could lead to each of the identified harms, and each scenario is based on our knowledge of the biology of sorghum, the introduced traits, the environment where it will be grown and population genetics theory. Some of these scenarios are those typically associated with gene flow, such as loss of diversity due to a selective sweep or genetic swamping. Other scenarios are more specifically related to knowledge about the biology of the crop and the introduced traits. For example, the panel recognized that bird feeding is a serious problem already in sorghum but did not agree about whether this would have an impact in wild relatives of sorghum, or that there was a reason to expect the traits being introduced into ABS would make the seeds more attractive to birds; however, birds are known to prefer seeds with low-tannins19, and the panel agreed that an unintended reduction in the level of tannins should be considered (Table 1; harm 1, scenario 4).

During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. We included most of the scenarios that we discussed, although there was some disagreement about which were plausible.

Table 1: A plan to assess the potential environmental risks of gene flow ABS to wild sorghums in Africa Full table Having clearly outlined the harms and possible ways that ABS might lead to them, we developed a testable hypothesis of 'no harm' for each scenario identified, which can then be corroborated or refuted with existing or new observations. A testable hypothesis for each of these potential scenarios for harm is shown in Table 1. Various other hypotheses could have been formulated related to each scenario. It is not necessary to test every possible hypothesis, but ideally the hypothesis to test is one that will give most confidence that the scenario leading to harm is not likely8. In the case of ABS, the panel (including the authors of this correspondence) agreed that the scenarios by which the identified harms could occur are only likely if there are unintended changes associated with the transformation. All of these hypotheses of no difference can be tested by conducting a thorough comparison of the GM and non-GM sorghum for the specific characteristics in the hypotheses, to evaluate the likelihood that the identified harms will not occur from ABS. Such a thorough characterization of a GM crop, which includes characteristics related to agronomic performance, survival and reproduction, disease and insect susceptibility, nutritional composition and known toxicants, is standard practice during GM crop development. Comparative assessment to detect differences between the GM crop and a comparator, usually its non-GM counterpart, forms the foundation of risk assessment for GM crops currently12, 16. This is generally conducted in the laboratory and in field trials, which may be carried out over multiple seasons and in multiple locations. Field trials are conducted with appropriate measures for confinement of plant material, including the restriction of gene flow. If any potentially harmful unanticipated changes are detected during this characterization, further assessment or risk management options would be considered. It should be noted that certain unanticipated changes such as disease or pest susceptibility could have a significant effect on the comparative yield of the GM crop, in which case the product may not be deployed owing to poor agronomic performance not related to biosafety.

The panel also determined that an additional study to compare characteristics related to survival and reproduction in 'ABS Ă&#x2014; wild' hybrids and 'non-ABS Ă&#x2014; wild' hybrids could be conducted to test the hypothesis that transgene interaction with wild genetic backgrounds will not significantly increase the survival and reproduction of hybrids. Each of the harms identified is possible if there is an increase in survival and reproduction due to such an interaction (Table 1). Interactions between transgenes and 'wild' genes are not expected to increase hybrid survival and reproduction relative to non-GM hybrids, but few studies have been done specifically to address this question. A carefully designed set of experiments would test this hypothesis.

Although it would not be necessary to repeat a study like this for every GM crop, especially if collective evidence or prior experience with the transgene demonstrates no potentially harmful gene interaction effect,

most panel members agreed that these hybrid studies would be useful for a regulatory decision concerning ABS. In this case of ABS, we considered environmental impacts associated with gene flow that are commonly of regulatory concern, including loss of diversity in flora or fauna due to invasiveness or toxicity and yield loss in crops due to increases in weediness, and we considered case-specific scenarios by which these harms could occur. We determined that experimentation to test whether the identified harms are likely to occur only requires a thorough characterization of the GM plants and GM plant × wild plant hybrids for specific characteristics compared with non-GM plants. If a hypothesis is falsified, then additional experiments would be necessary.

Although the harms that we identified in this case of nutritionally enhanced sorghum in Africa may be typical of those to consider for any transgenic crop cultivated in its center of diversity, it is conceivable that other harms might be identified, based on the protection goals within a particular regulatory framework, or on the specific details of a different case (that is, crop, trait or environment). Even when the harms are similar, a different set of hypotheses and experiments may be developed depending on the case. For example, if the introduced trait were one that might be expected to confer a fitness advantage (e.g., insect, disease or stress tolerance) in sorghum, some harms may be more likely or other scenarios more plausible, and therefore a different set of hypotheses and experiments might be developed7, 8, 12. This might also be true if the same nutritionally enhanced traits were introduced into a different crop or environment. In a similar manner, problem formulation can be applied for risk assessment related to concerns other than from gene flow, such as impacts on nontarget organisms11, 12.

By focusing on the initial problem formulation phase of a risk assessment, it is possible for developers and regulators to gain a clear indication of the important questions to answer, and the data required to address them.

By clearly identifying what are the harms, considering scenarios that might lead to them and developing testable hypothesis when necessary, risk assessments can be conducted in a manner that is open and transparent for all parties. This will allow developers and regulators, especially those with relatively limited experience in risk assessment, to move forward with confidence in their efforts to develop products and assess the risks, and to safely provide these technologies that hold such promise.

1.Jennings, P.R. & Cock, J.H. Econ. Bot. 31, 51–54 (1977). … However, many GM crops being developed to solve agronomic or nutritional problems in developing countries may be grown near centers of origin and diversity of the crop, where these plants were first domesticated and remain major crops 2.Cohen, J. Nat. Biotechnol. 23, 27–33 (2005).

Furthermore, they are often being developed by publicly funded, nonprofit institutions 3.Cross, F.B. Wash. Lee Law Rev. 53, 851–925 (1996).

Although the potential for negative effects of gene flow from GM crops in centers of diversity must be considered, some would argue that another kind of risk will be increased if the benefit offered by these products is delayed3, 4…

4.Paarlberg, R. Starved for Science: How Biotechnology is Being Kept Out of Africa (Harvard University Press, Boston, 2008).

Although the potential for negative effects of gene flow from GM crops in centers of diversity must be considered, some would argue that another kind of risk will be increased if the benefit offered by these products is delayed3, 4…

5.Chandler, S. & Dunwell, J. Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 27, 25–49 (2008). … Numerous studies related to gene flow from GM crops have been conducted or proposed to address interesting research questions, including evaluations of distance and rates of gene flow, fitness of hybrids, ecosystem dynamics and other parameters5…

6.Johnson, K.L., Raybould, A., Hudson, M.D. & Poppy, G. Trends Plant Sci. 12, 1–5 (2007). … This accumulation of data under the name of 'risk assessment' can lead to considerable confusion about what is necessary for a regulatory decision6…

7.Nickson, T. Plant Physiol. 147, 494–502 (2008).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… …, insect, disease or stress tolerance) in sorghum, some harms may be more likely or other scenarios more plausible, and therefore a different set of hypotheses and experiments might be developed7, 8, 12…

8.Raybould, A. & Cooper, I. Environ. Biosaftey Res 4, 127–140 (2005).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… … Thus, extensive collection of data cannot substitute for clear decision-making criteria6, 8, 10… … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… … It is not necessary to test every possible hypothesis, but ideally the hypothesis to test is one that will give most confidence that the scenario leading to harm is not likely8… …, insect, disease or stress tolerance) in sorghum, some harms may be more likely or other scenarios more plausible, and therefore a different set of hypotheses and experiments might be developed7, 8, 12…

9.Raybould, A. Environ. Biosafety Res. 5, 119–125 (2006).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12... … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12…

10.Raybould, A. Plant Sci. 173, 589–602 (2007).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… in article … Thus, extensive collection of data cannot substitute for clear decision-making criteria6, 8, 10… in article … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12…

11.Romeis, J. et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 26, 203–208 (2008).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… in article … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… in article … In a similar manner, problem formulation can be applied for risk assessment related to concerns other than from gene flow, such as impacts on nontarget organisms11, 12…

12.Wolt, J. et al. Transgenic Res. 19, 425–436 (2010).

The use of appropriate problem formulation to identify data needs has gained attention recently in discussions on risk assessment of GM crops7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… in article … During the problem formulation phase of risk assessment, it must be decided which scenarios are plausible, warranting further investigation, and which scenarios are so unlikely that they do not need to be considered7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12… in article … Comparative assessment to detect differences between the GM crop and a comparator, usually its non-GM counterpart, forms the foundation of risk assessment for GM crops currently12, 16… in article …, insect, disease or stress tolerance) in sorghum, some harms may be more likely or other scenarios more plausible, and therefore a different set of hypotheses and experiments might be developed7, 8, 12… in article … In a similar manner, problem formulation can be applied for risk assessment related to concerns other than from gene flow, such as impacts on nontarget organisms11, 12…

13.Kimber, C.T. in Sorghum: Origin, History, Technology, and Production (eds. Smith, C.W. & Frederiksen, R.A.) 3–98 (Wiley, New York, 2000).

The center of origin and diversity for sorghum is in the Ethiopia-Sudan region of Africa13… in article … Existing data suggest that gene flow does occur readily between the crop and nearby or sympatric weedy populations, although very rarely to distant, more-or-less truly 'wild' populations13, 14, 15…

14.Tesso, T. et al. Crop Sci. 48, 1425–1431 (2008). … Existing data suggest that gene flow does occur readily between the crop and nearby or sympatric weedy populations, although very rarely to distant, more-or-less truly 'wild' populations13, 14, 15…

15.Mutegi, E. et al. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol. 57, 243–253 (2009). … Existing data suggest that gene flow does occur readily between the crop and nearby or sympatric weedy populations, although very rarely to distant, more-or-less truly 'wild' populations13, 14, 15…

16.Craig, W., Tepfer, M., Degrassi, G. & Ripendelli, D. Euphytica 164, 853–880 (2008).

… According to theory, even neutral genes from cultivated sorghum, which are not expected to have a selective advantage or disadvantage by definition, may persist in the wild populations, even if gene flow should be rare16, 17… in article … Comparative assessment to detect differences between the GM crop and a comparator, usually its non-GM counterpart, forms the foundation of risk assessment for GM crops currently12, 16…

17.Ellstrand, N.C. Dangerous Liaisons? When Cultivated Plants Mate with their Wild Relatives (Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2003). … According to theory, even neutral genes from cultivated sorghum, which are not expected to have a selective advantage or disadvantage by definition, may persist in the wild populations, even if gene flow should be rare16, 17…

18.Lubchenco, J. Science 279, 491–497 (1998). … As noted before, 'harm' is subjective and cannot be deduced scientifically; science can help us predict whether there will be consequences of actions, but it cannot determine whether those consequences are acceptable18…

19.McMillian, W.W., Wiseman, B.R., Burns, R.E., Harris, H.B. & Greene, G.L. J. Agron. 64, 821–822 (1972). … For example, the panel recognized that bird feeding is a serious problem already in sorghum but did not agree about whether this would have an impact in wild relatives of sorghum, or that there was a reason to expect the traits being introduced into ABS would make the seeds more attractive to birds; however, birds are known to prefer seeds with low-tannins19, and the panel agreed that an unintended reduction in the level of tannins should be considered (Table 1; harm 1, scenario 4)…

20.Gepts, P. & Papa, R. Environ. Biosafety Res. 2, 89–103 (2003).

21.Chandrashekar, A. & Satyanarayana, K.V. J. Cereal Sci. 44, 287–304 (2006).

Notes: From : [Actualité de la sécurité alimentaire et de la biotechnologie agricole] jeu. 16/09/2010 05:15 Sorgho biofortifié en Afrique : la formulation de problèmes pour éclairer l'évaluation des risques Source : Nature Biotechnology Auteur : Karen E Hokanson et al.

Cet article présente une étude de cas de l'application de concepts d'évaluation des risques à l'évaluation des risques du sorgho génétiquement modifié (GM) à valeur nutritionnelle améliorée, destiné à être cultivé au centre de diversité du sorgho (la région Ethiopie-Soudan). Le cas est basé sur les travaux d'un groupe d'experts réuni en octobre 2008 par le Programme de renforcement des capacités dans le domaine de la biosécurité (ou PBS, de l'anglais Program for Biosafety Systems), pour discuter des risques environnementaux associés aux flux de gènes vers des parents sauvages dans le cas du sorgho biofortifié en Afrique (ABS, pour Africa Biofortified Sorghum). Le principal concept d'évaluation des risques identifié par l'article est la nécessité pour les autorités de réglementation de se focaliser sur la phase initiale de formulation des problèmes d'une évaluation des risques. Une telle approche permettrait aux autorités de réglementation d'avoir une indication claire des questions importantes auxquelles il faut répondre, et des données requises pour les traiter. Selon l'article, l'ABS est actuellement mis au point sur financement du secteur public, dans un effort humanitaire visant à offrir une meilleure alimentation aux populations africaines. L'article indique que des lignées de sorgho GM dotées de quelques traits nouveaux - teneur accrue en lysine et en thréonine, plus grande digestibilité des protéines, acide phytique réduit pour améliorer la disponibilité de fer et de zinc, et niveaux accrus de bêta carotène précurseur de la vitamine A - seront bientôt prêtes pour des essais en champ et pour la sélection visant à introduire les gènes dans des variétés locales appropriées. Le panel de discussion a convenu que lorsque le sorgho GM est cultivé dans des conditions normales pour la culture de sorgho, il se peut que les transgènes soient transférés aux populations de sorgho sauvage et y persistent, comme c'est le cas d'autres gènes de sorgho cultivé. La question importante identifiée par le panel pour l'évaluation des risques environnementaux liés aux flux de gènes de l'ABS en Afrique est de savoir s'il peut y avoir des conséquences néfastes lorsque les transgènes s'introduisent dans les populations sauvages à travers les flux de gènes. Le panel a soigneusement identifié ce qui pourrait être nuisible et divers scénarios qui pourraient entraîner des conséquences préjudiciables, puis il a élaboré une hypothèse véritable de " non préjudice " pour chaque scénario. Chaque hypothèse, indique l'article, peut être corroborée ou réfutée avec des observations existantes ou nouvelles. Les abonnés payants à la revue Nature Biotechnologie peuvent consulter l'article en ligne en cliquant sur le lien cidessous. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v28/n9/full/nbt0910-900.html URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nbt0910-900 Author Address: Program for Biosafety Systems, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California, USA. Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Kenya National Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya.

Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hooftman D, van Tienderen P Year: 2008 Title: ¤ From hybridization to introgression models: Predicting the fate of a transgene in wild relatives based on linkage disequilibrium relations.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Keywords: Dispersion Modelisation Abstract: Introduction Effects of introgression of transgenes from crops to wild relatives are a persistent topic in discussions on the risks of genetically modified crop introductions1, 2, for one thing because a spread of a ‗successful‘ transgene cannot easily be reversed. Furthermore, introgression of crop genes could lead to the potential development of more troublesome weeds as well as a potential niche expansion of introgressant populations with a wild relative background genome3.

The spread of transgenes depends on the possibility for gene exchange between crop and wild taxa as well as the specifi c effects of a transgene on hybrid fi tness. Much effort has been devoted to studying gene fl ow between crop species and their wild relatives4. If gene fl ow is possible, as is often the case, the outcome of the gene exchange will depend on the performance of hybrids under natural conditions. Natural selection will weed out maladapted genotypes leading to the establishment of successful phenotypes with elevated fitness5. It is within such a context that the effects of transgenes should be evaluated: the baseline is the dynamics of the crop-wild hybridization process, and putative effects of introduced transgenes in such a system are superimposed upon this baseline6, 7.

Introgression of genes from crops will likely be at the level of chromosomal segments rather than at the gene level6. Within such segment a gene could be benefi cial to the recipient plant, leading to higher likelihood of survival. Surrounding neutral genes will tend to ―hitchhike‖ along and increase in frequency through linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the benefi cial gene. Conversely neutral or even mildly disadvantageous genes could be blocked from introgression by being linked to a negatively selected gene.

Currently there is a range of modeling approaches available describing the development of hybrid populations without reference to specifi c genes differing in fitness8, 9, 10. Alternatively, the spread of single traits through populations is investigated using one-locus models11, 12.

In this talk we will present a multilocus selection approach after shortly reviewing the merits and disadvantages of these previous approaches.

Model description We first re-examine the standard deterministic two-locus model for (partially) outcrossing species, to study the potential of hitchhiking, the persistence of LD, expected introgressed block size, and the rate of increase of selected and neutral crop genes into a wild gene pool .

An actual hybridization complex is simulated for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and its wild relative Lactuca serriola.

Although both species are mainly autogamous, an approx. 1% outcrossing rate can be anticipated. This approach combines recombination rates (based on genetic maps) and putative fi tness effects of individual alleles. Upon this baseline the effects of transgenes, given their genomic location, are superposed.

We use stochastic Individual Based Modeling (IBM) in which both individual plants and individual loci are used as pointers. Loci are placed onto a genetic map; accordingly the recombination likelihood among loci can be estimated. Individual haploid gametes are formed by inheriting a combination of alleles from the diploid parental genome, including crossing-overs. Subsequently, the likelihood of survival of the formed combination of gametes is based on the accumulated fi tness of the containing alleles. To simulate a QTL approach13, alleles can be added, which confer to a higher or lower fi tness relative to the wild relative. Transgenes can be placed on the genomic map accordingly.

Results & Discussion The two-locus model shows that LD between crop and wild genes persists for tens of generations, even in largely outcrossing populations. Therefore the scope for hitchhiking is considerable, and the retained crop block size is often large. Such observations follow the predictions by Stewart and coworkers of block based introgression6.

Employing a stochastic IBM we show that the extent of this hitchhiking strongly depends on the anticipated recombination frequency among two loci interacting with (i) the relative fi tness differences of the containing (transgenic) alleles at different loci and (ii) population size. These effects can not easily be identifi ed in nonIBM models. On a more general level the combination of genetic location and allelic fi tness differences added to populations with a restricted size shows that selection only partially sorts (―weeds‖) among offspring when alleles are added to the crop that differ in relative fi tness from the wild relative. Replacement of alleles with lower fi tness, by alleles with a higher relative fi tness, is continuously (at least to a certain extent) counteracted by hitchhiking. Consequently, the general level of introgression of ―neutral‖ genes could be higher than previously expected.

Approaches as ours combine in a selective environment (i) analysis of introgression based on the fi tness association of single genes, (ii) genetic location based hybridization patterns and (iii) fi nite population sizes.

Consequently, they provide a more accurate estimate of the introgression likelihood for specifi c genes. Risk assessment applying this approach could increase the predictability of possible introgression or blocking of linked genes. From the more commercial side, a judicious choice of transgene insertion sites may further inhibit transgene escape because of their negative selection in a wild background genome, certainly in combination with one or more other biosafety constructs. Since high resolution linkage maps have become available in many inter-taxa crosses, gene-targeting based on such map-based criteria seems feasible.

References 1. Snow et al. (2005). Ecological Applications 15: 377-404.

2. Andow & Zwahlen (2006). Ecology Letters 9: 196–214.

3. Pilson & Prendeville (2004). Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics 35:149–174.

4. Ellstrand (2003). Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, USA. 5. Rieseberg et al. (2000). Plant Molecular Biology 42: 205-224.

6. Stewart et al. (2003). Nature Reviews Genetics 4: 806-817.

7. Chapman & Burke (2006). New Phytologist 170: 429-443.

8. Thompson et al. (2003). Ecological Modelling 162: 199-209.

9. Hall et al. (2006). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B 273: 1385-1389.

10. Hooftman et al. (2007). Journal of Applied Ecology 44: 1035-1045.

11. Huxel (1999). Biological Conservation 89: 143-152.

12. Haygood et al. (2003). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B 270: 1879-1886.

13. Baack et al. (2008). Molecular Ecology 17: 666–677.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: University of Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Horna Daniela, Kyotalimye Miriam, Falck-Zepeda Jose, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Cotton Production in Uganda: Would GM technologies be the Solution?.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China.

Label: InRe Adoption Keywords: Stochastic budget analysis GM cotton Organic cotton Abstract: The government of Uganda is currently testing the performance of genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties. Cotton is cultivated in Uganda for two main reasons: 1) agro-ecological conditions favor cotton cultivation, and 2) there is a long tradition of cotton cultivation in the country. Two main research questions are addressed in this study: a) would the adoption of genetically modified (GM) cotton benefit Ugandan farmers? b) Would the use of GM seed be more profitable than the low input traditional system or than the organic production system? Stochastic budget analysis is used to address these questions. The results show that estimated values of cotton profitability do not seem to justify the investment in a complex technology. The

question then is how transferable is GM technology and how easily can it be adopted by Ugandan farmers. The vertical integration of the chain could facilitate the dissemination of the technology, but availability of seed and inputs of good quality and appropriate extension support have to be guaranteed.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51823 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51823/2/Horna-Kyotalymye-Falck-Zepeda-JUN30th.pdf Author Address: Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa, IFPRI USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Horvath B, Peralta P, Peszlen I, Divos F, Kasal B, Li LaiGeng, Year: 2010 Title: * Elastic modulus of transgenic aspen.

Journal: Wood Research (Bratislava) 55, 1.

Accession Number: CABI:20103124546 Label: Composition Lignine Qualite Keywords: lignin; modulus of elasticity; transgenic plants; wood properties; wood strength; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; quaking aspen; strength of wood; Young's modulus Abstract: Changing lignin content and structure in trees by manipulating genes encoding key enzymes in various lignin biosynthetic pathways provides a great potential to efficiently utilize woody biomass in pulp and paper making and ethanol production. Solid wood and composite board applications could also be possible for genetically engineered trees, where mechanical properties are crucial. In this work, the elastic modulus of wildtype and transgenic aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) with reduced lignin content and increased syringyl to guaiacyl ratio was investigated. A total of fifty sample trees were harvested from the green house after 2.5years of growth and used to measure the static and dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE). Dynamic MOE was determined by Fakopp Microsecond Timer; while static MOE was measured by three-point bending using micromechanical testing. Based on the results, a reduction in the lignin content reduced both the dynamic and static MOE. An increase in the syringyl to guaiacyl ratio also resulted in a decrease in the elastic moduli but to a lesser extent. However, the combined influence of lignin content and structural changes showed the most obvious negative effect on the elastic properties. Dynamic MOE and static MOE values showed similar trend across genetic groups, thus the Fakopp Microsecond Timer can be used to predict the elastic modulus of small diameter trees.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 25 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103124546 Author Address: Department of Wood and Paper Science, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 8005, Raleigh, NC 27695-8005, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hou CT Year: 2010 Title: * Special issue on Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology: number 4.

Journal: New Biotechnology 27, 4, 277-444.

Accession Number: CABI:20103256029 Label: Revue GĂŠnĂŠral Abstract: agricultural biotechnology and divided into 5 categories, such as molecular engineering, industrial enzymes, production of biological products, biologically active compounds and biofuels.

Notes: RESEARCH PAPERS Molecular Engineering Co-expression of heterologous desaturase genes in Yarrowia lipolytica Original Pages 277-282 Lu-Te Chuang, Dzi-Chi Chen, Jean-Marc Nicaud, Catherine Madzak, Ying-Hsuan Chen, Yung-Sheng Huang Functional expression of the thiolase gene thl from Clostridium beijerinckii P260 in Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri Original Research Article Pages 283-288 Siqing Liu, Kenneth M. Bischoff, Nasib Qureshi, Steven R. Hughes, Joseph O. Rich

Isolation and characterization of oil palm constitutive promoter derived from ubiquitin extension protein (uep1) gene Original Research Article Pages 289-299 Subhi Siti Masura, Ghulam Kadir Ahmad Parveez, Ismanizan Ismail Overexpression and characterization of an extremely thermostable maltogenic amylase, with an optimal temperature of 100 °C, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Staphylothermus marinus Original Research Article Pages 300-307 Dan Li, Jong-Tae Park, Xiaolei Li, Sukyung Kim, Seungjae Lee, Jae-Hoon Shim, Sung-Hoon Park, Jaeho Cha, Byong-Hoon Lee, Jung-Wan Kim, Kwan-Hwa Park PCR amplification and cloning of tyrosine decarboxylase involved in synephrine biosynthesis in Citrus Original Research Article Pages 308-316 Glenn E. Bartley, Andrew P. Breksa III, Betty K. Ishida Two laccase isoenzymes and a peroxidase of a commercial laccase-producing basidiomycete, Trametes sp. Ha1 Original Research Article Pages 317-323 Masato Nakatani, Makoto Hibi, Masashi Minoda, Jun Ogawa, Kenzo Yokozeki, Sakayu Shimizu Expression and activity analysis of sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase from onion Original Research Article Pages 324-329 Yawei Han, Liping Chen, Duobin Mao, Lijun Tang, Lihong Guan Enhanced production of lipase by the thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus strain-5 using statistical experimental designs Original Research Article Pages 330-336 Mohamed Sifour, Taha I. Zaghloul, Hesham M. Saeed, Mahmoud M. Berekaa, Yasser R. Abdel-fattah Isolation of lipase and citric acid producing yeasts from agro-industrial wastewater Original Research Article Pages 337-340 Ladan Mafakher, Maryam Mirbagheri, Farshad Darvishi, Iraj Nahvi, Hamid Zarkesh-Esfahani, Giti Emtiazi Production of nattokinase by batch and fed-batch culture of Bacillus subtilis Original Research Article Pages 341-346 Young-Han Cho, Jae Yong Song, Kyung Mi Kim, Mi Kyoung Kim, In Young Lee, Sang Bum Kim, Hyeon Shup Kim, Nam Soo Han, Bong Hee Lee, Beom Soo Kim Production of Bioproducts11 Production optimization and properties of beta glucosidases from a marine fungus Aspergillus-SA 58 Original Research Article Pages 347-351 K.K. Elyas, Abraham Mathew, Rajeev K. Sukumaran, P.P. Manzur Ali, K. Sapna, S. Ramesh Kumar, K.R. Rekha Mol Optimal production of 7,10-dihydroxy-8(E)-hexadecenoic acid from palmitoleic acid by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PR3 Original Research Article Pages 352-357 Jae-Han Bae, Min-Jung Suh, Beom-Soo Kim, Ching T. Hou, In-Jung Lee, In-Hwan Kim, Hak-Ryul Kim A combined metabolic/polymerization kinetic model on the microbial production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Original Research Article Pages 358-367 Giannis Penloglou, Avraam Roussos, Christos Chatzidoukas, Costas Kiparissides Optimization, in vitro release and bioavailability of ?-oryzanol-loaded calcium pectinate microparticles reinforced with chitosan Original Research Article Pages 368-373 Jong Soo Kim, Ji-Soo Lee, Pahn-Shick Chang, Hyeon Gyu Lee Extracellular Ă&#x;-glucosidase production by the yeast Debaryomyces pseudopolymorphus UCLM-NS7A: optimization using response surface methodology Original Research Article Pages 374-381

Aneli M. Barbosa, Ellen C. Giese, Robert F.H. Dekker, Dionísio Borsato, Ana I. Briones Pérez, Juan F. Úbeda Iranzo Optimization of nitrogen source for enhanced production of squalene from thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. Original Research Article Pages 382-389 Guanqun Chen, King-Wai Fan, Fu-Ping Lu, Qian Li, Tsunehiro Aki, Feng Chen, Yue Jiang Bioactive Compounds17 In vitro antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and acute oral toxicity of marine algae Gracilaria changii Original Research Article Pages 390-396 Sreenivasan Sasidharan, Ibrahim Darah, Mohd Kassim Mohd Jain Noordin Activity and characterization of secondary metabolites produced by a new microorganism for control of plant diseases Original Research Article Pages 397-402 Wen-Hsiung Ko, Yi-Jung Tsou, Mei-Ju Lin, Lih-Ling Chern Synergistic effect of high pressure processing and Lactobacillus casei antimicrobial activity against pressure resistant Listeria monocytogenes Original Research Article Pages 403-408 Hyun-Jung Chung, Ahmed E. Yousef Development of the molecular methods for rapid detection and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum and F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum in Taiwan Original Research Article Pages 409-418 Ying-Hong Lin, Kan-Shu Chen, Jing-Yi Chang, Yu-Ling Wan, Ching-Chi Hsu, Jenn-Wen Huang, Pi-Fang Linda Chang a-Glucosidase inhibitory activities of 10-hydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid: an intermediate of bioconversion of oleic acid to 7,10-dihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid Original Research Article Pages 419-423 Souren Paul, Ching Tsang Hou, Sun Chul Kang Biofuel and Others22 Biological pretreatment of rice straw by fermenting with Dichomitus squalens Original Research Article Pages 424-434 Jin Seop Bak, Myoung Dong Kim, In-Geol Choi, Kyoung Heon Kim Stability of meoru (Vitis coignetiea) anthocyanins under photochemically produced singlet oxygen by riboflavin Original Research Article Pages 435-439 Moonjung Kim, Suk Hoo Yoon, Munyhung Jung, Eunok Choe Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the enzyme activities in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli Original Research Article Pages 440-444 Woo-Suk Bang, Hyun-Jung Chung URL: <Go to ISI>://20103256029 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hou H, Erickson J, Meservy J, Schultz EA, Year: 2010 Title: * FORKED1 encodes a PH domain protein that is required for PIN1 localization in developing leaf veins.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 960-973.

Label: Physiol Keywords: FORKED1 PINFORMED1 vein patterning auxin transport auxin canalization Arabidopsis Abstract: The formation of Arabidopsis leaf veins is believed to require canalization of auxin into discrete and continuous cell files to generate a highly reproducible branched and reticulate pattern. During canalization, incipient veins become preferred routes for auxin transport through expression and asymmetric localization of the PINFORMED1 (PIN1) auxin efflux protein: PIN1 expression narrows from a group of cells to a single cell file, and localization of PIN1 protein becomes polarized to the cell membrane facing a previously formed vein.

The shift in PIN1 localization is believed to require active vesicle cycling and be auxin-dependent, generating an autoregulatory loop. Previously, we have shown that fkd1 mutant leaves have an open vein pattern that lacks distal vein meeting. Here, we identify FKD1 as encoding a pleckstrin homology domain- and DUF828containing protein. A fusion of the FKD1 promoter and the GUS reporter gene was expressed in vascular tissue throughout the plant, and its expression in incipient veins in leaves narrows in a manner similar to that of PIN1.

FKD1 expression in roots and leaves can be altered by changes to auxin response and auxin transport. In the absence of FKD1, PIN1::GFP narrowing to incipient veins is delayed, and localization to the apical cell face is infrequent. The lack of apical PIN1 localization correlates with the failure of newly forming veins to connect distally with previously formed veins. Our data suggest that FKD1 influences PIN1 localization in an auxindependent manner, and we propose that it represents a key component of the auxin canalization pathway.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04291.x Author Address: 1Department of Cell and System Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, M5S 3B2, ON, Canada 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, TIK 3M4, AB, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: How Kit A, Boureau L, Stammitti-Bert L, Rolin D, Teyssier E, Gallusci P, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional analysis of SlEZ a tomato Enhancer of zeste (E(z)) gene demonstrates a role in flower development.

Secondary Title: Plant Molecular Biology 74, 3, 201-213.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-4412 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Polycomb - Epigenetic - Tomato - Fruit - Flower - Enhancer of zeste Abstract: The Enhancer of Zeste (E(z)) Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which are encoded by a small gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana, have been shown to participate to the control of flowering and seed development. For the time being, little is known about the function of these proteins in other plants. In tomato E(z) proteins are encoded by at least two genes namely SlEZ1 and SlEZ2 while a third gene, SlEZ3, is likely to encode a truncated non-functional protein. The analysis of the corresponding mRNA demonstrates that these two genes are differentially regulated during plant and fruit development. We also show that SlEZ1 and SlEZ2 are targeted to the nuclei. These results together with protein sequence analysis makes it likely that both proteins are functional E(z) proteins. The characterisation of SlEZ1 RNAi lines suggests that although there might be some functional redundancy between SlEZ1 and SlEZ2 in most plant organs, the former protein is likely to play specific function in flower development.

Notes: 52 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-010-9657-9 Author Address: (1) UMR Biologie du fruit (UMR 619), INRA, Universités Bordeaux 1 et Bordeaux 2, CR INRA de Bordeaux, 71 Avenue Edouard Bourleaux, BP 81, 33883 Villenave d‘Ornon Cedex, France (2) Université de Bordeaux 1, UMR 619, 33883 Bordeaux, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hu JianJun, Yang MinSheng, Lu MengZhu, Year: 2010 Title: * Advances in biosafety studies on transgenic insect-resistant poplars in China.

Journal: Biodiversity Science 18, 4, 336-345.

Accession Number: CABI:20103263200 Label: InRe RavageurSecond ImpactBiol Dispersion Transfert Review Keywords: transgenic poplar Bt gene insect pests biosafety gene flow Abstract: More concerns have been focused on transgenic trees than transgenic food crops because of their longevity and the likelihood that transgene might spread to related species of wild trees grown nearby. Detailed, the long life span of trees could increase the likelihood of transgene instability, affect diversity of non-target

organisms, improve resistance to insecticidal proteins, increase invasiveness of the tree itself (weediness), and arouse negative environmental consequences or new environmental risks resulted from gene flow or gene escape. The transgenic black poplar Populus nigra carrying Bt gene and hybrid white poplar clone 741 [Populus alba * (P. davidiana+P. simonii) * P. tomentosa] carrying fusion genes, which are resistant to leaf insects, have been commercial release in China since 2002. In this review, we provide a brief overview of biosafety assessment researches on transgenic insect-resistant poplar varieties during the last decades. Arthropod population and community structure have changed within the transgenic poplar plantations, and the diversity of the insect community has increased. But there are no significant changes for soil microbial communities. Gene flow monitoring in the transgenic black poplar plantation showed that the probability of gene escape is very low via pollen and seeds. The potential environment risk was also evaluated based on the experiments of horizontal gene transfer from transgenic poplars through endophytic bacteria. We pointed out the necessity of the biosafety assessments concerning the transgenic poplars when intercropping with food crops.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://20103263200 Author Address: 1 Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, State Forestry Administration, Beijing 100091 2 Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei 071000 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hu Ruibo, Qi Guang, Kong Yingzhen, Kong Dejing, Gao Qian, Zhou Gongke, Year: 2010 Title: * Comprehensive Analysis of NAC Domain Transcription Factor Gene Family in Populus trichocarpa Journal: BMC Plant Biology 10, 1, 145.

Accession Number: doi:10.1186/1471-2229-10-145 Label: Physiol Abstract: BACKGROUND:NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) domain proteins are plant-specific transcriptional factors known to play diverse roles in various plant developmental processes. NAC transcription factors comprise of a large gene family represented by more than 100 members in Arabidopsis, rice and soybean etc. Recently, a preliminary phylogenetic analysis was reported for NAC gene family from 11 plant species. However, no comprehensive study incorporating phylogeny, chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved motifs, and expression profiling analysis has been presented thus far for the model tree species Populus.RESULTS:In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of NAC gene family in Populus was performed. A total of 163 full-length NAC genes were identified in Populus, and they were phylogeneticly clustered into 18 distinct subfamilies. The gene structure and motif compositions were considerably conserved among the subfamilies. The distributions of 120 Populus NAC genes were non-random across the 19 linkage groups (LGs), and 87 genes (73%) were preferentially retained duplicates that located in both duplicated regions. The majority of NACs showed specific temporal and spatial expression patterns based on EST frequency and microarray data analyses. However, the expression patterns of a majority of duplicate genes were partially redundant, suggesting the occurrence of subfunctionalization during subsequent evolutionary process.

Furthermore, quantitative real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to confirm the tissue-specific expression patterns of 25 NAC genes.CONCLUSION:Based on the genomic organizations, we can conclude that segmental duplications contribute significantly to the expansion of Populus NAC gene family. The comprehensive expression profiles analysis provides first insights into the functional divergence among members in NAC gene family. In addition, the high divergence rate of expression patterns after segmental duplications indicates that NAC genes in Populus are likewise to have been retained by substantial subfunctionalization. Taken together, our results presented here would be helpful in laying the foundation for functional characterization of NAC gene family and further gaining an understanding of the structure-function relationship between these family members.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/145 Author Address: 1 Qingdao Institute of BioEnergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, PR China 2 Current address: Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, The University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Hu TingZhang, Xiao GuoSheng, Huang XiaoYun, Chen ZaiGang, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Isolation and functional analysis of the rice OsNRT1-d promoter.

Journal: Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica 30, 7, 1289-1295.

Accession Number: CABI:20103242990 Label: Physiol Abstract: was studied. The 2 019 bp upstream sequence of the translation start codon ATG of OsNRT1-d gene was isolated from the genomic DNA of rice using PCR. The putative TATA-box, CAAT-box and transcription start site were detected at -189, -127, and -93 bp upstream of the translation start codon ATG, respectively.

Three OsNRT1-d promoter deletion derivatives were constructed to identify the OsNRT1-d promoter. The promoter fragments with 5-deletions were fused to GUS reporter gene. The chimeric genes were introduced to rice by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. NRT2019::GUS, NRT1196::GUS and NRT719::GUS had the same expression patterns in the roots, leaves, flowers and seeds of transgenic rice. GUS activity conferred by different OsNRT1-d promoter fragments was significantly regulated by emergency drought (air-drying on filter paper) and simulated drought (15% PEG6000). OsNRT1-d promoter responds to drought stress and the 719 bp upstream sequence of the translation start codon ATG of OsNRT1-d contains the drought responsive elements.

However, OsNRT1-d promoter did not respond to ABA, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, KNO3, and glutamine.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103242990 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: HU Y-Q, LIU S, YUAN H-M, LI J, YAN D-W, ZHANG J-F, LU Y-T, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional comparison of catalase genes in the elimination of photorespiratory H2O2 using promoterand 3'-untranslated region exchange experiments in the Arabidopsis cat2 photorespiratory mutant.

Journal: Plant, Cell & Environment 33, 10, 1656-1670.

Label: Physiol Keywords: 3'-untranslated region Arabidopsis catalase hydrogen peroxide leaf photorespiration promoter-exchange experiments Abstract: ABSTRACT Photorespiration-associated production of H2O2 accounts for the majority of total H2O2 in leaves of C3 plants and is mainly eliminated by catalases. In Arabidopsis, lack of CAT2, but not CAT1 or CAT3, results in growth suppression and a marked accumulation of H2O2 in leaves. To evaluate the contribution of individual catalase genes and their promoters to catalase function, we investigated the growth suppression and H2O2 accumulation phenotypes of Arabidopsis derivatives expressing catalase genes from heterologous CAT promoters in a cat2 mutant background. The expression of CAT2 from the CAT2 promoter restored the wild-type phenotype in a cat2-1 mutant, while CAT1 and CAT3 promoter-driven expression of CAT2 did not. Ectopic expression of CAT3 from the CAT2 promoter also restored the normal phenotype, unlike that of CAT1 which required replacement of the CAT1 3′-untranslated region (UTR) with that of CAT2. These results demonstrated that the photorespiratory role of CAT2 is determined mainly by the regulation of its promoter activity. The 3′-UTR of CAT2 was vital for controlling CAT2 protein levels under photorespiratory conditions. Identification of component of heterotetramers catalase isoforms suggested that there is some functional redundancy between CAT2 and CAT1 and CAT3.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.2010.02171.x Author Address: Key Lab of MOE for Plant Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Huang Chao-Feng, Yamaji Naoki, Ma Jian Feng, Year: 2010 Title: * Knockout of a Bacterial-Type ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Gene, AtSTAR1, Results in Increased Aluminum Sensitivity in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1669-1677.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Physiol

Abstract: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent a large family in plants, but the functions of most of these transporters are unknown. Here we report a gene, AtSTAR1, only encoding an ATP-binding domain of a bacterial-type ABC transporter in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). AtSTAR1 is an ortholog of rice (Oryza sativa) OsSTAR1, which has been implicated in aluminum (Al) tolerance. Knockout of AtSTAR1 resulted in increased sensitivity to Al and earlier flowering. Unlike OsSTAR1, AtSTAR1 was expressed in both the roots and shoots and its expression was not induced by Al or other stresses. Investigation of tissue-specific localization of AtSTAR1 through {beta}-glucuronidase fusion revealed that AtSTAR1 was predominantly expressed at outer cell layers of root tips and developing leaves, whose localization is also different from those of OsSTAR1. However, introduction of OsSTAR1 into atstar1 mutant rescued the sensitivity of atstar1 to Al, indicating that AtSTAR1 has a similar function as OsSTAR1. Furthermore, we found that AtSTAR1 may interact with ALS3, a transmembrane-binding domain in Arabidopsis to form a complex because introduction of OsSTAR1, a functional substitute of AtSTAR1, into als3 mutant resulted in the loss of OsSTAR1 protein.

All these findings indicate that AtSTAR1 is involved in the basic detoxification of Al in Arabidopsis.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1669 Author Address: Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki 710–0046, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: HUANG Jing-Jing, HAN Bin, CHANG Ju-Hua, SHEN Wen-Biao, SHEN Jin-Liang Year: 2010 Title: ?? Preparation of polyclonal antibody of N-terminal peptide of cadherin of Helicoverpa armigera and primary detection of Bt-resistance.

Journal: Chinese Bulletin of Entomology, Year 2010, Issue 2, Page 293-298.

Label: InRe Resistance Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Huang SQ, Xiang AL, Che LL, Chen S, Li H, Song JB, Yang ZM, Year: 2010 Title: * A set of miRNAs from Brassica napus in response to sulphate deficiency and cadmium stress.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal 8, 8, 887-899.

Label: ReEn Keywords: microRNA sulphate deficiency cadmium sulphur transporter ATP sulphurylases Abstract: Summary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short endogenous non-coding small RNAs that can base pair their target mRNAs to repress their translation or induce their degradation in organisms. However, whether miRNAs are involved in the global response to sulphate deficiency and heavy metal stress is unknown.

In this study, we constructed a small RNA library from rapeseed (Brassica napus) treated with sulphate deficiency and cadmium (Cd2+), respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed 13 conserved miRNAs representing nine families, with five new miRNAs that have not been cloned before. Transcriptional analysis with RT-PCR showed the differential expression of these miRNAs under sulphate deficiency and Cd exposure.

We have cloned five genes BnSultr2;1 and BnAPS1-4, which encode a low-affinity sulphate transporter and a family of ATP sulphurylases in B. napus, respectively. BnSultr2;1, BnAPS3 and BnAPS4 were first cloned from B. napus, and BnSultr2;1, BnAPS1, BnAPS3 and BnAPS4 were identified as the targets of miR395.

Analysis with 5'-RACE and transformation of MIR395d into B. napus confirmed that all of them were the authentic targets of miR395. Our results support the importance of miRNAs in regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses and suggest that identification of a set of miRNAs would facilitate our understanding of regulatory mechanisms for plant tolerance to sulphate deficiency and heavy metal stress.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00517.x Author Address: 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China 2Laboratory of Rapeseed Breeding, Industrial Crop Institute, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Huff Jonathan A, Reynolds Daniel B, Dodds Darrin M, Irby J Trenton, Year: 2010 Title: * Glyphosate Tolerance in Enhanced Glyphosate-Resistant Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Journal: Weed Technology 24, 3, 289-294.

Date: 2010/09/15 Label: HeTo ImpactBiol Efficacite Abstract: Glyphosate applied to glyphosate-resistant (RR) cotton varieties after the four-leaf stage can decrease boll retention resulting in severe yield reductions. Enhanced glyphosate-resistant cotton (RR Flex), released for commercial use in 2006, offers a wider window of glyphosate applications without the risk of yield loss.

However, no data exist regarding the effect of glyphosate application, especially late season applications, on fruit partitioning in RR Flex cotton. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of glyphosate rate and application timing on RR Flex cotton yield and fruit partitioning compared with current RR cotton. Studies were conducted during a 3-yr period (2004 to 2006), throughout the cotton growing regions of Mississippi.

Roundup Ready (ST 4892 Bollgard/Roundup Ready [BR]) and Roundup Ready Flex (Mon 171 Enhanced Roundup Ready and ST 4554 Bollgard II/Roundup Ready Flex [B2RF]) cotton was planted, and glyphosate was applied at various rates and cotton growth stages. Data were collected using box mapping, a technique designed to depict yield partitioning on a cotton plant. RR Flex cotton yields were unaffected by glyphosate application timing or rate. Yields for ST 4892 BR were affected by application timings after the sixth leaf. ST 4892 BR had increased yield partitioning to position-three bolls and upper nodes with later application timings of glyphosate. Increases in seed cotton partitioned to higher nodes and outer fruiting positions were unable to compensate for fruit shed from innermost, lower fruiting sites. These data indicate that RR Flex cotton has excellent tolerance to late-season glyphosate applications.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-08-183.1 Author Address: Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Huh Sun Mi, Noh Eun Kyeung, Kim Hye Gi, Jeon Byeong Wook; Bae Kisuk, Hu Heng-Cheng, Kwak June M., Park Ohkmae K, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis Annexins AnnAt1 and AnnAt4 Interact with Each Other and Regulate Drought and Salt Stress Responses.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1499-1514.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Secheresse Salin Keywords: ABA Arabidopsis Annexin Calcium-binding protein Drought stress Salt stress Abstract: Annexins are Ca2+- and phospholipid-binding proteins that form an evolutionarily conserved multigene family throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. Two annexins, AnnAt1 and AnnAt4, have been identified as components in osmotic stress and abscisic acid signaling in Arabidopsis. Here, we report that AnnAt1 and AnnAt4 regulate plant stress responses in a light-dependent manner. The single-mutant annAt1 and annAt4 plants showed tolerance to drought and salt stress, which was greatly enhanced in double-mutant annAt1annAt4 plants, but AnnAt4-overexpressing transgenic plants (35S:AnnAt4) were more sensitive to stress treatments under long day conditions. Furthermore, expression of stress-related genes was altered in these mutant and transgenic plants. Upon dehydration and salt treatment, AtNCED3, encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, and P5CS1, encoding -1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase, which are key enzymes in ABA and proline synthesis, respectively, were highly induced in annAt1annAt4 plants and to a lesser extent in annAt1 and annAt4 plants, but not in 35S:AnnAt4 plants. While annAt1 plants were more drought sensitive, annAt4 plants were more tolerant in short days than in long days. In vitro and in vivo binding assays revealed that AnnAt1 and AnnAt4 bind to each other in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Our results suggest that AnnAt1 and AnnAt4 function cooperatively in response to drought and salt stress and their functions are affected by photoperiod.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1499.abstract Author Address: 1School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Korea 2Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

3Department of Plant Molecular Systems Biotechnology and Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701, Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Husnain T, Maqbool A, Qaisar U, Irfan M, Zahoor M, Khan M, Rashid B, Riazuddin S, Year: 2008 Title: 造 Expression of drought related genes of Gossypium arboreum in G. hirsutum.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: ReEn Secheresse Abstract: Five local varieties of Gossypium arboreum i.e. FDH-170, FDH-300, FDH-306, FDH-786 and Ravi were studied for tolerance against water shortages. Epicuticular wax and proline content from leaves of control and drought stressed plants were extracted and quantifi ed. All varieties showed an increase in the wax and proline content under drought conditions and FDH-786 was found to be the most drought tolerant with a 9 fold high level in wax content and 5.75 fold elevated level of proline content as compared to control. Therefore, it was selected for the identifi cation and expression analysis of wax genes. Primers were designed from genebank EST database to identify unknown wax genes from Gossypium arboreum. Full-length coding region of two of these genes was identifi ed by RACE-PCR and sequenced. These genes showed homology with wax gene 3-ketoacyl CoA synthase and Cer3 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. Both genes were amplifi ed from genomic DNA and it was found that 3 ketoacyl CoA consists of a single exon while cer3 consists of a large number of exons.

Gossypium arboreum (L) was also studied using differential display technique. Initially 30 fragments were expressed with 93 primer pair combinations and 20 fragments were isolated, cloned, and sequenced. Seven were confi rmed through real time PCR. Due to signifi cant homology of two transcripts A4B1 & A6B2 with small heat shock protein and universal stress protein, these were selected to get full length gene. Full-length coding region of two of these genes was identifi ed by RACE-PCR. Both genes were amplifi ed from genomic DNA. Alignments revealed that GHSP26 comprises a single open reading frame of 230 amino acids. The gene product contains the highly conserved alpha crystalline region, spanning amino acid residues 133-217 and a Met-rich region from 94-117aa at the N-terminus. The gene was transferred to G. hirsutum where transgenic plants exhibit better temperature tolerance GUSP PCR from genomic DNA resulted in isolation of two closely related genes of same family designated GUSP1& GUSP2. The two genes code for proteins with predicted molecular weights of 18.2 Kdal and 19.1 Kdal respectively. Sequence analysis showed that GUSP1& GUSP2 are highly similar to the bacterial MJ0577-type of ATP-binding Usp proteins, which have been proposed to function as a molecular switch. Nucleotide sequences of these two genes showed 81% sequence similarity while their encoded protein shared 75% sequence identity to each other. Expression of the genes in different tissues was checked through real time PCR. The highest levels of drought-inducible expression were found in the leaves with progressive decrease in expression in stem and root, as compared to very low expression in control tissues. GUSP also upregulated under salt stress while GHSP26 did not show upregulation under salt stress. Southern blot analysis revealed that GHSP26 has 7-8, while GUSP has 5- 6, copy number in cotton genome.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Pakistan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hutchison WD, EC Burkness, PD Mitchell, RD Moon, TW Leslie, SJ Fleischer, M Abrahamson, KL Hamilton, KL Steffey, ME Gray, RL Hellmich, LV Kaster,TE Hunt, RJ Wright, K Pecinovsky, TL Rabaey, BR Flood, ES Raun, Year: 2010 Title: * Areawide Suppression of European Corn Borer with Bt Maize Reaps Savings to Non-Bt Maize Growers.

Journal: SCIENCE 8 OCTOBER 2010 VOL 330 www.sciencemag.org Keywords: InRe Efficacite

Abstract: Transgenic maize engineered to express insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has become widely adopted in U.S. agriculture. In 2009, Bt maize was planted on more than 22.2 million hectares, constituting 63% of the U.S. crop. Using statistical analysis of per capita growth rate estimates, we found that areawide suppression of the primary pest Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer) is associated with Bt maize use. Cumulative benefits over 14 years are an estimated $3.2 billion for maize growers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with more than $2.4 billion of this total accruing to non-Bt maize growers. Comparable estimates for Iowa and Nebraska are $3.6 billion in total, with $1.9 billion for nonBt maize growers. These results affirm theoretical predictions of pest population suppression and highlight economic incentives for growers to maintain non-Bt maize refugia for sustainable insect resistance management.

Notes: Supporting Online Material www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/330/6001/222/DC1 Author Address: 1Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. 2Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. 3Department of Biology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. 4Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA. 5Minnesota Department of Agriculture, St. Paul, MN 55107, USA. 6Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Madison, WI 53718, USA. 7Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. 8USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Genetics Laboratory, Ames, IA 50011, USA. 9Syngenta Seeds Inc., Slater, IA 50244, USA. 10Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, NEREC, Haskell Agricultural Laboratory, Concord, NE 68728, USA. 11Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA. 12Iowa State University, Nashua, IA 50658, USA. 13General Mills Inc., Le Sueur, MN 56058, USA. 14Del Monte Foods, Rochelle, IL 61068, USA. 15Pest Management Co., Lincoln, NE 68506, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Hwang IS, Hwang BK. Year: 2010 Title: * Role of the pepper cytochrome P450 gene CaCYP450A in defense responses against microbial pathogens.

Secondary Title: Planta. 2010 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print], pp. 1-13.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-09-09 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: BaRe FuRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences Abstract: Plant cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in a wide range of biosynthetic reactions, leading to various fatty acid conjugates, plant hormones, or defensive compounds. Herein, we have identified the pepper cytochrome P450 gene CaCYP450A, which is differentially induced during Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) infection. CaCYP450A contains a heme-binding motif, PXFXXGXRXCXG, located in the Cterminal region and a hydrophobic membrane anchor region at the N terminal. Knock-down of CaCYP450A by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) led to increased susceptibility to Xcv infection in pepper. CaCYP450Aoverexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited lower pathogen growth and reduced disease symptoms, and they were more resistant to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis than wildtype plants. Overexpression of CaCYP450A also enhanced H2O2 accumulation and cell death. However, CaCYP450A Arabidopsis ortholog CYP94B3 mutants showed enhanced susceptibility to virulent Pst DC3000, but not to avirulent Pst DC3000 avrRpm1 or virulent H. arabidopsidis infection. Taken together, these results suggest that CaCYP450A is required for defense responses to microbial pathogens in plants. The nucleotide sequence data reported here has been deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number HM581974.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1266-y Author Address: Laboratory of Molecular Plant Pathology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul, 136-713, Korea.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Iglesias Cynthia, Mohamed Khraishy Year: 2010 Title: £ Jordan - Biotechnology - GE Plants and Animals Journal: GAIN (Global Agricultural Information Network) Report Number: JO1005 - 6/24/2010 - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Label: Adoption Abstract: Jordan has recently issued new biotechnology regulations that mandate the labeling of biotech food and feed.

Notes: From : Crop Biotech Update > September 3, 2010 http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=6612 GAIN Reports: Jordan Jordan's status on Biotechnology: GE Plants and Animals has been released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service. The report notes that Jordan has recently introduced new regulations on biosafety of biotechnology products, but it still lacks the technical ability to enforce laws on biotechnology.

Download the report at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Biotechnology%20%20GE%20Plants%20and%20Animals_Amman_Jordan_6-24-2010.pdf Author Address: ?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Year: 2009 Title: ££ Annual Report - ICRISAT 2009. Food security and diversification in the drylands.

Book Title: Annual Report - ICRISAT 2009. Food security and diversification in the drylands City: Patancheru India Publisher: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Pages: 60 pp.

Accession Number: CABI:20103240228 Label: Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: bioinformatics; biotechnology; crop yield; cultivars; food security; genetic diversity; genetic improvement; ICRISAT; improved varieties; millets; pearl millet; phenotypic variation; seed quality; seeds; semiarid climate; small farms; varietal resistance; watersheds; weeds bulrush millet; catchment areas; cultivated varieties; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics; People's Republic of China; phenotypic variability Abstract: ICRISAT's mission is "to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutritional security and protect the environment of the semi-arid tropics by empowering the poor through partnership-based science with a human face". This report for 2009 portrays the multipronged efforts to ensure food security in the semi-arid tropics.

These include the: (1) use of modern science tools (biotechnology and bioinformatics) to create new and more vigorous crop varieties; (2) understanding and use of the West and Central African pearl millet diversity (phenotypic and genetic) in the development of improved, farmer-preferred cultivars; (3) use of on-station trials on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to control Striga hermonthica and increase crop yields by using S. hermonthicaresistant cultivars; (4) understanding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers of the semi-arid tropics; (5) assessing the watersheds of China and India; and (6) providing viable seeds for the poor farmers.

Notes: Annual report English URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10731/3343 http://openaccess.icrisat.org/bitstream/10731/3343/1/icrisat-ar-2009.pdf Author Address: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Andhra Pradesh, India.

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Author: Jacek P. Twardowski, Pawe Bereœ, Micha Hurej, Zdzisaw Klukowski, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Ground beetles (Col., Carabidae) in Bt-maize – preliminary results from the first large scale field experiment in Poland.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 97-102.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: The ground beetle fauna was studied at two experimental field sites in Poland. The aim of this study was to determine the long term impact of Bt maize on non-target organisms in comparison to conventional maize. For this purpose, Bt maize (DKC 3421 YG) expressing the Cry1Ab toxin and the respective isogenic non-Bt variety (DKC 3420) were cultivated under identical conditions. For comparison, two non-Bt cultivars sprayed with a lambda-cyhalotrine were also included. Population density of surface-active invertebrates was monitored using pitfall traps (4 per plot). In the first year of the study, no significant differences between Bt maize and the conventional treatments were detected.

Author Address: Poland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jang In-Cheol, Henriques Rossana, Seo Hak Soo, Nagatani Akira, Chua Nam-Hai, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR Proteins Promote Phytochrome B Polyubiquitination by COP1 E3 Ligase in the Nucleus.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2370-2383.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Many plant photoresponses from germination to shade avoidance are mediated by phytochrome B (phyB). In darkness, phyB exists as the inactive Pr in the cytosol but upon red (R) light treatment, the active Pfr translocates into nuclei to initiate signaling. Degradation of phyB Pfr likely regulates signal termination, but the mechanism is not understood. Here, we show that phyB is stable in darkness, but in R, a fraction of phyB translocates into nuclei and becomes degraded by 26S proteasomes. Nuclear phyB degradation is mediated by COP1 E3 ligase, which preferentially interacts with the PhyB N-terminal region (PhyB-N). PhyB-N polyubiquitination by CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) in vitro can be enhanced by different PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) proteins that promote COP1/PhyB interaction.

Consistent with these results, nuclear phyB accumulates to higher levels in pif single and double mutants and in cop1-4. Our results identify COP1 as an E3 ligase for phyB and other stable phytochromes and uncover the mechanism by which PIFs negatively regulate phyB levels.

Notes: This work identifies COP1 as the ubiquitin E3 ligase for not only phytochrome B but also other members of the stable phytochrome family and shows that PIF transcription factors enhance phyB ubiquitination by COP1 in vitro. It provides a molecular mechanism for the termination of red light signal transduction.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2370 Author Address: a Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065 USA b Department of Botany, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jasbeer Kaur, Son Radu, Farinazleen Mohamad Ghazali, Kqueen CheahYoke, Year: 2010 Title: * Real-time PCR-based detection and quantification of genetically modified maize in processed feeds commercialised in Malaysia.

Journal: Food Control 21, 11.

Accession Number: CABI:20103267246 Label: InRe Detection Devenir Keywords: detection; feeds; maize; polymerase chain reaction; transgenic plants; corn; feeding stuffs; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; PCR Abstract: The present study which dealt mainly with processed feeds and some maize samples sold commercially in Malaysia evaluated the implementation of a real-time PCR cycling system for singleplex screening of eight target sequences (lectin, hmg, adh1, p35S, NK603, GA21, MON810 and MON863) and quantification of four genetically modified (GM) maize events (NK603, GA21, MON810 and MON863). The effects of using proprietary glass magnetic particles to bind DNA to their surface were also investigated in terms of DNA quantity, purity, integrity, quality and its overall effect on DNA amplification. GM material was present in 26.2% feeds and 65% maize samples. All GM samples contained MON810 followed by NK603 (47.5%), GA21 (25%) and MON863 (2.5%). Single-event and multiple-events were identified in the GM samples with 50% of the GM samples containing multiple-events. The present study which represents a fast and reliable methodology would provide an overview of the presence and levels of GMOs in feeds and maize in Malaysia.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 25 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103267246 Author Address: Department of Chemistry, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia, Jalan Sultan, 46661 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Javelle Marie, Vanessa Vernoud, Nathalie Depège-Fargeix, Christine Arnould, Delphine Oursel, Frédéric Domergue, Xavier Sarda, Peter M. Rogowsky, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of the Epidermis-Specific Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper IV Transcription Factor OUTER CELL LAYER1 in Maize Identifies Target Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism and Cuticle Biosynthesis.

Journal: Plant Physiology 154:273-286 (2010).

Accession Number: MEDLINE:20605912 Label: Physiol Abstract: Transcription factors of the homeodomain-leucine zipper IV (HD-ZIP IV) family play crucial roles in epidermis-related processes. To gain further insight into the molecular function of OUTER CELL LAYER1 (OCL1), 14 target genes up- or down-regulated in transgenic maize (Zea mays) plants overexpressing OCL1 were identified. The 14 genes all showed partial coexpression with OCL1 in maize organs, and several of them shared preferential expression in the epidermis with OCL1. They encoded proteins involved in lipid metabolism, defense, envelope-related functions, or cuticle biosynthesis and include ZmWBC11a (for white brown complex 11a), an ortholog of AtWBC11 involved in the transport of wax and cutin molecules. In support of the annotations, OCL1-overexpressing plants showed quantitative and qualitative changes of cuticular wax compounds in comparison with wild-type plants. An increase in C24 to C28 alcohols was correlated with the transcriptional up-regulation of ZmFAR1, coding for a fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase. Transcriptional activation of ZmWBC11a by OCL1 was likely direct, since transactivation in transiently transformed maize kernels was abolished by a deletion of the activation domain in OCL1 or mutations in the L1 box, a cis-element bound by HD-ZIP IV transcription factors. Our data demonstrate that, in addition to AP2/EREBP and MYBtype transcription factors, members of the HD-ZIP IV family contribute to the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in cuticle biosynthesis.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/154/1/273 Author Address: Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 128 BioSciences Lyon Gerland, Unité Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, F–69364 Lyon, France INRA, UMR879 Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, F–69364 Lyon, France CNRS, UMR5667 Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, F–69364 Lyon, France Centre de Microscopie INRA/Université de Bourgogne, INRA, Centre de Microbiologie du Sol et de l'Environnement, F–21065 Dijon, France Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire, Université Bordeaux II, CNRS-UMR5200, F–33076 Bordeaux, France Biogemma, Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, F–63028 Clermont-Ferrand, France

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jena Kshirod, Kim Suk-Man Year: 2010 Title: * Current Status of Brown Planthopper (BPH) Resistance and Genetics.

Secondary Title: Rice 3, 2, 161-171 Publisher: Springer New York Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1939-8425 Accession Number: DO - 10.1007/s12284-010-9050-y Label: InRe Efficacite Bioebgineering Keywords: Life Sciences - Rice - Brown planthopper - Genetics - Resistance - Major genes - Gene mapping Abstract: Among the planthoppers of rice, the brown planthopper (BPH) is a major threat to rice production and causes significant yield loss annually. Host-plant resistance is an important strategy to reduce the damage caused by BPH and increase rice productivity. Twenty-one major genes for BPH resistance have been identified by using standard evaluation methods developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to distinguish resistance or susceptibility of rice genotypes to BPH biotypes/populations. These genes are from diverse genetic resources such as land race cultivars and wild species of Oryza. Of the 21 resistance genes, 18 genes have been localized on specific region of six rice chromosomes using molecular genetic analysis and genomics tools. Some of these resistance genes are clustered together such as Bph1, bph2, Bph9, Bph10, Bph18, and Bph21 on the long arm of chromosome 12; Bph12, Bph15, Bph17 and Bph20 on the short arm of chromosome 4; bph11 and Bph14 on the long arm of chromosome 3 and Bph13(t) and bph19 on the short arm of chromosome 3. Six genes (Bph11, bph11, Bph12, bph12, Bph13 and Bph13) originated from wild Oryza species have either duplicate chromosome locations or wrong nomenclature. The discrepancy should be confirmed by allelism tests. Besides identification of major resistance genes, some quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with BPH resistance have also been identified on eight chromosomes. Most of the rice cultivars developed at IRRI possess one or two of the major resistance genes and the variety IR64 has many QTLs and confers strong resistance to BPH. More BPH resistance genes need to be identified from the wealth of gene pool available in the wild species of Oryza. Two BPH resistance genes (Bph14 and Bph18) have been cloned, and a snow drop lectin gene (GNA) has been identified and used in the development of BPH-resistant transgenic plants. Efficient introgression of resistance genes (Bph1, bph2, Bph3, Bph14, Bph15, Bph18, Bph20, and Bph21) into elite rice cultivars by marker-assisted selection together with strategic deployment of these genes can be an important approach to develop stable resistance to BPH and sustain rice production in the tropical and temperate rice growing regions.

Notes: 66 Ref URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12284-010-9050-y Author Address: Rep Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jha A, Joshi M, Yadav NS, Agarwal PK, Jha B, Year: 2010 Title: * Cloning and characterization of the Salicornia brachiata Na(+)/H (+) antiporter gene SbNHX1 and its expression by abiotic stress.

Journal: Mol Biol Rep. 2010 Sep 19. [Epub ahead of print] Label: ReEn Salin Abstract: Salinity causes multifarious adverse effects to plants. Plants response to salt stress involves numerous processes that function in coordination to alleviate both cellular hyperosmolarity and ion disequilibrium. A Na(+)/H(+) antiporter NHX1 gene has been isolated from a halophytic plant Salicornia brachiata in this study. Predicted amino acid sequence similarity, protein topology and the presence of functional domains conserved in SbNHX1 classify it as a plant vacuolar NHX gene. The SbNHX1 cDNA has an open reading frame of 1,683 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 560 amino acid residues with an estimated molecular mass 62.44 kDa. The SbNHX1 shows high amino acid similarity with other halophytic NHX gene and belongs to Class-I type NHXs. TMpred suggests that SbNHX1 contains 11 strong transmembrane (TM).

Real time PCR analysis revealed that SbNHX1 transcript expresses maximum at 0.5 M. Transcript increases

gradually by increasing the treatment duration at 0.5 M NaCl, however, maximum expression was observed at 48 h. The overexpression of SbNHX1 gene in tobacco plant showed NaCl tolerance. This study shows that SbNHX1 is a potential gene for salt tolerance, and can be used in future for developing salt tolerant crops Author Address: Discipline of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Bhavnagar, 364 002, Gujarat, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jiang Wei, Li Lin Liu Teng Wang Year: 2010 Title: ?? Research progress in crop waterlogging.

Journal: GUANGXI AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: 2010 41(5) Label: ReEn Inondation Keywords: Waterlogging tolerance of crops to waterlogging Progress Key words: crop progress of waterlogging stress on physiological and biochemical characteristics of progress of water stress indicators of major natural disasters, changes in the intrinsic physiological mechanism of morphogenesis gene technology at the molecular level identification of plant damage mechanism of visual damage limitation article Abstract: Waterlogging is most of the world is facing one of the major natural disasters, crop waterlogging caused a series of injury or even death, severely limits the distribution and yield of crops. Article from the physiological and biochemical aspects of morphogenesis and introduced crops in the waterlogging Stress changes of the indicator mechanism of crop waterlogging; that should be further physiological and biochemical characteristics of crop research, gene technology at the molecular level by exploring the inner crop Nai mechanism of water stress and to identify reliable, intuitive identification of waterlogging physiological indicators in order to fundamentally solve the issue of plant water stress Author Address: Hunan Agricultural University, Institute of Ecology Institute of Biological Science and Technology, Changsha, 410128 Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jones Phill Year: 2010 Title: $ Genetically Engineered Alfalfa: OTAY! Or Not OTAY!.

Journal: ISB News Report August 2010 Label: HeTo Adoption Reglement Abstract: Full text : The US Department of Agriculture‘s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa in 2005. The US Food and Drug Administration gave it a thumbs up. Yet questions about GE alfalfa haunted courts and APHIS for about five years.

The controversy concerned the deregulation of two lines of GE alfalfa that tolerate the glyphosate herbicide, Roundup®. Benefits touted for Roundup Ready® alfalfa include high-quality weed-free hay, cost-effective weed control, and improved production efficiencies. A decrease in weed content should improve animal welfare by controlling the amount of poisonous weeds in alfalfa feed. Farmers have also reported increases in alfalfa yield with the Roundup Ready® crop.

The Western Organization of Resource Councils asserts that GE alfalfa poses a variety of harms. Since alfalfa is a cross-pollinating crop, the Council contended, GE DNA from Roundup Ready® alfalfa fields may contaminate fields of conventional alfalfa and alfalfa grown under organic conditions. About five percent of US-grown alfalfa is exported, and the presence of GE alfalfa could wreck organic alfalfa and conventional alfalfa export markets. Consumption of GE alfalfa also may harm birds, mammals, insects, and other beneficial organisms, the Council argued.

Alfalfa debate shifts from APHIS to Federal District Court Monsanto Company owns the patent rights to Roundup Ready® alfalfa, and licenses the technology to Forage Genetics International, the exclusive developer of Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed. In May 2003, Monsanto and Forage Genetics submitted a petition to the USDA that requested nonregulated status for two Roundup Ready® alfalfa lines, J101 and J163. APHIS prepared an Environmental Assessment and accepted comments from the

public about a draft EA. APHIS issued a Finding of No Significant Impact in June 2005. The agency saw no need to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and unconditionally deregulated the GE alfalfa. What about objectors‘ fears of GE alfalfa contamination? APHIS concluded that it would be ―up to the individual organic seed or hay grower to institute those procedures that will assure‖ that their crops will not include any GE alfalfa. By using reasonable quality control, the agency decided, ―it is highly unlikely that the level of glyphosate tolerant alfalfa will exceed one percent in conventional alfalfa hay,‖ a degree of contamination that would not bar the product from the Japanese market.

In early 2006, the Center for Food Safety, several other nonprofit organizations, and alfalfa growers filed a lawsuit against the USDA in a California US District Court that challenged APHIS‘ decision to deregulate the Roundup Ready® alfalfa lines. The plaintiffs alleged that the USDA‘s deregulation of GE alfalfa violated the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), because cultivation of the GE alfalfa would pass on the glyphosate tolerance gene to conventional alfalfa, a significant environmental impact.

On February 13, 2007, Judge Charles R. Breyer held that APHIS had violated NEPA by deregulating Roundup Ready® alfalfa without first drafting an EIS. According to the judge, APHIS had effectively concluded that any environmental impact would be insignificant, because organic and conventional farmers bore the responsibility to prevent genetic contamination. Yet Judge Breyer could find no evidence that the agency had investigated if farmers could in fact protect their crops from genetic contamination.

As the court mulled over an appropriate remedy for the NEPA violation, Monsanto and Forage Genetics joined the case. In March, the judge issued a preliminary injunction order prohibiting all planting of Roundup Ready® alfalfa and all sales of Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed after March 30, 2007, pending the issuance of a permanent injunction. This order allowed farmers who had already purchased Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed to plant the seed. Farmers who had already planted Roundup Ready® alfalfa were not required to remove the plants, and were allowed to harvest, use, and sell Roundup Ready® alfalfa.

In April 2007, Judge Breyer held a hearing on the scope of permanent injunctive relief. The plaintiffs wanted to prevent all future planting of Roundup Ready® alfalfa, as well as the harvesting of any Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed already planted, pending the completion of an EIS and a new decision by APHIS on deregulation.

The defendants requested that the GE alfalfa planting proceed under certain conditions, including the cultivation of GE alfalfa at suitable distances from other crops to minimize gene flow to non-genetically engineered alfalfa seeds. Both sides submitted a colossal amount of evidence, their experts disagreeing over practically every factual issue relating to possible environmental harm.

In May 2007, the district court judge vacated APHIS‘ June 2005 regulation decision, ordered APHIS to prepare an EIS before the agency decided again about Monsanto‘s deregulation petition, and issued a permanent injunction prohibiting the planting of any Roundup Ready® alfalfa in the United States after March 30, 2007, pending the government‘s completion of the EIS and decision on the deregulation petition. Future harvesting or sale of about 260,000 acres of GE alfalfa already planted would be allowed under certain conditions. The judge instructed APHIS to issue an administrative order detailing mandatory practices for future harvesting or sale of GE alfalfa already planted. The judge ordered Forage Genetics to supply all known GE alfalfa seed production locations for public disclosure. Producers of conventional or organicallygrown alfalfa could use this information to decide if they should test their crops for contamination. Later, the court restricted disclosure to farmers only.

The Supremes weigh in In August 2007, the USDA, Forage Genetics, Monsanto, and a number of alfalfa growers filed an appeal with the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The defendants asserted that the injunction was too broad. They also argued that the district court should have held a further hearing before enjoining future planting, even though the judge had already held a hearing on the need for an EIS. A three-judge panel heard the case in June of 2008, and issued a decision in September. Two of the three judges decided to uphold the ban on selling and planting of GE alfalfa seed, pending the completion of an EIS. The dissenting judge asserted that they should send the case back to the district court so that the court could conduct an evidentiary hearing on the merits and scope of the permanent injunction.

In December 2009, APHIS offered its draft EIS for public comment. The agency considered two alternatives in the draft EIS. It would either grant nonregulated status to the two lines of GE alfalfa, or maintain the status as regulated articles. APHIS analyzed the alternatives with regard to their potential impacts on gene flow between the GE alfalfa and conventional alfalfa, weed development, herbicide use, possible effects on conventional and organic alfalfa markets, human health and safety, effects on the physical environment, and other factors.

Meanwhile, Forage Genetics, Monsanto, and two alfalfa farmers appealed the latest court decision to the US Supreme Court. The Petitioners and the government did not dispute that APHIS‘ deregulation decision violated NEPA. Rather, they argued that the lower courts failed to show a likelihood of irreparable harm to justify the issuance of the injunction. In January 2010, the Court agreed to review the ruling. Justice Stephen Breyer took no part in consideration of the petition; Judge Charles R. Breyer of the district court is his brother. The Court heard oral arguments in April, and issued its decision on June 21.

In a 7-1 ruling, the Court reversed the appellate court. First, the Court tackled the injunction that prevented APHIS from deregulating GE alfalfa pending completion of the EIS. ―[T]he District Court barred the agency from pursuing any deregulation,‖ wrote Justice Alito, ―no matter how limited the geographic area in which planting of [GE alfalfa] would be allowed, how great the isolation distances mandated between [GE alfalfa] fields and fields for growing non-genetically engineered alfalfa, how stringent the regulations governing harvesting and distribution, how robust the enforcement mechanisms available at the time of the decision, and—consequently—no matter how small the risk that the planting authorized under such conditions would adversely affect the environment in general and respondents in particular.‖ Before a court grants a permanent injunction, a plaintiff must show that it has suffered an irreparable injury. Here, the plaintiffs cannot show that they will suffer irreparable injury if APHIS is allowed to proceed with any partial deregulation, the Court said, because if and when APHIS pursues a partial deregulation that arguably runs afoul of NEPA, the plaintiffs may file a new suit challenging the action.Also, a partial deregulation need not cause plaintiffs any injury at all.

Depending upon APHIS‘ conditions, the risk of gene flow could be virtually nonexistent.

The Court decided that the District Court also had erred in issuing the nationwide injunction against planting GE alfalfa. ―[B]ecause it was inappropriate for the District Court to foreclose even the possibility of a partial and temporary deregulation,‖ Alito explained, ―it necessarily follows that it was likewise inappropriate to enjoin any and all parties from acting in accordance with the terms of such a deregulation decision.‖ Both sides of the dispute hailed the verdict as a victory. For now, APHIS can decide growing conditions for GE alfalfa pending completion of the EIS, which may issue in Spring 2011.

References APHIS (2010) Roundup Ready® Alfalfa.

APHIS website.

Available at: www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/alfalfa.shtml.

Monsanto et al. v. Geertson Seed Farms et al., 561 U. S. ____ (2010). Available at: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/slipopinions.aspx.

Hubbard, Kristina (2008). A Guide to Genetically Modified Alfalfa. Western Organization of Resource Councils. Available at: www.worc.org.

Welker, Steve and Matt Fanta (December 18, 2009). Biotechnology and the Farmers‘ Right to Choose.

Available at: www.monsanto.com.

Author Address: Phill Jones Biotech-Writer.com - PhillJones@nasw.org USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Joo Yeol Kim, Hwa Jung Lee, Hyun Ju Jung, Kazuyuki Maruyama, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Hunseung Kang, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of microRNA395c or 395e affects differently the seed germination of Arabidopsis thaliana under stress conditions.

Journal: Planta. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print] Label: ReEn Physiol Keywords: Abiotic stress - Arabidopsis - MicroRNA - miR395 - Sulfate transporter Abstract: The Arabidopsis genome encodes six members of microRNA395 (miR395) family previously determined to regulate the expression of ATP sulfurylase (APS) and the sulfate transporter SULTR2;1.

However, the mRNA targets for the individual miR395 family members and the biological consequences produced by target gene regulation of each miR395 remain to be identified. In this study, a transgenic approach was employed to determine the mRNA targets for each miR395 family member as well as the role each member plays in plant growth under abiotic stress conditions. Overexpression of miR395c or miR395e retarded and accelerated, respectively, the seed germination of Arabidopsis under high salt or dehydration stress conditions. Despite a single nucleotide difference between miR395c and miR395e, the cleavage of mRNA targets, APS1, APS3, APS4 and SULTR2;1, was not same in miR395c- and miR395e-overexpressing plants.

These results demonstrate that a given miRNA family containing a single nucleotide difference can guide the

cleavage of various mRNA targets, thereby acting as a positive or negative regulator of seed germination under stress.

Notes: Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00425-010-1267-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/g0572k6025103365/ Author Address: (1) Department of Plant Biotechnology, Agricultural Plant Stress Research Center and Biotechnology Research Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, 300 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 500-757, Korea (2) Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University, 2-20-1 Chu-ou, Kurashiki Okayama, 710-0046, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Jossier M, Kroniewicz L, Dalmas F, Le Thiec D, Ephritikhine G; Thomine S, Barbier-Brygoo H, Vavasseur A, Filleur S, Leonhardt N, Year: 2010 Title: * The Arabidopsis vacuolar anion transporter, AtCLCc, is involved in the regulation of stomatal movements and contributes to salt tolerance.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol ReEn Salin Keywords: Chloride Channel/Transporter Salt stress Stomata Vacuole Tonoplast Abstract: Abstract In the plant cell, anion channels and transporters are essential for key functions such as nutrition, resistance to biotic or abiotic stresses and ion homeostasis. In Arabidopsis, members of the CLC (ChLoride Channel) family located in intracellular organelles were shown to be required for nitrate homeostasis or pH adjustment and previous data involved AtCLCc in nitrate accumulation. We investigated new physiological functions of this CLC member in Arabidopsis. Here we report that AtCLCc is strongly expressed in guard cells and pollen and more weakly in roots. AtCLCc:GFP fusion revealed a localization restricted to the tonoplast. Disruption of the AtCLCc gene by a T-DNA insertion in four independent lines affects physiological responses directly related to the movement of chloride across the tonoplast membrane. In response to light, opening of clcc stomata was reduced and ABA treatment failed to induce their closure, whereas application of KNO3 but not KCl restored stomatal opening. clcc mutant plants were hypersensitive to NaCl treatment when grown on soil, and to NaCl and KCl in vitro, confirming the chloride dependence of the phenotype. These phenotypes were associated with modifications in chloride content in both guard cells and roots. These data demonstrate that AtCLCc is essential for stomatal movement and salt tolerance by regulating chloride homeostasis.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04352.x Author Address: 1Institut des Sciences du Végétal, C.N.R.S., 1 Avenue de la Terrasse 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex France 2Laboratoire des Echanges Membranaires et Signalisation, Unité Mixte de Recherche 6191, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Commissariat à l‘Energie Atomique-Université Aix-Marseille II, Commissariat à l‘Energie Atomique Cadarache Bat 156, 13108 St Paul-lez-Durance France 3INRA, Nancy Université, UMR1137 Ecologie et Ecophysiologie Forestières, IFR 110 EFABA, F-54280 Champenoux, France 4Université Paris 7 Denis Diderot, U.F.R. Sciences du Vivant, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13 France.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Julkifle Advina L, Xavier Rathinam, Uma Rani Sinniah, Sreeramanan Subramaniam, Year: 2010 Title: * Optimisation of Transient Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Gene Expression in Phalaenopsis Violacea Orchid Mediated by Agrobacterium Tumefaciens-mediated Transformation System.

Journal: Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 4(8): 3424-3432, 2010.

Label: Bioengineering

Abstract: Numerous transformation factors were successfully optimised to develop a reliable and highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation into the protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Phalaenopsis violacea. The optimisation of factors influencing stable transformation efficiency in new species is very important as it can reduce the costs in labor and materials in the future. Hypervirulent Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, EHA 101 and 105, harboring the pCAMBIA 1304 plasmid which contains gusA gene and gfp gene as the reporter markers, were used for transformation study. Transient gfp gene expression was used to evaluate the efficiency of T-DNA delivery in transformants due to its simple, non-destructive and cell autonomous procedure. Agrobacterium strain EHA 105 was proved to be better in transforming the targeted PLBs than EHA 101, based on the notably high transient expression of gfp gene in all the parameters tested.

Different temperatures during cocultivation period, the concentration of L-cysteine, calcium (CaCl2) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) in cocultivation medium as well as pH and light and dark conditions during co-cultivation period were identified to be major factors in enhancing the percentage of transient gfp gene expression.

Increased T-DNA delivery efficiencies were obtained when P. violacea PLBs were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA 105 in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 5% of banana Mas extract containing 200 mg.L-1 L-cysteine, 60ìM silver nitrate, without calcium, adjusted to pH 5.5 and incubated in the dark at 24°C. The results from transient transformation of PLBs suggested that Agrobacteriummediated transfer of T-DNA to the naturally recalcitrant P. violacea is feasible and is highly efficient.

Consequently, by combining the best treatments, an efficient and reproducible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol could be continued to facilitate the insertion of any desirable traits for the production of transgenic Phalaenopsis violacea orchid.

URL: http://www.insipub.com/ajbas/2010/3424-3432.pdf Author Address: 1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Minden Heights, 11800, Penang, Malaysia, 2Department of Biotechnology, AIMST University, Batu 3½ , Jalan Bukit Air Nasi, Bedong, 08100, Kedah, Malaysia, 3Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kabbage Mehdi, Li Wei, Chen Shaorong, Dickman Martin B, Year: 2010 Title: * The E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of an insect anti-apoptotic gene (SfIAP) is required for plant stress tolerance.

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74, 5-6, 351-362.

Date: 2010/9// Label: Physiol FuRe ReEn Keywords: Inhibitor of apoptosis E3 ligase Disease tolerance Abstract: Previously, we showed that transgenic plants expressing SfIAP, an insect anti-apoptotic gene, conferred tolerance to several abiotic stresses and resistance to the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. A pronounced and consistent delay in tomato fruit ripening was also observed. Preliminary data suggested that SfIAP negatively affected ethylene synthesis, which could account, at least in part, for the observed phenotypes. A key question is how an insect anti-apoptotic protein functions to enhance stress tolerance in plants, particularly since conserved core apoptotic pathway regulators appear to be absent in plants at the primary sequence level. In this study, we show that the RING domain, a characteristic motif of several IAP family members, has an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity suggesting involvement of SfIAP in proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Proteasome inhibitors were applied to transgenic plants undergoing stress. Proteasome inhibitor treatment restored ethylene signaling and wild type phenotypes in SfIAP expressing transgenic plants.

Transient assays of RING domain deletion (Sf?RING) or point mutations (SfIAPC330A) resulted in the inhibition of ubiquitin ligase activity, while also restoring normal ethylene signaling and the wild type phenotypes including pathogen susceptibility and normal fruit ripening in tomato. During salt stress, increases in ubiquitinylated proteins correlated with salt tolerance in SfIAP expressing plants. Baculovirus inverted repeat (BIR) domains, signature motifs of the IAP family, are also required for the full resistant phenotype of SfIAP plants. SfBIR1, but not SFBIR2, is required for salt tolerance. Only when coupled with the RING domain, was protection conferred in a similar manner to full length SfIAP against salt stress. Taken together, the ubiquitin ligase activity of SfIAP is necessary, but not sufficient to confer plant stress tolerance. The mechanism/target by which SfIAP confers tolerance appears to be via ethylene regulation and the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPC-509W75K1/2/359d34b6366d0c760d4cef823149ad5f Author Address: a Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, Texas A&M University, USA b Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, College Station, TX 77843, USA c Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kaga A, Kuroda Y, Kitamoto N, Tomooka N, Ohsawa R, Vaughan D, Year: 2008 Title: 造 Studies on gene dispersal from soybean to wild soybean growing in their natural habitat in Japan.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion Abstract: Soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and wild soybeans (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.) are sympatric across much of Japan. The objectives of our studies are to assess cross-pollination between soybean and wild soybean in their natural habitat and whether escaped genes from soybean become established in wild populations.

Genetic structure of wild and cultivated soybean The genetic structure of Japanese wild soybean populations and modern cultivated soybean varieties was characterized using 20 microsatellite markers, one for each linkage group. 616 fi eld collected individuals from 77 wild soybean populations from across Japan were compared with 53 varieties of cultivated soybean that covered more than 95% of recent soybean planting area in Japan.

Average out-crossing rate in Japanese wild soybean populations was 3.4% but for several populations it exceeded 10%. High outcrossing rate and seed migration between populations were considered important factors for secondary gene spread. Among 20 SSR markers, 7 showed clear allelic differentiation between cultivated and wild soybean and are useful for marker-based evaluation of gene introgression.

Intermediates between wild soybean and soybean To clarify fi eld gene introgression from cultivated soybean into wild soybean populations, fi eld surveys were conducted throughout Japan over fi ve years. Individual wild soybean plants in populations around or near soybean fi elds were carefully checked. Obvious natural hybrid derivatives between wild and cultivated soybean were found in northern and southern Japan. A morphologically intermediate individual was found about 15m from soybean fi elds in Akita, northern Japan in 2003. In Saga, southern Japan, in 2004 10 intermediate individuals from 3 sites were found in wild populations. Among these three sites, we found two kinds of intermediate, one individual with dull green seed and seven individuals with black seed at Saga site 1.

During a survey conducted in Hyogo, Akita and Saga prefectures in 2006 at the similar scale as 2004, three intermediate plants were found at new two sites in Saga. In 2007, one intermediate was identifi ed from Yamagata, northern Japan.

Natural hybrids between wild soybean and soybean Using the 20 microsatellite markers and chloroplast CAPS markers, gene dispersal from cultivated soybean in wild soybean populations was evaluated. Genotypes of intermediate individuals and 20-55 individuals from wild soybean populations where these intermediates were found were compared with samples from adjacent soybean fi elds. The intermediate from Akita in 2003, three intermediates from Saga in 2004, three intermediates from Saga in 2006, one from Yamagata in 2007 had the same chloroplast type as wild soybean, revealed heterozygosity at all microsatellite loci that distinguish wild and cultivated soybean and had one allele each from wild soybean and cultivated soybean. Thus these intermediates are natural F1 hybrids of wild soybean to which soybean out-crossed. Compared with these intermediates with dull yellow seed coat, the other seven individuals with black seed at Sags site 1 in 2004, had a lower heterozygosity and homozygous cultivated soybean alleles at several loci. The number of homozygous loci was different in individuals, suggesting that these are natural hybrid derivatives. Interestingly, these hybrid derivatives result from a cross between wild soybean and black seeded cultivar that is different from yellow or green seeded cultivars involved in the natural F1 hybrids with dull yellow seed coat.

Monitoring hybrid derivatives

Most of the seeds from intermediate individuals were left for future monitoring to determine whether the progenies can survive in the natural environment. However, only one intermediate individual was found growing at Saga site 1 in the 2005 survey and no intermediate individuals were found at the other sites in Akita and Saga prefecture to date. Many samples from wild soybean population sites were also analyzed where intermediates were found using the same method discussed above. However, secondary gene dispersal from intermediate plants to wild soybeans was not observed. While gene introgression from soybean into wild soybean can occur, it seems to be very rare in natural habitats in Japan. Based on monitoring for four years, the hybrid derivatives show low or no persistence.

Genetic dissection of traits associated with adaptation of cultivated and wild soybean The fate of escaped transgenes will depend on levels of fi tness conferred on hybrids and environmental factors.

Wild soybeans have indeterminate, twining branching habit with abundant pods from which seeds are dispersed in autumn. The seeds over winter and some germinate the following spring. In contrast, soybean have short thick stem and produce fewer large pods and seed number is about 10% of wild soybean. Soybean seeds cannot over winter in natural conditions. The numerous differences between soybean and wild soybean are mainly associated with human selection.

To clarify the genes controlling traits associated with adaptation in cultivated and wild soybean, two inbred populations were developed from two cross combinations between two wild soybean and two modern cultivars, having different growth habits and representing northern and southern Japanese accessions. These two populations were evaluated for their fi tness, such as seed production and winter seed survival, in three locations, Akita (northern), Ibaraki (central) and Hiroshima (southern) prefectures. Simultaneously we constructed two genetic linkage maps for these two populations. Using the genetic linkage map information, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for adaptation related traits were identifi es. One major QTL on linkage group L for the seed number and three major QTLs on linkage group A2, C2 and D1b for winter seed survival were identifi ed in all locations. At these four major QTLs, all soybean genes reduce seed production and severely reduce winter seed survival suggesting that the major genes acquired during domestication have a selective disadvantage in natural habitats. The results support the low persistence of hybrid derivatives in the natural habitat in Japan.

Simulation study of introgression from soybean and wild soybean It is necessary to assess the possibility of environmental transgene dispersal from GM soybean. Since natural selection occurs on phenotypes, hybrids with various proportions of disadvantageous and advantageous genes from soybean would be targets of selection depending on the proportion of these genes. In soybean such genes are located on different chromosomes. To predict fitness performance in progenies having different gene combinations by chance and monitor fl uctuation of persistence probability of introgressed soybean gene in wild soybean populations, we developed a computer simulation model in relation to introgression based on QTLs information. The fi rst prototype model has been designed to maintain populations with defi ned population size by selfing.

Simulation starts from the condition where one hybrid plant occurs in a hypothetical wild soybean population.

Their phenotypes, total seed number and proportion of winter seed survival, are estimated based on their genotype, genotypic effect of their QTLs and environmental variation, then the same number of offspring genotypes as the initial population size is randomly selected, and the process repeated for ten generations.

Segregation and crossing over based on linkage map information are also taken into account. Fluctuations of the introgressed soybean gene frequency over 100 iterations, with and without QTL effects, were compared.

Introgressed soybean genes having selective disadvantage tend to disappear more quickly than neutral genes.

Similarly, when a transgene has no environmental advantages or disadvantages, reduction of transgene from the population was also largely infl uenced by degree of the introgressed gene effect altering fi tness performance and genetic map distance from adaptation genes. This computer model is now being further developed.

Acknowledgements This work was supported by Global Environment Research Fund of the Japanese Ministry of the Environment (FY2003-FY2005) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (2006-2008).

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 2 University of Tsukuba, Japan.

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Author: Kambakam Sekhar, Bhyri Priyanka, Reddy VD, Rao KV, Year: 2010 Title: * Isolation and characterization of a pigeonpea cyclophilin (CcCYP) gene, and its over-expression in Arabidopsis confers multiple abiotic stress tolerance.

Journal: Plant, Cell and Environment 33, 8.

Accession Number: CABI:20103246868 Label: ReEn Secheresse Salin Keywords: amino acid sequences; biomass; characterization; chlorophyll; complementary DNA; DNA libraries; drought; effects; environmental factors; fluorescence; gene expression; genes; genetic transformation; growth; isomerases; localization; nuclei; pigeon peas; plant development; roots; salinity; salt; salt tolerance; shoots; stress; stress conditions; stress response; survival; temperature; transgenic plants; transgenics; water stress; Capparales; cDNA; cell nuclei; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; protein sequences Abstract: A full-length cDNA clone of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) encoding cyclophilin (CcCYP) has been isolated from the cDNA library of plants subjected to drought stress. Amino acid sequence of CcCYP disclosed similarity with that of single-domain cytosolic cyclophilins of various organisms. Expression profile of CcCYP in pigeonpea plants is strongly induced by different abiotic stresses, indicating its stress-responsive nature.

Compared to the control plants, the transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing CcCYP exhibited high-level tolerance against major abiotic stresses, viz., drought, salinity and extreme temperatures as evidenced by increased plant survival, biomass, chlorophyll content and profuse root growth. The CcCYP transgenics, compared to the controls, revealed enhanced peptidyl-propyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity under stressed conditions, owing to transcriptional activation of stress-related genes besides intrinsic chaperonic activity of the cyclophilin. The transgenic plants subjected to salt stress exhibited higher Na+ ion accumulation in roots as compared to shoots, while a reverse trend was observed in the salt-stressed control plants, implicating the involvement of CcCYP in the maintenance of ion homeostasis. Expression pattern of CcCYP:GFP fusion protein confirmed the localization of CcCYP predominantly in the nucleus as revealed by intense green fluorescence. The overall results amply demonstrate the implicit role of CcCYP in conferring multiple abiotic stress tolerance at whole-plant level.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103246868 Author Address: Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007, A.P., India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kaur P, Samuel DVK, Bansal KC, Year: 2010 Title: * Fruit-specific Over-expression of LeEXP1 Gene in Tomato Alters Fruit Texture.

Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Pages: 177-183 Published: JUL 2010 .

Accession Number: WOS:000281080200006 Label: Composition QualitĂŠ Physiol Keywords: expansin, fruit softening, fruit-specific promoter, transgenic tomato.

Abstract: Expansins are cellular proteins with diverse physiological functions. Expression of fruit-specific expansin gene in tomato is associated with fruit softening - a desirable trait from the processing point of view.

In the present study, an expansin gene LeEXP1 was introduced via Agrobacterium tumefaciens in sense orientation under the control of a fruit-specific promoter LeACS4 with nptII gene as selection marker in Indian tomato cv Pusa Uphar. PCR detection and Southern blot analysis confirmed the integration of the transgene in the transformed tomato plants: RT-PCR and northern blot analysis using total RNA isolated from leaves and fruits confirmed over-expression of the LeEXP1 gene in transgenic fruits as compared to the wild type plants.

Apart from the visual change in increased red colouration of fruits at different stages of ripening, overexpression of the LeEXP1 gene resulted in enhanced fruit softening, as determined by force required to rupture the fruit pericarp, in the transgenic fruits from breaker stage onwards as compared to the nontransformed wild type fruits. The results thus suggest an improvement in texture of the LeEXP1 overexpressing fruits, which might be useful for tomato processing industry.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:jpbb&volume=19&issue=2&article=006

Author Address: 1National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute Campus, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

2Division of Post-Harvest Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kavai-ool U, Ezhova T Year: 2010 Title: * The analysis of auxin distribution in the wild type and abruptus mutant plants of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) heynh. By using the chimeric gene DR5::GUS. [Original Russian Text © U.N. Kavai-ool, T.A. Ezhova, 2010, published in Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta.

Biologiya, 2010, No. 3, pp. 17–19.]

Secondary Title: Moscow University Biological Sciences Bulletin 65, 3, 104-106.

Publisher: Allerton Press, Inc. distributed exclusively by Springer Science+Business Media LLC Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0096-3925 Label: Physiol Keywords: Russian Library of Science - plant development - auxin - mutants - transgenic plants - Arabidopsis thaliana Abstract: We have studied the activity of the chimeric gene DR5::GUS that indicates the spatial pattern of free auxin distribution and relative auxin level in the tissues of A. thaliana plants. It is established that the temperature sensitive abruptus mutation leads to temperature dependent increased accumulation of the free auxin in leaves, staments, and sepals in comparison to control plants homozygous for the wild type allele ABRUPTUS/PINOID. Our data revealed the important role of the ABRUPTUS/PINOID gene in the regulation of the auxin polar transport.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3103/S0096392510030041 Author Address: Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kawakatsu T, Takaiwa F Year: 2010 Title: * Cereal seed storage protein synthesis: fundamental processes for recombinant protein production in cereal grains.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 23 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: Bioengineering Composition Biopharming Bioindustrie Review Keywords: cereal seed storage protein transcription protein sorting processing transgenic plant industry Abstract: Cereal seeds provide an ideal production platform for high-value products such as pharmaceuticals and industrial materials because seeds have ample and stable space for the deposition of recombinant products without loss of activity at room. Seed storage proteins (SSPs) are predominantly synthesized and stably accumulated in maturing endosperm tissue. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating SSP expression and accumulation is expected to provide valuable information for producing higher amounts of recombinant products. SSP levels are regulated by several steps at the transcriptional (promoters, transcription factors), translational and post-translational levels (modification, processing trafficking, and deposition). Our objective is to develop a seed production platform capable of producing very high yields of recombinant product. Towards this goal, we review here the individual regulatory steps controlling SSP synthesis and accumulation.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00559.x Author Address: Transgenic Crop Research & Development Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Keppler Brian D, Showalter Allan M Year: 2010

Title: * IRX14 and IRX14-LIKE, Two Glycosyl Transferases Involved in Glucuronoxylan Biosynthesis and Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Molecular Plant 3, 5, 834-841.

Date: September 1, 2010 Accession Number: 10.1093/mp/ssq028 Label: Physiol ReEn Secheresse Keywords: Abiotic/environmental stress - cell walls - genetics - Arabidopsis - irregular xylem - xylan Abstract: IRX14 and IRX14-LIKE (IRX14L) are two closely related glycosyl transferases in the glycosyl transferase 43 (GT43) family of Arabidopsis. A T-DNA insertion mutant for IRX14 results in comparatively minor changes, such as irregular xylem, while a mutation for IRX14L results in no changes. However, an irx14 and irx14L double mutant severely affects growth and development, with the dwarf plants failing to produce an inflorescence stem. Plants that are homozygous for IRX14 but heterozygous for IRX14L (irx14 irx14L(±)) exhibit an intermediate phenotype, including noticeably smaller leaves, stems, and underdeveloped siliques.

Additionally, the T-DNA insertion mutant for IRX14 was found to result in a drought-tolerant phenotype.

Carbohydrate analysis of total cell wall extracts revealed a reduction in xylose for the irx14 and irx14 irx14L(±) mutants, consistent with a defect in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis. Immunolocalization of xylan with the LM10 antibody revealed a loss of xylan in irx14 mutants and a further reduction in the irx14 irx14L(±) mutants. IRX14L likely functions redundantly with IRX14 in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis, with IRX14 having a more important role in the process.

URL: http://mplant.oxfordjournals.org/content/3/5/834.abstract Author Address: Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, 315 Porter Hall, Athens, OH 45701-2979, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim Dong-Hwan, Sung Sibum Year: 2010 Title: * The Plant Homeo Domain finger protein, VIN3-LIKE 2, is necessary for photoperiod-mediated epigenetic regulation of the floral repressor, MAF5.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - published ahead of print September 13, 2010.

Label: Physiol Abstract: In facultative photoperiodic flowering plants, noninductive photoperiods result in a delay in flowering, but such plants eventually flower, illustrating plasticity in an important developmental transition, flowering. The model plant, Arabidopsis, has a facultative photoperiod response. Although the inductive flowering promotion pathway has been extensively studied, the pathway to flowering in noninductive photoperiods is not well understood. Here, we show that a Plant Homeo Domain finger-containing protein, VIN3-LIKE 2 (VIL2), is necessary to maintain the epigenetically repressed state of MAF5 and permit more rapid flowering in noninductive photoperiods in Arabidopsis. Levels of both VIL2 mRNA and protein are under diurnal fluctuation and maintain the repressed state at MAF5 chromatin in a photoperiod-specific manner. VIL2 binds preferentially to dimethylated histone H3 Lys-9 (H3K9me2) peptides in vitro and VIL2 is required for the maintenance of H3K9me2 at MAF5 chromatin in vivo. Furthermore, VIL2 is required for the maintenance of trimethylated histone H3 Lys-27 at MAF5 through the physical association with a component of polycomb repression complex 2. Thus, the repression of MAF5 by VIL2 provides a mechanism to promote flowering in noninductive photoperiods, which contributes to the facultative nature of the Arabidopsis photoperiodic response.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/09/1010834107.abstract Author Address: Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology and the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim Hyung-Sae, Sung Jin Kim, Nazia Abbasi, Ray A Bressan, Dae-Jin Yun, Sang-Dong Yoo, SukYun Kwon, Sang-Bong Choi, Year: 2010 Title: *The DOF transcription factor Dof5.1 influences leaf axial patterning by promoting Revoluta transcription in Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: activation tagging mutant Dof transcription factor Dof5.1 leaf polarity Revoluta Abstract: Dof proteins are transcription factors that have a conserved single zinc finger DNA-binding domain.

In this study, we isolated an activation tagging mutant Dof5.1-D exhibiting upward curling leaf phenotype due to enhanced expression of the REV gene that is required for establishing adaxial-abaxial polarity. Dof5.1-D plant also had reduced transcript levels for IAA6 and IAA19 genes, indicating an altered auxin biosynthesis in Dof5.1-D. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay using Dof5.1 DNA-binding motif and the REV promoter region indicated that the DNA-binding domain of Dof5.1 binds to a TAAAGT motif located in the 5’-distal promoter region of the REV promoter. Further, transient and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays verified binding activity of Dof5.1 DNA-binding motif with REV promoter. Consistent with binding assays, constitutive over-expression of the Dof5.1 DNA-binding domain in wild-type plants caused a downward curling phenotype, whereas crossing Dof5.1-D to a rev mutant reverted the upward curling phenotype of the Dof5.1-D mutant leaf to the wild-type. These results suggest that the Dof5.1 protein directly binds to the REV promoter and thereby regulates adaxial-abaxial polarity.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04346.x Author Address: 1Division of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Myongji University, Yongin, Kyunggi-do 449728, South Korea 2School of Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering, Myongji University,Yongin, Kyunggi-do 449-728, South Korea 3Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Center for Plant Environmental Stress Physiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2010, USA 4Plant Stress Genomics Research Center, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 5Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660–701, South Korea 6Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, SungKyunKwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 440-746, South Korea 7Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 305-333, South Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim Ki-Seung, Curtis B Hill, Glen L Hartman, David L Hyten, Matthew E. Hudson, Brian W Diers, Year: 2010 Title: * Fine mapping of the soybean aphid-resistance gene Rag2 in soybean PI 200538.

Journal: TAG Theoretical and Applied Genetics Volume 121, Number 3, 599-610, DOI: 10.1007/s00122-0101333-6.

Accession Number: CABI:20103255023 Label: InRe RavageurSecond Keywords: artificial selection; backcrossing; clones; genes; genetic markers; genetics; linkage; pest resistance; pests; plant introduction; polymerase chain reaction; polymorphism; recombination; resistance; single nucleotide polymorphism; soyabeans, Aphis glycines; cloning; genetic recombination; PCR; soybeans Abstract: The discovery of biotype diversity of soybean aphid (SA: Aphis glycines Matsumura) in North America emphasizes the necessity to identify new aphid-resistance genes. The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plant introduction (PI) 200538 is a promising source of SA resistance because it shows a high level of resistance to a SA biotype that can overcome the SA-resistance gene Rag1 from 'Dowling'. The SA-resistance gene Rag2 was previously mapped from PI 200538 to a 10-cM marker interval on soybean chromosome 13 [formerly linkage group (LG) F]. The objective of this study was to fine map Rag2. This fine mapping was carried out using lines derived from 5,783 F2 plants at different levels of backcrossing that were screened with flanking genetic markers for the presence of recombination in the Rag2 interval. Fifteen single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and two dominant polymerase chain reaction-based markers near Rag2 were developed by re-sequencing target intervals and sequence-tagged sites. These efforts resulted in the mapping of Rag2 to a 54-kb interval on the Williams 82 8 * assembly (Glyma1). This Williams 82 interval contains seven predicted genes, which includes one nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat gene. SNP marker and

candidate gene information identified in this study will be an important resource in marker-assisted selection for aphid resistance and for cloning the gene.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 43 ref.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/f6088u3282316444/ Author Address: USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim M, Kim SC, Song KJ, Kim HB, Kim IJ, Song EY, Chun SJ, Year: 2010 Title: * Transformation of carotenoid biosynthetic genes using a micro-cross section method in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward).

Journal: Plant Cell Rep. 2010 Sep 15. [Epub ahead of print] Label: Bioengineering Composition Nutrition Keywords: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation - Carotenoid biosynthetic genes - Kiwifruit - Micro-cross sections Abstract: Genetic transformation using a micro-cross section (MCS) technique was conducted to improve the carotenoid content in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward). The introduced carotenoid biosynthetic genes include geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPS), phytoene desaturase (PDS), ?-carotene desaturase (ZDS), ?-carotene hydroxylase (CHX), and phytoene synthase (PSY). The transformed explants were selected on half-strength MS medium containing 0.001 mg l(-1) of 2,4-D and 0.1 mg l(-1) of zeatin, either 5 mg l(-1) hygromycin or 25 mg l(-1) kanamycin, and 500 mg l(-1) cefotaxime. The genomic PCR, genomic Southern blot analysis, and RT-PCR were performed to confirm the integration and expression of the transgenes. The transformation efficiencies of either kanamycin- or hygromycin-resistant shoots ranged from 2.9 to 22.1% depending on the target genes, and from 2.9 to 24.2% depending on the reporter genes. The selection efficiencies ranged from 66.7 to 100% for the target genes and from 95.8 to 100% for the reporter genes.

Changes of carotenoid content in the several PCR-positive plants were determined by UPLC analysis. As a result, transgenic plants expressing either GGPS or PSY increased about 1.2- to 1.3-fold in lutein or ?-carotene content compared to non-transgenic plants. Our results suggest that the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation efficiency of kiwifruit can be greatly increased by this MCS method and that the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway can be modified in kiwifruit by genetic transformation. Our results further suggest that GGPS and PSY genes could be major target genes to increase carotenoid contents in kiwifruit.

Notes: 52 Ref. URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20842364 Author Address: Agricultural Research Center for Climate Change, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeju, 690-150, Korea.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim NH, Choi HW, Hwang BK, Year: 2010 Title: * Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria effector AvrBsT induces cell death in pepper, but suppresses defense responses in tomato.

Journal: Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 2010 Aug;23(8):1069-82.

Accession Number: CABI:20103251639 Label: BaRe Physiol Keywords: apoptosis; chillies; disease resistance; gene expression; genes; genetic transformation; genetically engineered microorganisms; mutants; mutations; plant diseases; plant pathogenic bacteria; plant pathogens; tomatoes; bacterium; genetically modified microorganisms; GMOs; Lycopersicon esculentum; phytopathogenic bacteria; phytopathogens; plant-pathogenic bacteria; resistance to disease; transgenic microorganisms Abstract: A type III effector protein, AvrBsT, is secreted into plant cells from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria Bv5-4a, which causes bacterial spot disease on pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). To define the function and recognition of AvrBsT in the two host plants, avrBsT was introduced into the virulent pepper strain X. campestris pv. vesicatoria Ds1. Expression of AvrBsT in Ds1 rendered the strain avirulent to pepper plants. Infection of pepper leaves with Ds1 (avrBsT) expressing AvrBsT but not with

near-isogenic control strains triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) accompanied by strong H2O2 generation, callose deposition, and defense-marker gene expressions. Mutation of avrBsT, however, compromised HR induction by X. campestris pv. vesicatoria Bv5-4a, suggesting its avirulence function in pepper plants. In contrast, AvrBsT acted as a virulence factor in tomato plants. Growth of strains Ds1 (avrBsT) and Bv5-4a &Delta;avrBsT was significantly enhanced and reduced, respectively, in tomato leaves. X. campestris pv. vesicatoria-expressed AvrBsT also significantly compromised callose deposition and defensemarker gene expression in tomato plants. Together, these results suggest that the X. campestris pv. vesicatoria type III effector AvrBsT is differentially recognized by pepper and tomato plants.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 43 ref.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20615117 Author Address: Laboratory of Molecular Plant Pathology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-713, Korea Republic.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim Sang-Ic, Tai Thomas Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic analysis of two OsLpa1-like genes in Arabidopsis reveals that only one is required for wildtype seed phytic acid levels.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1241-1250.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Inositol phosphate metabolism - Phytic acid - Heterologous complementation - Oryza sativa - Ortholog - Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutant Abstract: Phytic acid (inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate or InsP6) is the primary storage form of phosphorus in plant seeds. The rice OsLpa1 encodes a novel protein required for wild-type levels of seed InsP6 and was identified from a low phytic acid (lpa) mutant exhibiting a 45â&#x20AC;&#x201C;50% reduction in seed InsP6. OsLpa1 is highly conserved in plants and Arabidopsis contains two OsLpa1-like genes, At3g45090 and At5g60760.

Analysis of homozygous T-DNA insertion mutants of At5g60760 revealed significantly reduced levels of seed InsP6 while no changes were observed in seeds of At3g45090 mutants. A double knockout mutant of At5g60760 and At3g45090 was created and its seed InsP6 content was similar to that of the At5g60760 mutant indicating that At3g45090 does not provide functional redundancy. OsLpa1 was confirmed to be the ortholog of At5g60760 by complementation of a knockout mutant with a cDNA clone corresponding to the largest of three alternative transcripts of OsLpa1. The spatial and temporal expression of At5g60760 during seed development is consistent with its involvement in seed InsP6 biosynthesis.

Notes: 41 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1243-5 Author Address: Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Department of Plant Sciences, Mail Stop 1, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kim WY, Kim JY, Jung HJ, Oh SH, Han YS, Kang H, Year: 2010 Title: * Comparative analysis of Arabidopsis zinc finger-containing glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins during cold adaptation.

Journal: Plant Physiol Biochem. 2010 Sep 8. [Epub ahead of print] Label: ReEn Temperature Keywords: Antiporter - Halophyte - Ion homeostasis - Salicornia brachiata - Vacuolar NHX Abstract: Among the three zinc finger-containing glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins, named AtRZ-1a, AtRZ1b, and AtRZ-1c, in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, AtRZ-1a has previously been shown to enhance cold and freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis. Here, we determined and compared the functional roles of AtRZ-1b and AtRZ-1c in Arabidopsis and Escherichia coli under cold stress conditions. AtRZ-1b, but not AtRZ-1c, successfully complemented the cold sensitivity of E. coli BX04 mutant cells lacking four cold shock proteins.

Domain deletion and site-directed mutagenesis showed that the zinc finger motif of AtRZ-1b is important for its complementation ability, and that the truncated N- and C-terminal domains of AtRZ-1b and AtRZ-1c harbor the complementation ability. Despite an increase in transcript levels of AtRZ-1b and AtRZ-1c under cold stress, overexpression or loss-of-function mutations did not affect seed germination or seedling growth of Arabidopsis under cold stress conditions. AtRZ-1b and AtRZ-1c proteins, being localized to the nucleus, have been shown to bind non-specifically to RNA sequences in vitro, in comparison to AtRZ-1a that is localized to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm and binds preferentially to G- or U-rich RNA sequences. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the three AtRZ-1 family members showing different cellular localization and characteristic nucleic acid-binding property have a potential to contribute differently to the enhancement of cold tolerance in Arabidopsis and E. coli.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/lp62pk884j26q685/fulltext.html Author Address: Department of Plant Biotechnology, Agricultural Plant Stress Research Center and Biotechnology Research Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kimura T, Nakagawa T Year: 2010 Title: ÂŁÂŁ Development of Gateway binary vectors for plant molecular biology.

Journal: Bulletin of the Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University 36, 1-2.

Accession Number: CABI:20103200851 Label: Bioengineering Physiol Abstract: plant genome. As a result, transgenic technique is essential to reveal gene function in genome wide analyses of plants. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a major method in plant genetic engineering.

Construction of Ti binary vectors is an essential step in that method. Therefore, acceleration of vector construction enhances genome wide analyses of plants. However, Ti binary vectors are large and have many restriction endonuclease recognition sites outside of multi-cloning sequence and have difficulty in subcloning of a target gene in the vector. Gateway cloning technique is known to facilitate gene construction instead of the use of conventional method with restriction enzymes and DNA ligase. Application of Gateway cloning technique for construction of Ti binary vectors realized efficient cloning of target genes into binary vectors. The new Gateway compatible binary vectors (pGWBs and ImpGWBs) comprise a variety of reporters, epitope tags and selective markers that should make them useful for construction of plasmids for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants. Also, MulitSite Gateway cloning method was applied to construct a novel promoter swapping binary vector R 4 pGWB. Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://20103200851 Author Address: Mie University Graduate School of Biological Resources Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kiselev, K.; Grishchenko, O.; Zhuravlev, Y. Year: 2010 Title: * CDPK gene expression in salt tolerant rolB and rolC transformed cell cultures of Panax ginseng.

Secondary Title: Biologia Plantarum 54, 4, 621-630.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-12-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0006-3134 Label: ReEn Salin Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Agrobacterium rhizogenes - calcium-dependent protein kinases NaCl Abstract: CDPKs (calcium-depended protein kinases) are of great importance for the activation of defense reactions in plants. In this study, we aimed to find a connection between CDPK expression and increased salt tolerance in Panax ginseng. Treatment of P. ginseng cell cultures with W7 (CDPK protein inhibitor) showed that CDPK proteins were necessary for salt tolerance. Expression of PgCDPK1c, PgCDPK2c and PgCDPK4a was significantly increased in the cells treated with 60 mM NaCl compared to control cells, whereas expression

of PgCDPK1b and PgCDPK3a was decreased. In the NaCl-treated cells, new CDPK transcripts also appeared (PgCDPK3c, PgCDPK4as). We also used rolC and rolB transformed cultures and the effects of the rol genes on CDPK expression were similar to the effects of salt stress: they caused a significant increase in the expression of PgCDPK1c, PgCDPK2c, and PgCDPK4a and decreased expression of PgCDPK3a, in addition to the appearance of the short CDPK transcripts.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10535-010-0112-1 Author Address: Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Klein Agnes, Zapilko Marina, Menrad Klaus, Gabriel Andreas, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Consumer acceptance of genetically modified rapeseed-oil: A discrete-choice-experiment.

Journal: German Association of Agricultural Economists (GEWISOLA)>49th Annual Conference, Kiel, Germany, September 30-October 2, 2009.

Label: Adoption Keywords: Consumer behavior GM food rapeseed-oil Discrete-Choice-Experiment Abstract: This paper deals with consumer acceptance of genetically modified rapeseed-oil in Germany and analyzes under which conditions consumers would buy such products. To investigate this subject a DiscreteChoice-Experiment was performed within the framework of a cross-European consumer survey in spring 2007.

The results show that consumers‘ utility is increased by an organically produced product and decreased by a GM product. Thereby the association with individual advantages (health benefits) decreases consumers‘ utility less compared to the association with environmental benefits. Additionally, it could be shown that German consumers prefer locally produced rapeseed-oil compared to imported. If GM products exhibit a considerable price discount compared to conventional products, a certain market potential for GM rapeseed-oil exists in Germany. But the granting of discounts must be carefully balanced especially against the background of profitability for producers and processors.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/53264 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/53264/2/v35korrigiert_53264.pdf Author Address: Professorship for Marketing and Management of Biogenic Resources, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan, Straubing, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Knecht Simon, Jörg Romeis, Louise A. Malone, Marco P. Candolfi, Monica Garcia-Alonso, Oxana Habuštová, Joseph E. Huesing, József Kiss, Wolfgang Nentwig, Xavier Pons, Stefan Rauschen, Ágnes Szénási, Franz Bigler, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ A faunistic database as a tool for identification and selection of potential non-target arthropod species for regulatory risk assessment of GM maize.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 65-69.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: In order to assess the similarities in arthropod species composition and abundance in maize fields in different geographic areas of Europe, we are compiling a database of species found and their ecological functions in five selected European maize producing countries (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain). Countries were selected to represent both the extent of maize production as well as relevant ecological zones in which maize is grown. The database contains information on the taxonomy, distribution, abundance and ecological function(s) of each species. By comparing the species representing particular ecological functions and/or taxonomic groups in each country, we will determine the extent of faunal similarities or differences among the countries studied and identify those species that could supply the most widely applicable data for non-target arthropod risk assessment of GM maize. This database will have broad utility in the EU and is designed to allow for inclusion of other world geographies in future.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Knox OGG, Gupta VVSR, Lardner R, Year: 2009 Title: * Cotton cultivar selection impacts on microbial diversity and function Accession Number: CABI:20103075127 Label: ImpactBiol Keywords: artificial selection; biological activity in soil; cotton; cultivars; nitrogen fixation; polymerase chain reaction; respiration; rhizosphere; rhizosphere bacteria; species diversity; transgenic plants cultivated varieties; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; PCR Abstract: The Australian cotton production system is an example of high uptake and modification of management strategies in response to the availability of genetically modified (GM) cultivars. We have been involved in a series of projects over the last decade that included glasshouse and seasonal trial work, which explored the relationship and interaction of GM and conventional cotton cultivars with their associated rhizosphere microbiology. Assessment of rhizosphere soil samples for; determination of bacterial diversity with Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), ammonium oxidisers population enumeration, rhizosphere basal and selective substrate induced respiration, non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation with quantitative PCR and fungal community size allowed us to monitor between and within season and cultivar effects on changes in microbial diversity and functional activity. The results indicated that the cotton rhizosphere plant-microbial interactions are significantly influenced by cultivar type, whilst the GM status had no discernible effect. The work we undertook implies that there is potential to develop cultivars that would facilitate improved nutrient use, reduced green house gas emissions and promote management decisions based on cultivar-microbe interactions.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 22 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103075127 Author Address: SAC, Crop and Soil Systems Group, Edinburgh EH32 0BY, UKingdom CSIRO Entomology, Australia; Cotton Catchment Communities CRC, Australia ESR Ltd, Kenepuru Science Centre, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kobae Yoshihiro, Tamura Yosuke, Takai Shoko, Banba Mari, Hata Shingo, Year: 2010 Title: * Localized Expression of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza-Inducible Ammonium Transporters in Soybean.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1411-1415.

Date: September 1, 2010 Keywords: Physiol ReEn Nitrogen Abstract: The majority of land plants acquire soil nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, not only through the root surface but also through arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Soybean is the most important leguminous crop in the world. We found 16 ammonium transporter genes in the soybean genome, five of which are AM inducible. Among them, promoterâ€―reporter analysis indicated that the most abundantly transcribed gene, GmAMT4.1, showed specific expression in arbusculated cortical cells. Moreover, the GmAMT4.1 ―green fluorescent protein fusion was localized on the branch domain of periarbuscular membranes but not on the trunk region, indicating that active ammonium transfer occurs around the arbuscule branches.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1411.abstract Author Address: Laboratory of Crop Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601 Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Konduru Srinivasa, Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas, Magnier Alexandre, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ GMO Testing Strategies and Implications for Trade: A Game Theoretic Approach.

Journal: Institution/Association: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2009 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Label: Socioeconomic Adoption Keywords: GMO testing measurement uncertainty identity preservation systems agricultural trade Abstract: Since their commercial introduction in 1996, genetically modified (GM) crops have been quickly adopted world wide, but some GM crops/varieties have not received regulatory approval for use in some importing countries, leading to asynchronicity in regulatory approvals. In this context, the international agricultural trade relied on analytical GMO testing which is a statistical process, along with identity preserved systems to segregate GM and non-GM crops. This led to a situation where measurement uncertainty became an important issue as it can lead to potential holdups at the point of import. In this background, this paper examines the implications of measurement uncertainty associated with GMO testing on the behavior of importers and exporters in a game theoretic framework. The results indicate that relative size of identity preservation costs, testing and rejection costs, the premiums offered in the non- GM markets and measurement uncertainty all have direct impacts on the behavior of importers and exporters.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/49594 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/49594/2/AAEA2009_SelectedPaper_613255.pdf Author Address: California State University, Fresno. USA University of Missouri-Columbia.

University of Missouri-Columbia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Koundal V, Vinutha T, Haq QMR, Praveen S, Year: 2010 Title: * Modulation of Plant Development and MYB Down Regulation: Both during In Planta Expression of miR159a and in Natural ToLCV Infection.

Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 19, 2, 171-175.

Accession Number: WOS:000281080200005 Keywords: ViRe Abstract: Viral infections result in developmental abnormalities. Symptomatic expression of Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) in tomato, results in curling of leaves and withering of flowers. These modulations are due to altered host gene expression. Transcription factors (TF) are key elements, which control gene expression. In this study, we observed accumulation of miRNA159a levels, responsible for regulating MYB-TF during ToLCV infection. The MYB transcription factor control gene expression of various components involved in floral, anther and leaf development. During ToLCV infection two-fold accumulation of miR159a was observed leading to lower levels of MYB. Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum expressing pre-miR159a mimics ToLCV infection. This suggests probable role of miR159a driven gene regulatory pathway responsible for appearance of viral symptoms.

URL: http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:jpbb&volume=19&issue=2&article=005 Author Address: 1Advanced Center for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

2Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110 025, India.

3Division of Biochemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Krasileva Ksenia V, Dahlbeck Douglas, Staskawicz Brian J, Year: 2010 Title: * Activation of an Arabidopsis Resistance Protein Is Specified by the in Planta Association of Its Leucine-Rich Repeat Domain with the Cognate Oomycete Effector.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2444-2458.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: FuRe Abstract: Activation of plant immunity relies on recognition of pathogen effectors by several classes of plant resistance proteins. To discover the underlying molecular mechanisms of effector recognition by the Arabidopsis thaliana RECOGNITION OF PERONOSPORA PARASITICA1 (RPP1) resistance protein, we

adopted an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient protein expression system in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), which allowed us to perform coimmunoprecipitation experiments and mutational analyses. Herein, we demonstrate that RPP1 associates with its cognate effector ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA RECOGNIZED1 (ATR1) in a recognition-specific manner and that this association is a prerequisite step in the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response of host tissue. The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain of RPP1 mediates the interaction with ATR1, while the Toll/Interleukin1 Receptor (TIR) domain facilitates the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response. Additionally, we demonstrate that mutations in the TIR and nucleotide binding site domains, which exhibit loss of function for the induction of the hypersensitive response, are still able to associate with the effector in planta. Thus, our data suggest molecular epistasis between signaling activity of the TIR domain and the recognition function of the LRR and allow us to propose a model for ATR1 recognition by RPP1.

Notes: The Arabidopsis disease resistance protein RPP1 recognizes the ATR1 effector protein from Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. This works shows that the molecular basis of recognition is mediated by the in planta association of the LRR domain of the RPP1 protein with the ATR1 effector protein. The in planta association of specific alleles of ATR1 leads to the activation of plant immune responses.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2444 Author Address: Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Krishna Vijesh V, Zilberman David, Qaim Matin, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Transgenic technology adoption and on-farm varietal diversity.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: InRe ImpactBiol Culture Socioeconomic Keywords: Agro-biodiversity Bt cotton India Production risk analysis.

Abstract: Transgenic pest-resistant varieties are hypothesized to reduce farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; demand for on-farm diversity through an act of substitution, as both serve as production risk reducing instruments. This adverse agrobiodiversity impact of technology adoption might be partially counteracted by an expanding seed sector, supplying a large number of transgenic varieties. The case of Bt cotton in India is taken for empirical illustration. The production function analyses show that both Bt technology and on-farm varietal diversity enhance yield, while reducing the production risk. With few Bt varieties available in the first years, technology adoption entailed a reduction in on-farm varietal diversity. This effect, however, was partially offset by more Bt varieties becoming available over time.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51750 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51750/2/COTTON.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Berkeley, 94720 CA, USA Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kulvir Singh, Rupinder Singh Year: 2009 Title: ?? Effect of planting geometry and nitrogen levels on performance of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar RCH-134.

Journal: Journal of Research, Punjab Agricultural University 46, 1/2.

Accession Number: CABI:20103207766 Label: InRe Efficacite Keywords: application rates; biological control agents; bolls; cotton; crop yield; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; nitrogen fertilizers; plant height; spacing; transgenic plants; yield components bacterium; biocontrol agents; biological control organisms; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; Indian Punjab

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at PAU-Regional Station, Faridkot during Kharif seasons of the year 2006 and 2007 with an objective to evaluate the performance of RCH-134 Bt under different planting geometry and nitrogen levels. The experiment comprised of three planting geometries (100*60, 100*75 and 67.5*75 cm) in main plots and three N levels (112.5, 150 and 187.5 kg N/ha) in sub-plots of split plot design with four replications. The pooled data indicated significantly reduced seed cotton yield of 2596 kg/ha in narrow plant geometry of 67.5*75 cm as compared to 100*60 (2985 kg) and 100*75 cm (2986 kg) combinations. The latter two geometries, though statistically at par but yielded about 15% higher seed cotton yield than 67.5*75 cm. Among N levels, there was a significant reduction in seed cotton yield at 112.5 kg N/ha during both the years as compared to other two higher levels. Highest seed cotton yield of 3120 kg/ha was observed with application of 187.5 kg N/ha followed by 150 kg (2894 kg) while least seed cotton yield (2553 kg) was recorded with 112.5 kg N/ha.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 9 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103207766 Author Address: Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, Punjab, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kumar S, Arul L, Talwar D, Year: 2010 Title: * Generation of marker-free Bt transgenic indica rice and evaluation of its yellow stem borer resistance.

Journal: Journal of Applied Genetics 51(3), 2010, pp. 243-257 Label: InRe Efficacite Bioengineering Traceur Keywords: biolistic transformation, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt transgenic rice, gene-expression-cassette, marker-free transgenic, Oryza sativa, Scirpophaga incertulas, yellow stem borer.

Abstract: Abstract: We report on generation of marker-free (â&#x20AC;&#x2014;clean DNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;) transgenic rice (Oryza sativa), carrying minimal gene-expression-cassettes of the genes of interest, and evaluation of its resistance to yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The transgenic indica rice harbours a translational fusion of 2 different Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes, namely cry1B-1Aa, driven by the green-tissue-specific phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) promoter. Mature seed-derived calli of an elite indica rice cultivar Pusa Basmati-1 were co-bombarded with gene-expression-cassettes (clean DNA fragments) of the Bt gene and the marker hpt gene, to generate marker-free transgenic rice plants. The clean DNA fragments for bombardment were obtained by restriction digestion and gel extraction. Through biolistic transformation, 67 independent transformants were generated. Transformation frequency reached 3.3%, and 81% of the transgenic plants were co-transformants. Stable integration of the Bt gene was confirmed, and the insert copy number was determined by Southern analysis. Western analysis and ELISA revealed a high level of Bt protein expression in transgenic plants. Progeny analysis confirmed stable inheritance of the Bt gene according to the Mendelian (3:1) ratio. Insect bioassays revealed complete protection of transgenic plants from yellow stem borer infestation. PCR analysis of T2 progeny plants resulted in the recovery of up to 4% marker-free transgenic rice plants.

URL: http://jag.igr.poznan.pl/2010-Volume-51/3/abstracts/573.html Author Address: Correspondence: S. Kumar, Division of Crop Improvement, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, India; e-mail: sureshkumar3_in@yahoo.co.uk XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kutty PC, Parveez GKA, Huyop F, Year: 2010 Title: * An Easy Method for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Gene Transfer to Nicotiana tabacum cv.

TAPM26.

Journal: Journal of Biological Sciences Year: 2010 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 6 | Page No.: 480-489.

Label: Bioengineering Abstract: Research in Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated gene transfer has advanced and opened new avenue for plant improvement via introduction of various beneficial genes. Current study investigates transformation parameters during co-cultivation to improve T-DNA delivery into Nicotiana tabacum cv. TAPM 26 by monitoring GUS expression level. The techniques involved basic plant tissue culture and establishment of plant transformation systems. Conditions assessed were bacterial inoculum concentration, infection period,

wounding and pre-culture of explants, acetosyringone (AS) concentration and co-cultivation temperature.

Optimized conditions resulted in high transformation efficiency at transient level were as follows; Agrobacterium tumefaciens growth phase of A600nm 0.8, infection period of 30 min, pre-culture of wounded explants prior to infection, addition of acetosyringone (AS) in bacterial growth culture (100 µM) and in cocultivation medium (200 µM) and co-cultivation temperature of 22°C. Although higher density bacterial culture used for the infection process gave higher transformation rate, however, it compromised the viability of the explants. On the other hand, dilution of bacterial suspension reduced necrosis in explants and improved transformation events greatly. The transformation efficiency was increased 9 fold when the infection process was carried out at low temperature of 22°C. Current study has proven among the parameters assessed, temperature was the critical factor during co-cultivation process in Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated gene transfer.

URL: http://scialert.net/qredirect.php?doi=jbs.2010.480.489&linkid=pdf http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2010.480.489 Author Address: Malaysia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Kwon SI, Cho HJ, Jung JH, Yoshimoto K, Shirasu K, Park OK, Year: 2010 Title: * The Rab GTPase RabG3b functions in autophagy and contributes to tracheary element differentiation in Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal -64, 1, 151-164.

Label: Physiol Keywords: RabG3b small GTP binding protein tracheary element differentiation autophagy autophagic cell death Arabidopsis Abstract: Summary The tracheary elements (TEs) of the xylem serve as the water-conducting vessels of the plant vascular system. To achieve this, TEs undergo secondary cell wall thickening and cell death, during which the cell contents are completely removed. Cell death of TEs is a typical example of developmental programmed cell death that has been suggested to be autophagic. However, little evidence of autophagy in TE differentiation has been provided. The present study demonstrates that the small GTP binding protein RabG3b plays a role in TE differentiation through its function in autophagy. Differentiating wild type TE cells were found to undergo autophagy in an Arabidopsis culture system. Both autophagy and TE formation were significantly stimulated by overexpression of a constitutively active mutant (RabG3bCA), and were inhibited in transgenic plants overexpressing a dominant negative mutant (RabG3bDN) or RabG3b RNAi (RabG3bRNAi), a brassinosteroid insensitive mutant bri1-301, and an autophagy mutant atg5-1. Taken together, our results suggest that autophagy occurs during TE differentiation, and that RabG3b, as a component of autophagy, regulates TE differentiation.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04315.x Author Address: 1School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136–701, Korea 2RIKEN Plant Science Center, Yokohama 230–0045, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Laffont Carole, Blanchet Sandrine, Lapierre Catherine, Brocard Lysiane, Ratet Pascal, Crespi Martin, Mathesius Ulrike, Frugier Florian, Year: 2010 Title: * The Compact Root Architecture1 Gene Regulates Lignification, Flavonoid Production, and Polar Auxin Transport in Medicago truncatula.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1597-1607.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: The root system architecture is crucial to adapt plant growth to changing soil environmental conditions and consequently to maintain crop yield. In addition to root branching through lateral roots, legumes can develop another organ, the nitrogen-fixing nodule, upon a symbiotic bacterial interaction. A mutant, cra1, showing compact root architecture was identified in the model legume Medicago truncatula. cra1 roots were short and thick due to defects in cell elongation, whereas densities of lateral roots and symbiotic nodules were

similar to the wild type. Grafting experiments showed that a lengthened life cycle in cra1 was due to the smaller root system and not to the pleiotropic shoot phenotypes observed in the mutant. Analysis of the cra1 transcriptome at a similar early developmental stage revealed few significant changes, mainly related to cell wall metabolism. The most down-regulated gene in the cra1 mutant encodes a Caffeic Acid O-Methyl Transferase, an enzyme involved in lignin biosynthesis; accordingly, whole lignin content was decreased in cra1 roots. This correlated with differential accumulation of specific flavonoids and decreased polar auxin transport in cra1 mutants. Exogenous application of the isoflavone formononetin to wild-type plants mimicked the cra1 root phenotype, whereas decreasing flavonoid content through silencing chalcone synthases restored the polar auxin transport capacity of the cra1 mutant. The CRA1 gene, therefore, may control legume root growth through the regulation of lignin and flavonoid profiles, leading to changes in polar auxin transport.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1597 Author Address: Institut des Sciences du Végétal, CNRS, 91198 Gif sur Yvette cedex, France Unité de Chimie Biologique, UMR 1318, AgroParisTech-INRA, Centre de Grignon, 78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Landoni Michela, De Francesco Alessandra, Galbiati Massimo, Tonelli Chiara, Year: 2010 Title: * A loss-of-function mutation in Calmodulin gene affects pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Secondary Title: Plant Molecular Biology 74, 3, 235-247.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-4412 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Arabidopsis thaliana - Calmodulin - GUS expression pattern Loss-of-function mutant - Pollen germination Abstract: Calmodulin (CAM) is an ubiquitous calcium binding protein whose function is to translate the signals, perceived as calcium concentration variations, into the appropriate cellular responses. In Arabidopsis thaliana there are 4 CAM isoforms which are highly similar, encoded by 7 genes, and one possible explanation proposed for the evolutionary conservation of the CAM gene family is that the different genes have acquired different functions so that they play possibly overlapping but non-identical roles. Here we report the characterization of the Arabidopsis mutant cam2-2, identified among the lines of the gene-trapping collection EXOTIC because of a distorted segregation of kanamycin resistance. Phenotypic analysis showed that in normal growth conditions cam2-2 plants were indistinguishable from the wild type while genetic analysis showed a reduced transmission of the cam2-2 allele through the male gametophyte and in vitro pollen germination revealed a reduced level of germination in comparison with the wild type. These results provide genetic evidence of the involvement of a CAM gene in pollen germination and support the theory of functional diversification of the CAM gene family.

Notes: 57 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-010-9669-5 Author Address: (1) Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lawande KE, Anil Khar, Mahajan V, Srinivas PS, Sankar V, Singh RP, Year: 2009 Title: * Onion and garlic research in India.

Journal: Journal of Horticultural Sciences 4, 2 Accession Number: CABI:20103240340 Label: Bioengineering Review

Keywords: biological control; biological control agents; chemical control; crop production; cultivars; cultural control; fertigation; fertilizers; garlic; genetic engineering; genetic improvement; genetic markers; genetic transformation; herbicides; hybrids; in vitro culture; in vitro regeneration; insect control; insect pests; mechanization; micropropagation; mutations; onions; organic farming; pest control; pest resistance; plant pests; precision agriculture; reviews; somaclonal variation; tissue culture; transgenic plants; water management; weed control; weeds biocontrol; biocontrol agents; biological control organisms; cultivated varieties; eco-agriculture; ecological agriculture; fertilisers; fertirrigation; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; organic culture; pest insects; precision farming; site specific crop management; water resource management; weedicides; weedkillers Abstract: Onion and garlic research in India has produced 45 open-pollinated and two F1 hybrids in onion and approximately 25 varieties in garlic. Red onion is used for domestic consumption and export while the white onion is used mostly for processing. Improvement in garlic has been largely through clonal selection and mutation breeding. Somaclonal variations for development of varieties have not been used till now. Research on biotechnology for crop improvement in onion and garlic in India is in a nascent stage. While research on crop production has seen tremendous improvement, research on organic production and precision farming, good agricultural practices and mechanization needs to be carried out in future. Similarly, studies on plant protection have identified researchable issues for future work. This paper gives a brief overview of onion and garlic research scenario in India and technologies needed to be developed and practised.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103240340 Author Address: Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar, Pune, Maharashtra - 410 505, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lee J, Welti R, Schapaugh WT, Trick HN, Year: 2010 Title: * Phospholipid and triacylglycerol profiles modified by PLD suppression in soybean seed.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 26 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Composition Keywords: genetic transformation phospholipase D soybean lecithin Abstract: Phospholipase D (PLD) is capable of hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids, producing phosphatidic acid. To alter phospholipid profiles in soybean seed, we attenuated PLD enzyme activity by an RNA interference construct using the partial sequence from a soybean PLDα gene. Two transgenic soybean lines were established by particle inflow gun (PIG) bombardment by co-bombarding with pSPLDi and pHG1 vectors. The lines were evaluated for the presence and expression of transgenes thoroughly through the T4 generation. PLD-suppressed soybean lines were characterized by decreased PLDα enzyme activity and decreased PLDα protein both during seed development and in mature seeds. There was no change in total phospholipid amount; however, the PLD-attenuated transgenic soybean seed had higher levels of di18 : 2 (dilinoleoyl)-phosphatidylcholine (PC) and -phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in seeds than the non-transgenic lines. The increased polyunsaturation was at the expense of PC and PE species containing monounsaturated or saturated fatty acids. In addition to increased unsaturation in the phospholipids, there was a decrease in unsaturation of the triacylglycerol (TAG) fraction of the soybean seeds. Considering recent evidence for the notion that desaturation of fatty acids occurs in the PC fraction and that the PC --> DAG (diacylglycerol) --> TAG pathway is the major route of TAG biosynthesis in developing soybean seed, the current data suggest that PLD suppression slows the conversion of PC to TAG. This would be consistent with PLD playing a positive role in that conversion. The data indicate that soybean PLD attenuation is a potentially useful approach to altering properties of edible and industrial soybean lecithin.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00562.x Author Address: 1Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KN, USA 2Kansas Lipidomics Research Center, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KN, USA 3Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KN, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Lee Joohyun, Burns Teresa, Light Ginger, Sun Yan, Fokar Mohamed, Kasukabe Yoshihisha, Fujisawa Koichi, Maekawa Yoshihiko, Allen Randy, Year: 2010 Title: * Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase genes in cotton and their role in fiber elongation.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1191-1205.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: Composition Qualite Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Cell wall expansion - Cotton fiber - Fiber length - Transgenic cotton - Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase Abstract: Plant cell wall extensibility is mediated, in part, by xyloglucan endotransglycosylases/hydrolases (XTH) that are able to cleave and reattach xyloglucan polymers that make up the hemicelluloses matrix of type I cell walls. In Arabidopsis and other plants, XTHs are encoded by relatively large gene families that are regulated in specific spatial and temporal patterns. In silico screening of a cotton expressed sequence tag (EST) database identified 23 sequences with close sequence similarity to Arabidopsis XTH coding sequences.

Analysis of full-length cotton cDNAs derived from these ESTs allow for the identification of three distinct GhXTH cDNAs (denoted GhXTH1, GhXTH2 and GhXTH3) based primarily on their 3' untranslated sequences. The three GhXTH genes were expressed differently with GhXTH1 predominantly expressed in elongating cotton fibers. The function of GhXTH1 in mediating cotton fiber elongation was analyzed in transgenic cotton plants that express a transgene consisting of the GhXTH1 coding sequence under transcriptional control of the CaMV 35S promoter. Plants that over-expressed GhXTH1 had increased XTH activity and produced mature cotton fibers that were between 15 and 20% longer than wild-type cotton plants under both greenhouse and field growth conditions. Segregation analysis showed that the 35S::GhXTH1 transgene acts as a dominant fiber length allele in transgenic cotton. These results confirm that GhXTH1 is the predominant XTH in elongating fibers and its expression limits cotton fiber elongation.

Notes: 64 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1246-2 Author Address: (1) Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA (2) Departments of Biological Sciences and Plant and Soil Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA (3) Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA (4) Toyobo Research Institute, 1-1 Katata 2-Chome, Ohtsu Shiga, 520-0292, Japan (5) Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka Osaka, 560-0043, Japan (6) Present address: Center for Reparative Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lellis Andrew, Allen M, Aertker Alice, Tran Jonathan, Hillis David, Harbin Courtney, Caldwell Christian, Gallie Daniel, Browning Karen, Year: 2010 Title: * Deletion of the eIFiso4G subunit of the Arabidopsis eIFiso4F translation initiation complex impairs health and viability.

Secondary Title: Plant Molecular Biology 74, 249-263.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-4412 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Translation initiation - Initiation factor - eIF4G - eIFiso4G - Protein synthesis - Plant translation Abstract: Arabidopsis thaliana knockout lines for the plant-specific eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIFiso4G1 (i4g1) and eIFiso4G2 (i4g2) genes have been obtained. To address the potential for functional redundancy of these genes, homozygous double mutant lines were generated by crossing individual knockout

lines. Both single and double mutant plants were analyzed for changes in gross morphology, development, and responses to selected environmental stressors. Single gene knockouts appear to have minimal effect on morphology, germination rate, growth rate, flowering time, or fertility. However, double mutant i4g1/i4g2 knockout plants show reduced germination rates, slow growth rates, moderate chlorosis, impaired fertility and reduced long term seed viability. Double mutant plants also exhibit altered responses to dehydration, salinity, and heat stress. The i4g2 and i4g1/i4g2 double mutant has reduced amounts of chlorophyll a and b suggesting a role in the expression of chloroplast proteins. General protein synthesis did not appear to be affected as the levels of gross protein expression did not appear to change in the mutants. The lack of a phenotype for either of the single mutants suggests there is considerable functional overlap. However, the strong phenotypes observed for the double mutant indicates that the individual gene products may have specialized roles in the expression of proteins involved in plant growth and development.

Notes: 55 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-010-9670-z Author Address: (1) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1096, USA (2) Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1096, USA (3) Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0129, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Cuiling, Jian Lv, Xin Zhao2, Xinghui Ai, Xinlei Zhu, Mengcheng Wang, Shuangyi Zhao, Guangmin Xia, Year: 2010 Title: * TaCHP: A Wheat Zinc Finger Protein Gene Down-Regulated by Abscisic Acid and Salinity Stress Plays a Positive Role in Stress Tolerance.

Journal: Plant Physiology 154:211-221 (2010) Accession Number: MEDLINE:20639406 Label: ReEn Salin Abstract: The plant response to abiotic stresses involves both abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent and ABAindependent signaling pathways. Here we describe TaCHP, a CHP-rich (for cysteine, histidine, and proline rich) zinc finger protein family gene extracted from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), is differentially expressed during abiotic stress between the salinity-sensitive cultivar Jinan 177 and its tolerant somatic hybrid introgression cultivar Shanrong No.3. TaCHP expressed in the roots of seedlings at the three-leaf stage, and the transcript localized within the cells of the root tip cortex and meristem. TaCHP transcript abundance was higher in Shanrong No.3 than in Jinan 177, but was reduced by the imposition of salinity or drought stress, as well as by the exogenous supply of ABA. When JN17, a salinity hypersensitive wheat cultivar, was engineered to overexpress TaCHP, its performance in the face of salinity stress was improved, and the ectopic expression of TaCHP in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) also improved the ability of salt tolerance. The expression level of a number of stress reporter genes (AtCBF3, AtDREB2A, AtABI2, and AtABI1) was raised in the transgenic lines in the presence of salinity stress, while that of AtMYB15, AtABA2, and AtAAO3 was reduced in its absence. The presence in the upstream region of the TaCHP open reading frame of the cis-elements ABRE, MYBRS, and MYCRS suggests that it is a component of the ABA-dependent and -independent signaling pathways involved in the plant response to abiotic stress. We suggest that TaCHP enhances stress tolerance via the promotion of CBF3 and DREB2A expression.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/154/1/211 Author Address: Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li G, Tai FJ, Zheng Y, Luo J, Gong SY, Zhang ZT, Li XB, Year: 2010 Title: * Two cotton Cys2/His2-type zinc-finger proteins, GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2, are involved in plant response to salt/drought stress and abscisic acid signaling.

Journal: Plant Mol Biol. 2010 Sep 19. [Epub ahead of print].

Label: ReEn Salin Secheresse

Abstract: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) often encounters abiotic stress such as drought and high salinity during its development, and its productivity is significantly limited by those adverse factors. To investigate the molecular adaptation mechanisms of this plant species to abiotic stress, we identified two genes encoding Di19like Cys2/His2 zinc-finger proteins in cotton. GFP fluorescence assay demonstrated that GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2 are two nuclear-localized proteins. Quantitative RT-PCR and Northern blot analyses revealed that mRNA accumulation of both GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2 was significantly promoted by salinity and drought.

Expression of GUS gene driven by the GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2 promoters, respectively, was intensively induced in cotyledons under NaCl and mannitol stresses. Overexpression of GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2 in Arabidopsis resulted in the seedlings displaying hypersensitivity to high salinity and abscisic acid (ABA). Seed germination and seedling growth of the transgenic Arabidopsis were dramatically inhibited by salinity and ABA, compared with wild type. In addition, expression levels of the ABA-responsive genes ABF3, ABF4, ABI5 and KIN1 were also remarkably altered in the transgenic plants under ABA treatment. Collectively, our results suggested that both GhDi19-1 and GhDi19-2 may be involved in response to salt/drought stress and ABA signaling during early stages of plant development.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20852918 Author Address: Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, HuaZhong Normal University, 430079, Wuhan, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Guoping, Hongqiang Feng, Yulin Gao, Kris AG Wyckhuys, Kongming Wu, Year: 2010 Title: * Frequency of Bt Resistance Alleles in Helicoverpa armigera in the Xinjiang Cotton-Planting Region of China.

Journal: Environmental Entomology 39(5):1698-1704. 2010 doi: 10.1603/EN10077 Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: Cry1Ac, Helicoverpa armigera, Bt cotton, resistance frequency Abstract: Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key insect pest of cotton in Xinjiang cotton-planting region of northwest China. In this region, cotton is grown on average 1.65 million ha (1.531.80 million ha) annually in largely monoculture agricultural landscapes, similarly to cropping systems in the United States or Australia. Under such cropping regimes, naturally occurring refuges (with non-Bt crops) may be insufficient to prevent H. armigera resistance development to Bt toxins. Therefore, we assessed frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Cry1Ac toxin of F1 and F2 offspring of H. armigera isofemale lines from two distinct localities in the region during 2005–2009. More specifically, a total of 224 isofemale lines was collected from Korla County (˜70% Bt cotton adoption) and 402 lines from Shache County (˜5% Bt cotton planting). Subsequent offspring was screened on Cry1Ac artificial diet. From 2005 to 2009, resistance gene frequency in Korla fluctuated between 0.0000 and 0.0040, while being 0.0000-0.0008 in individuals collected from Shache, and there were no significant increases in both counties from 2005 to 2009. Relative average development rates (RADRs) of larvae in F1 tests showed significant increases from Korla, but not in Shache.

RADR of F1 larvae is significantly correlated with RADR of F2 offspring, indicating genetic variation in response to toxin in field H. armigera population. Although the occurrence of Cry1Ac resistance alleles was low in Xinjiang cotton-planting region of China, particular attention should be given to H. armigera resistance development in Korla County.

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URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EN10077 Author Address: 1 State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, P. R. China.

2 Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, P. R. China.

3 Horticulture Research Center, Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Chia (Cundinamarca), Colombia.

4 Corresponding author: Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, P. R. China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Hong-Ju, Liu Nai-You, Shi Dong-Qiao, Liu Jie, Yang Wei-Cai, Year: 2010 Title: * YAO is a nucleolar WD40-repeat protein critical for embryogenesis and gametogenesis in Arabidopsis.

Journal: BMC Plant Biology 10, 1, 169 Accession Number: doi:10.1186/1471-2229-10-169 Label: Physiol Abstract: BACKGROUND:In flowering plants, gametogenesis generates multicellular male and female gametophytes. In the model system Arabidopsis, the male gametophyte or pollen grain contains two sperm cells and a vegetative cell. The female gametophyte or embryo sac contains seven cells, namely one egg, two synergids, one central cell and three antipodal cells. Double fertilization of the central cell and egg produces respectively a triploid endosperm and a diploid zygote that develops further into an embryo. The genetic control of the early embryo patterning, especially the initiation of the first zygotic division and the positioning of the cell plate, is largely unknown.RESULTS:Here we report the characterization of a mutation, yaozhe (yao), that causes zygote arrest and misplacement of cell plate of the zygote, leading to early embryo lethality. In addition, gametophyte development is partially impaired. A small portion of the mutant embryo sacs are arrested at fournucleate stage with aberrant nuclear positioning. Furthermore, the competence of male gametophytes is also compromised. YAO encodes a nucleolar protein with seven WD-repeats. Its homologues in human and yeast have been shown to be components of the U3 snoRNP complex and function in 18S rRNA processing. YAO is expressed ubiquitously, with high level of expression in tissues under active cell divisions, including embryo sacs, pollen, embryos, endosperms and root tips.CONCLUSIONS:Phenotypic analysis indicated that YAO is required for the correct positioning of the first zygotic division plane and plays a critical role in gametogenesis

in Arabidopsis. Since YAO is a nucleolar protein and its counterparts in yeast and human are components of the U3 snoRNP complex, we therefore postulate that YAO is most likely involved in rRNA processing in plants as well.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/169 Author Address: 1 Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China 2 Gradute University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li J, Yu M, Geng L-L, Zhao J, Year: 2010 Title: * The fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein gene, FLA3, is involved in microspore development of Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 28 AUG 2010 10:31AM EST | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365313X.2010.04344.x.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis arabinogalactan proteins glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor microspore development pollen intine sterility Abstract: Arabinogalactan proteins are widely distributed in plant tissues and cells, and may function in the growth and development of higher plants. To our knowledge, no direct evidence currently addresses the involvement of fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLA) in Arabidopsis sexual reproduction. In this study, Arabidopsis FLA3 was found to be specifically expressed in pollen grains and its tubes. Subcellular localization showed that FLA3 anchors tightly to the plasma membrane, and its glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor may affect its localization. FLA3-RNAi (RNA inteference) transgenic plants had approximately 50% abnormal pollen grains (including shrunken and wrinkled phenotypes) which lacked viability. Cytological observations revealed that pollen abortion occurred during the transition from uninucleate microspores to bicellular pollens, with abnormal cellulose distribution seen by calcofluor white staining. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the basic structure of the exine layer in aberrant pollen was normal, but the intine layer appeared to have some abnormalities. Taken together, these results suggest that the FLA3 is involved in microspore development and may affect pollen intine formation possibly by participating in cellulose deposition. In FLA3overexpressing transgenic plants, defective stamen filament elongation and reduced female fertility led to short siliques with low seed set, which suggested that ectopic expression of FLA3 in tissues may reduce or disrupt cell growth and then result in defects throughout the plant.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04344.x Author Address: Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Plant Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Ling, Shi, Zhen-Ying, Li Lin, Shen Ge-Zhi, Wang Xin-Qi, An Lin-Sheng, Zhang Jing-Liu, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of ACL1 (abaxially curled leaf 1) Increased Bulliform Cells and Induced Abaxial Curling of Leaf Blades in Rice.

Journal: Molecular Plant 3, 5, 807-817.

Date: September 1, 2010 Accession Number: 10.1093/mp/ssq022 Label: Physiol Keywords: Cell expansion - leaf/vegetative development - rice - ACL1 - ACL2 - LRI T-DNA - bulliform cells Abstract: Understanding the genetic mechanism underlying rice leaf-shape development is crucial for optimizing rice configuration and achieving high yields; however, little is known about leaf abaxial curling. We isolated a rice transferred DNA (T-DNA) insertion mutant, BY240, which exhibited an abaxial leaf curling phenotype that co-segregated with the inserted T-DNA. The T-DNA was inserted in the promoter of a novel gene, ACL1 (Abaxially Curled Leaf 1), and led to overexpression of this gene in BY240. Overexpression of ACL1 in wild-type rice also resulted in abaxial leaf curling. ACL1 encodes a protein of 116 amino acids with

no known conserved functional domains. Overexpression of ACL2, the only homolog of ACL1 in rice, also induced abaxial leaf curling. RTâ€―PCR analysis revealed high expressions of ACLs in leaf sheaths and leaf blades, suggesting a role for these genes in leaf development. In situ hybridization revealed non-tissue-specific expression of the ACLs in the shoot apical meristem, leaf primordium, and young leaf. Histological analysis showed increased number and exaggeration of bulliform cells and expansion of epidermal cells in the leaves of BY240, which caused developmental discoordination of the abaxial and adaxial sides, resulting in abaxially curled leaves. These results revealed an important mechanism in rice leaf development and provided the genetic basis for agricultural improvement.

URL: http://mplant.oxfordjournals.org/content/3/5/807.abstract Author Address: aNational Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 300 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China bGraduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100039, China cThe Plant Breeding and Cultivation Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agriculture Sciences, 2900 Beidi Road, Shanghai 201106, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Meiru, Li Hongqing, Hu Xiaoying, Pan Xiaoping, Wu Guojiang, Year: 2010 Title: * An Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system using callus of Zoysia tenuifolia Willd. ex Trin.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 102, 3, 321-327.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Zoysia tenuifolia Willd. ex Trin - Agrobacteriuim tumefaciens Stem node - Callus - Plant regeneration - Transformation Abstract: Zoysia tenuifolia Willd. ex Trin. is one of the most popularly cultivated turfgrass. This is the first report of successful plant regeneration and genetic transformation protocols for Z. tenuifolia using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Initial calli was induced from stem nodes incubated on a Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) medium supplemented with 2 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1 mg l-1 6benzyladenine (BA), with a frequency of 53%. Compact calli were selected and subcultured monthly on the fresh medium. Sixty-nine percent of the calli could be induced to regenerate plantlets when the calli incubated on a MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg l-1 BA under darkness. For genetic transformation, calli were incubated with A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring the binary vector pCAMBIA 1301 which contains the hpt gene as a selectable marker for hygromycin resistance and an intron-containing ß-glucuronidase gene (gusint) as a reporter gene. Following co-cultivation, about 12% of the callus explants produced hygromycin resistant calli on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg l-1 2,4-D, 1 mg l-1 BA, 50 mg l-1 hygromycin, 500 mg l-1 cefotaxime after 8 weeks. Shoots were regenerated following transfer of the resistant calli to shoot induction medium containing 0.2 mg l-1 BA, 50 mg l-1 hygromycin, and 250 mg l-1 cefotaxime, and about 46% of the resistant calli differentiated into shoots. Finally, all the resistant shoots were rooted on 1/2 MS media supplemented with 50 mg l-1 hygromycin, 250 mg l-1 cefotaxime. The transgenic nature of the transformants was demonstrated by the detection of ß-glucuronidase activity in the primary transformants and by PCR and Southern hybridization analysis. About 5% of the total inoculated callus explants produced transgenic plants after approximately 5 months. The procedure described will be useful for both, the introduction of desired genes into Z. tenuifolia and the molecular analysis of gene function.

Notes: 28 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9736-2 Author Address: (1) Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510650 Guangzhou, People‘s Republic of China (2) Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, People‘s Republic of China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Li W, Wu J, Weng S, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Shi C, Year: 2010 Title: * Identification and characterization of dwarf 62, a loss-of-function mutation in DLT/OsGRAS-32 affecting gibberellin metabolism in rice.

Journal: Planta. 2010 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print] Label: Physiol Abstract: A dwarf mutant, dwarf 62 (d62), was isolated from rice cultivar 93-11 by mutagenesis with ?-rays.

Under normal growth conditions, the mutant had multiple abnormal phenotypes, such as dwarfism, wide and dark-green leaf blades, reduced tiller numbers, late and asynchronous heading, short roots, partial male sterility, etc. Genetic analysis indicated that the abnormal phenotypes were controlled by the recessive mutation of a single nuclear gene. Using molecular markers, the D62 gene was fine mapped in 131-kb region at the short arm of chromosome 6. Positional cloning of D62 gene revealed that it was the same locus as DLT/OsGRAS-32, which encodes a member of the GRAS family. In previous studies, the DLT/OsGRAS-32 is confirmed to play positive roles in brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Sequence analysis showed that the d62 carried a 2-bp deletion in ORF region of D62 gene which led to a loss-of-function mutation. The function of D62 gene was confirmed by complementation experiment. RT-PCR analysis and promoter activity analysis showed that the D62 gene expressed in all tested tissues including roots, stems, leaves and panicles of rice plant. The d62 mutant exhibited decreased activity of a-amylase in endosperm and reduced content of endogenous GA(1). The expression levels of gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic genes including OsCPS1, OsKS1, OsKO1, OsKAO, OsGA20ox2/SD1 and OsGA2ox3 were significantly increased in d62 mutant. Briefly, these results demonstrated that the D62 (DLT/OsGRAS-32) not only participated in the regulation of BR signaling, but also influenced GA metabolism in rice.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20830595 Author Address: Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Wei, Kabbage Mehdi, Dickman Martin B, Year: 2010 Title: * Transgenic expression of an insect inhibitor of apoptosis gene, SfIAP, confers abiotic and biotic stress tolerance and delays tomato fruit ripening.

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74, 5-6, 363-375.

Date: 2010/9// Label: ReEn FuRe Keywords: Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) Cytoprotection Disease tolerance Abiotic stress Abstract: SfIAP, an IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) family member from the insect Spodoptera frugiperda, was introduced into tobacco and tomato plants. Expression of SfIAP conferred tolerance to several abiotic stresses including heat, salt, and fumonisin B1 (FB1) as well as resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria alternata. In wild type tomato, these stresses induced DNA fragmentation and formation of apoptotic-like bodies prior to cell death. Transgenic expression of SfIAP inhibited these features and cell death did not occur.

In addition, tomato fruit ripening was delayed in plants harboring SfIAP. Expression of EIN3, a key transcription factor mediating ethylene responses, was suppressed in transgenic plants during fruit ripening and in response to fungal challenge. Treatment of transgenic plants with ethephon restored normal fruit ripening and disease susceptibility. The expression of ethylene-associated genes during the process of fruit ripening was blocked in SfIAP-expressing plants. The phenotypes associated with expression of SfIAP were not correlated with the expression of pathogenesis-related proteins. Taken together, these data suggest that the insect antiapoptotic gene SfIAP, has a conserved function that inhibits stress-induced cell death both in plants and animals.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPC-509W75K2/2/64310c34f209708c68eb82e40d6d30ea Author Address: a Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA b Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology, Texas A&M University, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, College Station, TX 77843, USA

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li WM, Y Tao, YX Yao, YJ Hao, CX You, Year: 2010 Title: * Ectopic over-expression of two apple Flowering Locus T homologues, MdFT1 and MdFT2, reduces juvenile phase in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Biologia Plantarum Volume 54, Number 4, 639-646, DOI: 10.1007/s10535-010-0114-z Label: Physiol Keywords: apple florigen - early flowering - RT-PCR Abstract: To get insight into mechanism by which apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) regulates flowering, two apple flowering locus T (FT) homologues, MdFT1 and MdFT2, were isolated from the leaf cDNAs of cultivar Gala. The open reading frames (ORFs) of two MdFTs encoded 174 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of MdFT1 and MdFT2 showed 94.3 % similarity to each other, while 72.6 and 76.0 % to AtFT protein, respectively. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR indicated their specific expression in leaves. Visualization of MdFT2-GFP fusion protein demonstrated its localization on membrane. Ectopic overexpression of either MdFT1 or MdFT2 in Arabidopsis significantly induced early flowering by activating the downstream flowering-related genes.

Notes: 45 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/88327024q777634g/ Author Address: State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology and College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong 271018, P.R. China South Subtropical Crop Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, Zhanjiang 524091, P.R. China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li Yonghong, Yanzi Zhang, Fengjuan Feng, Dong Liang, Lailiang Cheng, Fengwang Ma, Shouguo Shi, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of a Malus vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter gene (MdNHX1) in apple rootstock M.26 and its influence on salt tolerance.

Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Volume 102, Number 3, 337-345.

Label: ReEn Physiol Salin Keywords: Apple rootstock M.26 - Genetic transformation - Na+/H+ antiporter - MdNHX1 - Salt tolerance Abstract: Soil salinity is a major factor limiting apple production in some areas. Tonoplast Na+/H+ antiporters play a critical role in salt tolerance. Here, we isolated MdNHX1, a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter from Luo-2, a salt-tolerant rootstock of apple (Malus Ă&#x2014; domestica Borkh.), and introduced it into apple rootstock M.26 by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. PCR and DNA gel blot analyses confirmed successful integration of MdNHX1. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the gene was highly expressed in transgenic plants, but the degree of this expression varied among lines. Its overexpression conferred high tolerance to salt stress. Analysis of ion contents showed that, when exposed to salinity stress, the transgenics compartmentalized more Na+ in the roots and also maintained a relatively high K+/Na+ ratio in the leaves compared with non-transformed plants. Under normal conditions, however, amounts of potassium and sodium did not differ significantly between transgenic and control plants.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/x363307q16329201/ Author Address: (1) College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China (2) Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liang JingNa, Cheng ZhiHui Year: 2010 Title: ?? Genetic transformation of vacuole anti-invertase gene for tomato.

Journal: Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica 30, 7, 1316-1319.

Accession Number: CABI:20103242994 Label: Physiol Abstract: through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The results showed that the vacuolar anti-invertase gene was integrated into the genome of 5 transgenic plants confirmed by PCR and southern dot blotting analysis. The best transformation conditions are as follows: MS medium containing 1.5 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L IAA, 2 d precultured, infecting for 5 min with OD600 0.5 A. tumefaciens, and co-cultivating for 2 d. The activity of vacuolar invertase was decreased by expression of antisense fragment in tomato leaves. The gene transformed plants lay a foundation for the further research of the function of vacuolar invertase gene.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://20103242994 Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liang Q, Lu X, Jiang L, Wang C, Fan Y, Zhang C, Year: 2010 Title: * EMB1211 is required for normal embryo development and influences chloroplast biogenesis in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Physiologia Plantarum - Early View (Articles online in advance of print) Pages: no Abstract: Chloroplast biogenesis is tightly linked with embryogenesis and seedling development. A growing body of work has been done on the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast development; however, the molecular components involved in chloroplast biogenesis during embryogenesis remain largely uncharacterized. In this paper, we show that an Arabidopsis mutant carrying a T-DNA insertion in a gene encoding a multiple membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN)-containing protein exhibits severe defects during embryogenesis, producing abnormal embryos and thereby leading to a lethality of young seedlings. Genetic and microscopic studies reveal that the mutation is allelic to a previously designated Arabidopsis embryo-defective 1211 mutant (emb1211). The emb1211 +/∑ mutant plants produce approximately 25% of white-colored ovules with abnormal embryos since late globular stage when primary chloroplast biogenesis takes place, while the wild-type plants produce all green ovules. Transmission electron microscopic analysis reveals the absence of normal chloroplast development, both in the mutant embryos and in the mutant seedlings, that contributes to the albinism. The EMB1211 gene is preferentially expressed in developing embryos as revealed in the EMB1211::GUS transgenic plants. Taken together, the data indicate that EMB1211 has an important role during embryogenesis and chloroplast biogenesis in Arabidopsis.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.2010.01407.x Author Address: 1Department of Plant Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China 2Center of Metabolism and Signal Transduction, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China 3National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Beijing 100081, China 4School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Licausi F, Weits DA, Pant BD, Scheible W-R, Geigenberger P, Van Dongen JT, Year: 2010 Title: * Hypoxia responsive gene expression is mediated by various subsets of transcription factors and miRNAs that are determined by the actual oxygen availability.

Journal: New Phytologist Article first published online: 14 SEP 2010 Pages: no Label: ReEn Asphyxie Keywords: anoxia Arabidopsis hypoxia microRNA (miRNA) quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) transcription factor Abstract: * Reduced oxygen availability is not only associated with flooding, but occurs also during growth and development. It is largely unknown how hypoxia is perceived and what signaling cascade is involved in activating adaptive responses.

* We analysed the expression of over 1900 transcription factors (TFs) and 180 microRNA primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) in Arabidopsis roots exposed to different hypoxic conditions by means of quantitative PCR. We also analysed the promoters of genes induced by hypoxia with respect to over-represented DNA elements that can act as potential TF binding sites and their in vivo interaction was verified. * We identified various subsets of TFs that responded differentially through time and in an oxygen concentration-dependent manner. The regulatory potential of selected TFs and their predicted DNA binding elements was validated. Although the expression of pri-miRNAs was differentially regulated under hypoxia, only one corresponding mature miRNA changed accordingly. Putative target transcripts of the miRNAs were not significantly affected. * Our results show that the regulation of hypoxia-induced genes is controlled via simultaneous interaction of various combinations of TFs. Under anoxic conditions, an additional set of TFs is induced. Regulation of gene expression via miRNAs appears to play a minor role during hypoxia.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03451.x Author Address: 1) Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Energy Metabolism & Molecular Genomics Research Groups, Am Mühlenberg 1, D–14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany 2) Department Biologie I, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D–82152 Martinsried, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lin CY, Nie P, Lu W, Zhang Q, Li J, Shen ZC, Year: 2010 Title: * A selectively terminable transgenic rice line expressing human lactoferrin.

Journal: Protein Expression and Purification 74, 1, 60-64.

Accession Number: WOS:000281495100008 Label: Biopharming Abstract: Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a multifunctional milk protein which could be utilized for promoting human health. Transgenic rice has been used as a bioreactor for mass production of recombinant hLF. However, one major concern over such transgenic rice is the risk of its unintended spreading into environment and into our food supplies. Here we report the development of selectively terminable transgenic rice expressing human lactoferrin in seeds. These transgenic rice plants could be selectively terminated by bentazon, a common herbicide used for rice weed control. The hLF expression cassette was constructed into a T-DNA containing the RNA interference cassette suppressing the expression of the rice gene CYP81A6 which detoxifies herbicide bentazon, and the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EASPS) cassette which confers to glyphosate tolerance. A transgenic line, named as G281, was identified for its high sensitivity to bentazon, high tolerance to glyphosate, and high expression of hLF. Southern analysis suggested G281 is a single copy insertion event.

Field tests demonstrated that G281 plants can be completely killed by a single spray of bentazon at 1000 mg/L, which is safe to regular rice and represents only half of the dose recommended by manufacturer for rice field weed control. Therefore, any G281 contaminations in regular rice could be selectively terminated to make sure it will not enter food or feed supplies. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WPJ-4YYGH0K2&_user=4296857&_coverDate=11%2F30%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_s ort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1486893732&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000012518&_versi on=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=4296857&md5=b93689870c7a36f6d83277df2daadf87&searchtype=a Author Address: State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lin Yi-Hsien, Huang Hsiang-En, Wu Fang-Sheng, Ger Mang-Jye, Liao Pei-Luan, Chen Yen-Ru, Tzeng Kuo-Ching, Feng Teng-Yung, Year: 2010 Title: * Plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP) outside chloroplast in Arabidopsis enhances disease resistance against bacterial pathogens.

Journal: Plant Science 179, 5, 450-458.

Date: 2010/11// Label: BaRe Bioengineering

Keywords: Plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP) Chloroplast Subcellular localization Disease resistance Hypersensitive response (HR) Harpin Abstract: Protection of crops against bacterial disease is an important issue in agricultural production. One of the strategies to lead plants become resistant against bacterial pathogens is employing a transgene, like plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP). PFLP is a photosynthetic type ferredoxin isolated from sweet pepper and contains a signal peptide for targeting towards chloroplasts. Our previous reports indicated that transgenic plants with this protein are more resistant against bacterial pathogens. However, this heterologous protein was visualized not only inside the chloroplasts, but also in the cytoplasm. In this article, we moved to study its heterologous expression in Arabidopsis by expressing the protein in chloroplast, apoplast and cytoplasm. This work was achieved by engineering a chloroplast target (CPF), an apoplast target (ESF), and cytoplasm target (DF) plants. The expression and subcellular localization of PFLP were analyzed by Western blot and immunostaining by confocal microscopy, respectively. We tested the ability of the transgenic Arabidopsis for resistance to two Ralstonia solanacearum strains and their ability to increase the hypersensitive response (HR) triggered by harpin (HrpZ) from Pseudomonas syringae. The DF and ESF plants conferred resistance against bacterial wilt strains and increased HR by harpin, but no resistance found in the CPF plants. In addition, we determined the level of reduced ascorbate in all transgenic plants and further analyzed the expression of two NADPHoxidase genes (AtrbohD and AtrbohF) in ESF plant. Among the transgenic Arabidopsis plants, ESF plants confer the highest resistance to bacterial pathogens and followed by DF plants. We concluded that PFLP enhances disease resistance in Arabidopsis when expressed in the apoplast or in cytoplasm but not when targeted into the chloroplast. This study provides a strategy for molecular breeding to improve resistance of crops against bacterial pathogens.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TBH-50J4M6V2/2/d1aa075f96f99024a879b19ff7959fa8 Author Address: a Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan b Department of Life Science, National Taitung University, Taitung 684, Taiwan c Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA d Department of Life Science, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan e Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ling HY, Pelosi A, Walmsley AM, Year: 2010 Title: * Current status of plant-made vaccines for veterinary purposes.

Journal: Expert Review of Vaccines 9, 8, 971-982.

Date: Aug Accession Number: ISI:000281104800017 Label: Biopharming Keywords: mucosal delivery; plant vaccines; regulations; veterinary heat-labile enterotoxin; mouth-disease virus; structural protein vp1; toxin-b-subunit; transgenic tobacco chloroplasts; transient expression system; protective immune-response; influenza-a-virus; escherichia-coli; fusion protein Abstract: Interest is growing for the use of plant-made vaccines for veterinary purposes since the regulatory landscape still enables delivery of either crude extracts or minimally processed plant materials to animals for medicinal purposes. In this article, we highlight the current research directions taken with four diseases considered as important constraints to international trade in animals: avian influenza, Newcastle disease, footand-mouth disease and diarrheal disease caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. We also discuss appropriate plant production platforms with regards to plant species and transformation methodologies, possible areas of development, and the remaining challenges for plant-made vaccines for veterinary purposes.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 Cited Reference Count: 97 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281104800017 Author Address: Monash Univ, Sch Biol Sci, Clayton, Vic 3800, Australia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu ChenXi, Li YunHe, Gao YuLin, Ning ChangMing, Wu KongMing

Year: 2010 Title: * Cotton bollworm resistance to Bt transgenic cotton: A case analysis.

Secondary Title: SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences 53, 8, 934-941.

Publisher: Science China Press, co-published with Springer Volume: 53 Number: 8 Date: 2010-08-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1674-7305 Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences Abstract: Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is one of the most serious insect pests of cotton. Transgenic cotton expressing Cry toxins derived from a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has been produced to target this pest. Bt cotton has been widely planted around the world, and this has resulted in efficient control of bollworm populations with reduced use of synthetic insecticides. However, evolution of resistance by this pest threatens the continued success of Bt cotton. To date, no field populations of bollworm have evolved significant levels of resistance; however, several laboratory-selected Cry-resistant strains of H. armigera have been obtained, which suggests that bollworm has the capacity to evolve resistance to Bt. The development of resistance to Bt is of great concern, and there is a vast body of research in this area aimed at ensuring the continued success of Bt cotton. Here, we review studies on the evolution of Bt resistance in H. armigera, focusing on the biochemical and molecular basis of Bt resistance. We also discuss resistance management strategies, and monitoring programs implemented in China, Australia, and India.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11427-010-4045-x Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu Na, Ping Zhu, Chang Peng, Lingsheng Kang, Hongjun Gao, Nicholas J. Clarke and Jihong Liu Clarke Year: 2010 Title: * Effect on soil chemistry of genetically modified (GM) vs. non-GM maize.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 157 - 161 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12810.

Label: InRe HeTo ImpactEnvironnement Abstract: The effects of genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner Cry1Fa2 protein (Bt) and phosphinothricin or glyphosate herbicide tolerance on soil chemistry (organic matter, N, P, K and pH), compared with non-GM controls, were assessed in field and pot experiments.

In the field experiment, NH4+ was significantly higher in soil under the crop modified for herbicide tolerance compared to the control (mean values of 11 and 9.6 mg N/kg respectively) while P was significantly higher in soil under the control compared to under the GM crop (mean values of 6.9 and 6.4 dg P/kg, respectively). No significant differences were found as a result of growing Bt/herbicide tolerant maize. In the pot experiment, using soils from three sites (Gongzhuling, Dehui and Huadian), significant effects of using Bt maize instead of conventional maize were found for all three soils. In the Gongzhuling soil, P was significantly higher in soil under the control compared to under the GM crop (mean values of 4.8 and 4.0 dg P/kg, respectively). For the Dehui soil, the pH was significantly higher in soil under the control compared to under the GM crop (mean values for {H+} of 1.1 and 2.4 µM for the control and the GM crop respectively). In the Huadian soil, organic matter and total N were both higher in soil under the GM crop than under the control. For organic matter, the mean values were 3.0 and 2.9% for the GM crop and the control, respectively, while for total nitrogen the mean values were 2.02 and 1.96‰ for the GM crop and the control respectively. Our results indicate that growing GM crops instead of conventional crops may alter soil chemistry, but not greatly, and that effects will vary with both the specific genetic modification and the soil.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12810/ Author Address: Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, P.O. Box 115, N-1431 Ås, Norway Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, Høgskoleveien 7, N-1432 Ås, Norway XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Liu Pengcheng, Huang Chung-Huang, Feng Zhongchao, Zhou Deyi, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Consumer's choice on GM labeling: evidences from China.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China.

Label: Adoption Conso Keywords: foods GM labeling MNL model Abstract: With the development of the biotechnology, more and more GM foods enter the food chain of the mankind. What are the consumers‘ attitudes toward those foods? And what are their requirements for safety management derived from the emerging of those foods? By conducting a survey in Wuhan with a sample of 621 correspondents, the study collects the correspondents‘ attitudes on GM foods and expectations on safety managements for those foods, and analyses impacts of consumers‘ general preferences, specific perceptions on GM foods, and the special labeling usage behavior both on the attitudes formation in GM labeling and on the labeling choices using MNL models. The paper further proposes some suggestions in GM foods safety management based on the modeling results.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51807 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51807/2/574.pdf Author Address: Department of economics, Huazhong Agricultural Univeristy, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China 430070 Department of economics, Natioanl Tshinghua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, R.O.China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu Qian, Wang Junguo, Miki Daisuke, Xia Ran, Yu Wenxiang, He Junna, Zheng Zhimin, Zhu JianKang, Gong Zhizhong, Year: 2010 Title: * DNA Replication Factor C1 Mediates Genomic Stability and Transcriptional Gene Silencing in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2336-2352.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Genetic screening identified a suppressor of ros1-1, a mutant of REPRESSOR OF SILENCING1 (ROS1; encoding a DNA demethylation protein). The suppressor is a mutation in the gene encoding the largest subunit of replication factor C (RFC1). This mutation of RFC1 reactivates the unlinked 35S-NPTII transgene, which is silenced in ros1 and also increases expression of the pericentromeric Athila retrotransposons named transcriptional silent information in a DNA methylation-independent manner. rfc1 is more sensitive than the wild type to the DNA-damaging agent methylmethane sulphonate and to the DNA inter- and intra- crosslinking agent cisplatin. The rfc1 mutant constitutively expresses the G2/M-specific cyclin CycB1;1 and other DNA repair-related genes. Treatment with DNA-damaging agents mimics the rfc1 mutation in releasing the silenced 35S-NPTII, suggesting that spontaneously induced genomic instability caused by the rfc1 mutation might partially contribute to the released transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). The frequency of somatic homologous recombination is significantly increased in the rfc1 mutant. Interestingly, ros1 mutants show increased telomere length, but rfc1 mutants show decreased telomere length and reduced expression of telomerase. Our results suggest that RFC1 helps mediate genomic stability and TGS in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Notes: This work describes the identification of DNA replication factor C1 in regulating genomic integrity and transcriptional gene silencing in Arabidopsis. It provides further evidence supporting the importance of core DNA replication proteins in mediating genome stability, telomere maintenance, epigenetic regulation, DNA repair, and replication.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2336 Author Address: a State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China b Institute for Integrative Genome Biology and Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA c Center for Plant Stress Genomics and Technology, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

d China Agricultural Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;University of California, Riverside Center for Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing 100193, China e National Center for Plant Gene Research, Beijing 100193, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu Qing, Li Xinda, Wang Yumin, Sun Chunyu, Zhang Meiping, Wang Yi, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Studies on Transformation of F3H Gene Interfered by RNAi in Soybean.

Journal: BEIJING AGRICULTURE: 2010 (15) Label: Bioengineering Expression Composition Keywords: Keywords: RNA interference genetic transformation of soybean isoflavone Key words: RNAi interference Transformation isoflavone content of soybean F3H gene-positive transgenic plant genome pollen tube pathway hydroxylase gene integration vector mediated gene PCR detection of resistant plants was constructed vacuum transformation method flavanone Abstract: Using technology to build the interference under RNAi flavanone -3 - hydroxylase gene (F3H) carrier pF3Hi330, by vacuum assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method of soybean shoot tip and pollen tube pathway method pF3Hi330 vector integrated into the soybean genome in transgenic positive plants were 4, resistant plants were detected by PCR, initially indicated that the foreign gene has been integrated into the soybean genome. Meanwhile, the isoflavone content of transgenic positive plants were measured, showing a certain extent isoflavone content increased. The results show that the precursor of more branches of the flow of isoflavones way to achieve the purpose to improve the soybean isoflavone content.

URL: http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_beijny201015002.aspx Author Address: College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Changchun, 130118, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu Ruoxue; Lu, Beibei; Wang, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Chunling; Zhang, Shuping; Qian, Jun; Chen, Lei; Shi, Haojie; Dong, Hansong Year: 2010 Title: * Thirty-seven transcription factor genes differentially respond to a harpin protein and affect resistance to the green peach aphid in Arabidopsis.

Secondary Title: Journal of Biosciences 35, 3, 435-450.

Publisher: Springer India, in co-publication with Indian Academy of Sciences Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0250-5991 Label: InRe Physiol Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Arabidopsis - defence - ethylene - green peach aphid transcription factor Abstract: The harpin protein HrpNEa induces Arabidopsis resistance to the green peach aphid by activating the ethylene signalling pathway and by recruiting EIN2, an essential regulator of ethylene signalling, for a defence response in the plant. We investigated 37 ethylene-inducible Arabidopsis transcription factor genes for their effects on the activation of ethylene signalling and insect defence. Twenty-eight of the 37 genes responded to both ethylene and HrpNEa, and showed either increased or inhibited transcription, while 18 genes showed increased transcription not only by ethylene but also by HrpNEa. In response to HrpNEa, transcription levels of 22 genes increased, with AtMYB44 being the most inducible, six genes had decreased transcript levels, and nine remained unchanged. When Arabidopsis mutants previously generated by mutagenicity at the 37 genes were surveyed, 24 mutants were similar to the wild type plant while four mutants were more resistant and nine mutants were more susceptible than wild type to aphid infestation. Aphid-susceptible mutants showed a greater susceptibility for atmyb15, atmyb38 and atmyb44, which were generated previously by T-DNA insertion into the exon region of AtMYB15 and the promoter regions of AtMYB38 and AtMYB44. The atmyb44 mutant was the most susceptible to aphid infestation and most compromised in induced resistance. Resistance accompanied the expression of PDF1.2, an ethylene signalling marker gene that requires EIN2 for transcription in wild type but not in atmyb15, atmyb38, and atmyb44, suggesting a disruption of ethylene signalling in the mutants.

However, only atmyb44 incurred an abrogation in induced EIN2 expression, suggesting a close relationship between AtMYB44 and EIN2.

Notes: Supplementary table pertaining to this article is available on the Journal of Biosciences Website at http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci/sept2010/pp435-450/suppl.pdf URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12038-010-0049-8 Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: LIU Xiao-fei, LIANG Wei-hong Year: 2010 Title: ?? Effects of T20N Site-directed Mutation on GTPase Activities of OsRacD from Oryza sativa.

Journal: China Biotechnology 2010-01 Label: Physiol Keywords: OsRacD Site-directed mutagenesis Prokaryotic expression and purification GTPase activity Abstract: OsRacD belonging to rice Rho family of the small GTP binding proteins,is a pivotal gene involved in rice photoperiod fertility conversion of photoperiod sensitive genic male sterile rice,which influences rice fertility via controlling the pollen tube growth.T20N site-directed mutation was introduced into its highly conserved G1 motif by PCR-mediated method to mimic its GDP-binding state based on the sequences alignment and conserved domains analysis.The prokaryotic expression vector of OsRacD and T20N-OsRacD were constructed,and the His6 tag fused proteins were expressed and purified from E.coli.After identified by Western blot,the GTP hydrolysis activities were detected.The results showed that the GTPase activities of T20N-OsRacD were significantly reduced comparing with that of OsRacD,suggested that OsRacD and T20NOsRacD have different biochemical characteristics.

Author Address: College of Life Sciences,Henan Normal University,Xinxiang 453007,China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu XZ, Z Liu, YM Yang, HY Zhang, Year: 2010 Title: * Production of transgenic Pinus armandii plants harbouring btCryIII(A) gene.

Journal: Biologia Plantarum Volume 54, Number 4, 711-714, DOI: 10.1007/s10535-010-0126-8 Brief Communication Label: InRe Bioengineering Keywords: embryo - gene for insect resistance - Northern blot - PCR - Southern blot Abstract: A synthetic chimeric gene SbtCryIII(A) encoding the insecticidal protein btCryIII(A), was transformed into Pinus armandii embryos and embryogenic calli using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Polymerase chain reaction and genomic DNA Southern blot analysis showed that the SbtCryIII(A) gene was integrated into the genome of transgenic Pinus armandii plants, and Northern blot analysis indicated that the SbtCryIII(A) gene was transcribed.

Notes: 25 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/xp058k1x5543w448/ Author Address: Southwest Forestry University, White Dragon Temple, Kunming, Yunnan Province-650224, P.R. China Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT-84602, USA School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland-1142, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Liu YB, Wei W, Ma KP, Darmency H, Year: 2010 Title: * Backcrosses to Brassica napus of hybrids between B. juncea and B. napus as a source of herbicideresistant volunteer-like feral populations.

Journal: Plant Science 179, 5, 459-465.

Date: 2010/11//

Label: Dispersion Keywords: Feral crop population Mutant herbicide-resistant Introgression Pollen flow Seed production Oilseed rape Abstract: Introgression between genetically modified (GM) crops and wild relatives is considered to potentially modify the genetic background of the wild species. The emergence of volunteer-like feral populations through backcross of hybrids to the crop is also a concern. The progeny of spontaneous hybrids between mutant herbicide-resistant oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and wild B. juncea was obtained. Parents, F2 and BC1 to B. napus were planted together in the field so as to study their performance. The chromosome number of BC1 followed a Normal distribution. Mendelian ratio of the herbicide-resistance gene was found.

The F2 produced less seeds than B. napus, and BC1 had intermediate production. Herbicide-resistant BC1 were not different of their susceptible counterparts for plant weight, seed weight and seed number, but most of them exhibited B. napus morphology and larger flowers than the susceptible BC1. They displayed an important genetic variability allowing further adaptation and propagation of the herbicide-resistance gene. Pollen flow to susceptible plants within the mixed stand was observed. As a consequence, the resistant BC1 produced with B. napus pollen could frequently occur and easily establish as a false feral crop population within fields and along roadsides.

Research highlights > F2 and BC1 from herbicide-resistant wild Brassica juncea Ă&#x2014; B. napus were compared. > Backcrossing to the B. napus parent produced more seeds than to B. juncea. > Herbicide-resistant plants had higher plant weight, seed weight and seed number. > Crop-like progeny could probably spread more rapidly than introgressed wild plants.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TBH-50J4M6V1/2/905dc53358f42c07e09a726a5d2a69fb Author Address: a INRA, UMR 1210, Biologie et Gestion des Adventices, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 17 rue Sully, Dijon BP 86510, 21065, France b National Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, 20 Nanxincun, Beijing 100093, PR China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Li-Wei Ho, Ting-Ting Yang, Shyan-Shu Shieh, Gerald E Edwards, Hungchen E Yen, Year: 2010 Title: * Reduced expression of a vesicle trafficking-related ATPase SKD1 decreases salt tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Functional Plant Biology 37(10) 962â&#x20AC;&#x201C;973 doi:10.1071/FP10049 Keywords: Arabidopsis, auxin transport, saline stress, SKD1, protein trafficking.

Abstract: In this study we present the functional characterisation of SKD1 (suppressor of K+ transport growth defect) in salt tolerance of higher plants. SKD1 participates in endosome-mediated protein sorting and expression of SKD1 is salt-induced in Na+ storage cells of halophyte ice plant. Transgenic Arabidopsis with reduced SKD1 expression were generated by expressing AtSKD1 in antisense orientation. Relative root growth rate of antisense seedlings was slower than that of wild-type seedlings under salt treatment. The Na+/K+ ratio doubled in the antisense seedlings compared with the wild-type seedlings indicating a loss in Na+/K+ homeostasis. The PSII activity dropped following one week of salt-stress in antisense plants whereas wild-type plants maintained normal activity. Upon germination, transgenic seedlings developed multiple roots where each root had lower density of lateral roots. Application of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid restored the ability of transgenic seedlings to form lateral roots. Expression profiling analyses revealed that expressions of one stress-related kinase, several salt-induced transcription factors and one auxin efflux transporter were altered in antisense seedlings. With decreased expression of SKD1, plants experience a reduced salinity response and altered root development indicating the importance of intracellular vesicular trafficking in both auxin-mediated plant growth and in maintaining ion homeostasis under salt stress.

URL: http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/102/paper/FP10049.htm Author Address: A) Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.

B) School of Biological Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Loganathan R, Balasubramanian R, Mani K, Gurunathan S, Year: 2009 Title: * Productivity and Profitability Impact of Genetically Modified Crops - An Economic Analysis of Bt Cotton Cultivation in Tamil Nadu.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Research Review>Volume 22, 331-340, Conference Number, 2009 Label: InRe Survey Adoption Rendement ImpactPesticide RavageurSecond Socioeconomic Abstract: Cotton production in India is at cross roads for the past few years. Till recently it was the hybrid that was at the focus but the era of genetically modified cotton has arrived. There has been lot of hue and cry regarding the commercialization of Bt cotton in India since Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has approved the use of Bt cotton seeds. This study has analysed the economic impact of biotechnologically engineered cotton cultivation in Tamil Nadu and the factors affecting the adoption of Bt cotton varieties. The study is based on a sample size of 76 Bt cotton farmers and 44 non-Bt cotton farmers from Salem and Perambalur districts. The results have indicated that only about one-third of the non-Bt cotton farmers are not aware about Bt cotton. Higher yield and higher profitability and lower pest problems have been cited as the important factors behind preference for Bt cotton. The less number of pesticide sprays in Bt cotton is likely to have lot of environmental and health benefits to both farmers and labourers. However, high cost of seeds and incidence of pests and diseases other than bollworm have been reported to be the major bottlenecks in Bt cotton cultivation. The study has made some suggestions to disseminate Bt cotton technology on a wider scale.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/57472 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/57472/2/1-Loganathan.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Economics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Londo JP, Bautista NS, Sagers CL, Lee EH, Watrud LS, Year: 2010 Title: * Glyphosate drift promotes changes in fitness and transgene gene flow in canola (Brassica napus) and hybrids.

Journal: Ann Bot. 2010 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print], Label: HeTo Dispersion Abstract: Background and Aims With the advent of transgenic crops, genetically modified, herbicide-resistant Brassica napus has become a model system for examining the risks and potential ecological consequences of escape of transgenes from cultivation into wild compatible species. Escaped transgenic feral B. napus and hybrids with compatible weedy species have been identified outside of agriculture and without the apparent selection for herbicide resistance. However, herbicide (glyphosate) exposure can extend beyond crop field boundaries, and a drift-level of herbicide could function as a selective agent contributing to increased persistence of transgenes in the environment. Methods The effects of a drift level (0·1 × the field application rate) of glyphosate herbicide and varied levels of plant competition were examined on plant fitness-associated traits and gene flow in a simulated field plot, common garden experiment. Plants included transgenic, glyphosate-resistant B. napus, its weedy ancestor B. rapa, and hybrid and advanced generations derived from them. Key Results The results of this experiment demonstrate reductions in reproductive fitness for nontransgenic genotypes and a contrasting increase in plant fitness for transgenic genotypes as a result of glyphosate-drift treatments. Results also suggest that a drift level of glyphosate spray may influence the movement of transgenes among transgenic crops and weeds and alter the processes of hybridization and introgression in non-agronomic habitats by impacting flowering phenology and pollen availability within the community. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate the potential for persistence of glyphosate resistance transgenes in weedy plant communities due to the effect of glyphosate spray drift on plant fitness.

Additionally, glyphosate drift has the potential to change the gene-flow dynamics between compatible transgenic crops and weeds, simultaneously reducing direct introgression into weedy species while contributing to an increase in the transgenic seed bank.

Author Address: National Research Council Associate, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Long Terri A, Tsukagoshi Hironaka, Busch Wolfgang, Lahner Brett, Salt David E, Benfey Philip N,

Year: 2010 Title: * The bHLH Transcription Factor POPEYE Regulates Response to Iron Deficiency in Arabidopsis Roots.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2219-2236.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Abstract: Global population increases and climate change underscore the need for better comprehension of how plants acquire and process nutrients such as iron. Using cell type-specific transcriptional profiling, we identified a pericycle-specific iron deficiency response and a bHLH transcription factor, POPEYE (PYE), that may play an important role in this response. Functional analysis of PYE suggests that it positively regulates growth and development under iron-deficient conditions. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis and transcriptional profiling reveal that PYE helps maintain iron homeostasis by regulating the expression of known iron homeostasis genes and other genes involved in transcription, development, and stress response. PYE interacts with PYE homologs, including IAA-Leu Resistant3 (ILR3), another bHLH transcription factor that is involved in metal ion homeostasis. Moreover, ILR3 interacts with a third protein, BRUTUS (BTS), a putative E3 ligase protein, with metal ion binding and DNA binding domains, which negatively regulates the response to iron deficiency. PYE and BTS expression is also tightly coregulated. We propose that interactions among PYE, PYE homologs, and BTS are important for maintaining iron homeostasis under low iron conditions.

Notes: Iron deficiency induces a range of physiological responses that are controlled by transcriptional alterations concentrated in the root pericycle. The transcriptional regulator POPEYE regulates many of these responses possibly through interaction with iron deficiency response protein ILR3 and the putative E3 ligase protein BRUTUS. URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2219 Author Address: a Department of Biology and Institute for Genome Science and Policy Center for Systems Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708 USA b Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 c Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lu Changming Year: 2010 Title: * The first approved transgenic rice in China.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 113 - 115 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12377 Label: InRe Adoption Abstract: The approval for commercializing the pest resistant transgenic rice in 2009 is a landmark decision in the history of China. A comprehensive overview on the approved rice strains in relevance to their development, molecular characterization, agronomic benefits, and biosafety assessment is discussed within this review. ===================================== Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Ministry of Agriculture granted safety certificates in August 2009 to two transgenic varieties of rice and one transgenic maize for commercialization (Table 1). The safety certificates granted for these three strains are valid from August 2009 to August 2014. During this time, the approved rice and maize varieties are to be commercially planted in the Hubei and Shandong provinces, respectively.

As the first transgenic food crop approved in China, many people are showing their concerns over commercializing these varieties in China. However, little information is available to the public regarding both the pest resistant rice Huahui No.1 and the Bt Shanyou 63. This review is an attempt to clarify the development, molecular characterization, welfare potentials and biosafety issues regarding these two genetically modified rice lines.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/02LuGMC1-3.pdf Author Address: Key Laboratory of Oil Crop Biology of Ministry of Agriculture, Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Lu QS, Dela Paz J, Pathmanathan A, Chiu RS, Tsai AY-L, Gazzarrini S, Year: 2010 Title: * The C-terminal domain of FUSCA3 negatively regulates mRNA and protein levels, and mediates sensitivity to the hormones abscisic acid and gibberellic acid in Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 100-113.

Label: Physiol Keywords: seed development hormones abscisic acid gibberellic acid GFP proteasome protein degradation mRNA Abstract: Summary The transcription factor FUSCA3 (FUS3) controls the transition from the embryonic to the vegetative phase of development by regulating abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) levels in Arabidopsis thaliana. In a feedback loop, FUS3 accumulation is negatively and positively regulated by GA and ABA, respectively, by an uncharacterized mechanism. Here, we use a FUS3-GFP construct to show that the level of the FUS3 protein decreases dramatically during mid to late embryogenesis, whereas its mRNA is present at a high level. Deletion studies identify a C-terminal domain (CTD) that negatively regulates mRNA and protein levels, and mediates sensitivity to ABA and GA. Indeed, a CTD-truncated FUS3 variant accumulates at high level, and is insensitive to the destabilizing and stabilizing effects of GA and ABA, respectively. In contrast, fusion of various fragments of the CTD with GFP is sufficient to greatly reduce GFP fluorescence. The GFP-CTD fluorescence can be increased by ABA and paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis. Cell-free degradation assays show that FUS3 is a short-lived protein. FUS3 degradation follows the 26S proteasome inĂ&#x201A; vitro and inĂ&#x201A; vivo, and the CTD affects its degradation rate. In contrast to the native form, the CTD-truncated FUS3 is unable to fully rescue the fus3-3 mutant, and is thus required for FUS3 function. In conclusion, this study identifies a CTD that maintains low levels of FUS3 during embryogenesis and early germination, and is required for normal FUS3 function and sensitivity to ABA and GA. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04307.x Author Address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, Canada M1C 1A4 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lu Shanfa, Laigeng Li and Gongke Zhou Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic modification of wood quality for second-generation biofuel production.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: Bioengineering Biofuel Review Abstract: How the abundant tree biomass resources can be efficiently used for future biofuel production has attracted a great deal of interest and discussion in the past few years. Capable technologies are expected to be developed to realize the production of biofuel from wood biomass. A significant effort is put into the field of modifying wood properties of trees and simplifying the process of biomass-to-ethanol conversion, which includes mainly genetic engineering of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose of woods. Current research in this field has achieved some promising results and opened up new opportunities to utilize wood biomass efficiently.

This review will discuss the main developments in genetic modification of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis in trees as well as other potential genetic technology of biofuel production from wood biomass.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13486/ Author Address: Medicinal Plant Cultivation Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China Bioresources Center, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lu ZhenQiang, Liu DaLi, Liu ShenKui, Year: 2010 Title: * Elevated salt tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants expressing cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase genes from rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Journal: Bulletin of Botanical Research 30, 4, 448-454.

Accession Number: CABI:20103234572 Label: ReEn Salin Keywords: cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase(cAPX) carbonate rice(Oryza sativa L.) salt tolerance transgenic tobacco(Nictiana tabacum N.plum) Abstract: To identify cell salt tolerant ability generated by cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (cAPX) from rice(Oryza sativa L.),two encoding genes,OsAPXa and OsAPXb(GenBank accession nos. D45423 and AB053297,respectively) were introduced into tobacco(Nictiana tabacum,N.plum),respectively. Southern blot confirmed that the two genes were integrated into genome of N.tabacum,respectively. Moreover,Northern blot further revealed that foreign genes effectively expressed in vitro. OsAPXa/b transgenic N.tabacum progeny T1,T2 generation were identified and assayed further. Under the carbonate stress,the T2 independent homozygous transgenic lines showed the elevated activity of APX,the lower H2O2,and the lower ion leakage than that in wild type plants. Surprisingly,T2 generation seedlings could survive on MS medium containing either 10mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 or 5mmol·L-1 Na2CO3,just along with the retarded growth of root and yellowish leaf,whereas the wild type plants even could not grow under lower carbonate stress. Our results suggested that transgenic tobacco expressing cytosolic OsAPXs improved cell salt tolerance; both cytosolic OsAPXs played the crucial roles,especially in response to carbonate stress response.

URL: http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-MBZW201004013.htm Author Address: 1.Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,College of Life Sciences,Heilongjiang University,Harbin 150080; China 2.Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding,Academy of Crop Sciences,Heilongjiang University,Harbin 150080; 3.Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology,the Ministry of Education of China,Northeast Forestry University,Harbin 150040; 4.Alkali Soil Natural Environmental Science Center(ASNESC),Northeast Forestry University,Harbin 150040) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lumbreras V, Vilela B, Irar S, Solé M, Capellades M, Valls M, Coca M, Pagè M, Year: 2010 Title: * MAPK phosphatase MKP2 mediates disease responses in Arabidopsis and functionally interacts with MPK3 and MPK6.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 1017-1030.

Label: DisRe ReEn Physiol Keywords: Botrytis cinerea mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MPK3) mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MPK6) oxidative stress Ralstonia solanacearum Abstract: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have important functions in plant stress responses and development and are key players in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling and in innate immunity. In Arabidopsis, the transmission of ROS and pathogen signalling by MAPKs involves the coordinated activation of MPK6 and MPK3; however, the specificity of their negative regulation by phosphatases is not fully known. Here, we present genetic analyses showing that MAPK phosphatase 2 (MKP2) regulates oxidative stress and pathogen defence responses and functionally interacts with MPK3 and MPK6.

We show that plants lacking a functional MKP2 gene exhibit delayed wilting symptoms in response to Ralstonia solanacearum and, by contrast, acceleration of disease progression during Botrytis cinerea infection, suggesting that this phosphatase plays differential functions in biotrophic versus necrotrophic pathogen-induced responses. MKP2 function appears to be linked to MPK3 and MPK6 regulation, as indicated by BiFC experiments showing that MKP2 associates with MPK3 and MPK6 in vivo and that in response to fungal elicitors MKP2 exerts differential affinity versus both kinases. We also found that MKP2 interacts with MPK6 in HR-like responses triggered by fungal elicitors, suggesting that MPK3 and MPK6 are subject to differential regulation by MKP2 in this process. We propose that MKP2 is a key regulator of MPK3 and MPK6 networks controlling both abiotic and specific pathogen responses in plants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04297.x Author Address: 1Departamento de Genética Molecular, CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB), 18–26 Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain

2Departament de Genètica Molecular, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645 annex 2n pis, 08028 Barcelona, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Lütken Henrik, Lloyd James, Glaring Mikkel, Baunsgaard Lone, Laursen Kristian, Haldrup Anna, Kossmann Jens, Blennow Andreas, Year: 2010 Title: * Repression of both isoforms of disproportionating enzyme leads to higher malto-oligosaccharide content and reduced growth in potato.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1127-1139.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: Composition Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Disproportionating enzyme 1 - Disproportionating enzyme 2 Malto-oligosaccharides - Photosystem - Potato - Starch Abstract: Two glucanotransferases, disproportionating enzyme 1 (StDPE1) and disproportionating enzyme 2 (StDPE2), were repressed using RNA interference technology in potato, leading to plants repressed in either isoform individually, or both simultaneously. This is the first detailed report of their combined repression.

Plants lacking StDPE1 accumulated slightly more starch in their leaves than control plants and high levels of maltotriose, while those lacking StDPE2 contained maltose and large amounts of starch. Plants repressed in both isoforms accumulated similar amounts of starch to those lacking StDPE2. In addition, they contained a range of malto-oligosaccharides from maltose to maltoheptaose. Plants repressed in both isoforms had chlorotic leaves and did not grow as well as either the controls or lines where only one of the isoforms was repressed.

Examination of photosynthetic parameters suggested that this was most likely due to a decrease in carbon assimilation. The subcellular localisation of StDPE2 was re-addressed in parallel with DPE2 from Arabidopsis thaliana by transient expression of yellow fluorescent protein fusions in tobacco. No translocation to the chloroplasts was observed for any of the fusion proteins, supporting a cytosolic role of the StDPE2 enzyme in leaf starch metabolism, as has been observed for Arabidopsis DPE2. It is concluded that StDPE1 and StDPE2 have individual essential roles in starch metabolism in potato and consequently repression of these disables regulation of leaf malto-oligosaccharides, starch content and photosynthetic activity and thereby plant growth possibly by a negative feedback mechanism.

Notes: 51 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1245-3 Author Address: (1) VKR Research Centre Pro-Active Plants, Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark (2) Plant Research Department, Risø National Laboratory, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark (3) Crop Sciences, Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Alle 9, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark (4) Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, 7602 Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa (5) Plant and Soil Science, Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: MA F, LIU Z, WANG T-W, HOPKINS MT, PETERSON CA, THOMPSON JE, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis eIF5A3 influences growth and the response to osmotic and nutrient stress.

Journal: Plant, Cell & Environment 33, 10, 1682-1696.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Confocal fertilizer GFP poplar tomato Abstract: ABSTRACT AteIF5A3, one of three genes encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in Arabidopsis thaliana, and corresponding genes PdeIF5A3 from Populus deltoides (eastern

cottonwood) and SleIF5A4 from Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) were constitutively over-expressed in A. thaliana. The resultant transgenic plants exhibited enhanced vegetative and reproductive growth. Indeed, the increase in seed yield relative to empty vector controls for the PdeIF5A3 over-expressing plants ranged from 50% to 300% depending on the line. The PdeIF5A3 over-expressing plants also exhibited enhanced fitness when exposed to osmotic and nutrient (N, P and K) stress. The spatial localization of AteIF5A3 was visualized by confocal microscopy using transgenic plants expressing PAteIF5A3:GFP-AteIF5A3. GFP fluorescence reflecting expression of AteIF5A3 was detectable in the phloem, particularly companion cells, of roots, stems and leaves, in the epidermal cells of the root tip, in the columella cells of the root cap and in the chalazal tissue of fertilized ovules, which all play a pivotal role in nutrient or hormone translocation. Thus, AteIF5A3 appears to be involved in supporting growth and to play a regulatory role in the response of plants to sub-lethal osmotic and nutrient stress.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.2010.02173.x Author Address: Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Magnier Alexandre, Konduru Srini, Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Market and Welfare Effects of Trade Disruptions from Unapproved Biotech Crops.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2009 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Label: Adoption Socioeconomic Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) crops have been largely adopted in major exporting countries thereby representing a dominant share of a few key agricultural commodities that are traded in international markets.

Regulatory reviews and approvals for the cultivation and marketing of GM crops, however, are country-specific and significant discrepancies in the amount of time required to review and approve new GM crops between importing and exporting countries has led to ―asynchronous approvals‖. Trade disruptions created by asynchronous approvals of GM crops are expected and can quickly deteriorate into effective trade bans because perfect segregation between approved and unapproved GM crops is difficult. The issues we examine in this paper are the potential market and welfare impacts from trade disruptions that might be caused by asynchronous regulatory approvals of new GM crops. We develop a trade model consisting of two composite importing countries and one exporting country. We first derive a baseline equilibrium where no unapproved events exists.

When then derive a second equilibrium so that the market and welfare impacts of asynchronous approval on consumers and producers in each composite country can be analyze and discussed. We found that asynchronous approvals tend to increase prices, reduce consumer surplus and increase profits of producers of identity preserved commodities in all countries. However, we found that the aggregate quantities consumed and the profits of commodity producers are depend on the relative size of the export market in the countries where event are not approved.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/49592 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/49592/2/MSKTradeDis613331.pdf Author Address: University of Columbia-Missouri USA California State University, Fresno University of Columbia-Missouri XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Maheswari M., Y. Varalaxmi, A. Vijayalakshmi, S. K. Yadav, P. Sharmila, B. Venkateswarlu, M. Vanaja & P. Pardha Saradhi Year: 2010 Title: * Metabolic engineering using mtlD gene enhances tolerance to water deficit and salinity in sorghum.

Journal: Biologia Plantarum Volume 54, Number 4, 647-652, Label: ReEn Secheresse Salin Keywords: biolistics - mannitol - mtlD gene - Sorghum bicolor - transformation Abstract: Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. SPV462 was transformed with the mtlD gene encoding for mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase from E. coli with an aim to enhance tolerance to water deficit and NaCl stress. Transgene (pCAM mtlD) integration and expression were successfully confirmed by PCR, Southern,

RT-PCR and Western analysis. Segregation analysis based on germination of T0 seed on hygromycinsupplemented medium revealed an expected Mendelian ratio 3:1 in lines 5, 72 and 75. Retention of leaf water content was remarkably higher in transgenic leaf segments when exposed to polyethylene glycol 8000 (-2.0 MPa), as compared to the untransformed controls. Another significant finding is that the transgenics maintained a 1.7 to 2.8 fold higher shoot and root growth, respectively, under NaCl stress (200 mM) when compared to untransformed controls. These results demonstrate that engineering mannitol biosynthetic pathway into sorghum can impart enhanced tolerance to water deficit and salinity.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/p0113712269658r0/ Author Address: Division of Crop Sciences, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Santoshnagar, Hyderabad-500059, India Department of Environmental Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110007, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mamy Laure, Gabrielle BenoĂŽt, Barriuso Enrique, Year: 2010 Title: *Comparative environmental impacts of glyphosate and conventional herbicides when used with glyphosate-tolerant and non-tolerant crops* Journal: Environmental Pollution 158, 10, 3172-3178.

Date: 2010/10// Label: HeTo ImpactBiol Keywords: Herbicide Metabolite Impact PRZM USES Abstract: The impacts of herbicide applications on glyphosate-tolerant crops could be higher than expected due to the accumulation of a metabolite of glyphosate in soils.

The introduction of glyphosate-tolerant (GT) crops is expected to mitigate the environmental contamination by herbicides because glyphosate is less persistent and toxic than the herbicides used on non-GT crops. Here, we compared the environmental balances of herbicide applications for both crop types in three French field trials.

The dynamic of herbicides and their metabolites in soil, groundwater and air was simulated with PRZM model and compared to field measurements. The associated impacts were aggregated with toxicity potentials calculated with the fate and exposure model USES for several environmental endpoints. The impacts of GT systems were lower than those of non-GT systems, but the accumulation in soils of one glyphosate metabolite (aminomethylphosphonic acid) questions the sustainability of GT systems. The magnitude of the impacts depends on the rates and frequency of glyphosate application being highest for GT maize monoculture and lowest for combination of GT oilseed rape and non-GT sugarbeet crops.

Notes: Herbicide; Metabolite; Impact; PRZM; USES URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VB5-50RFMY91/2/e400e60c97f8630b62a667d55d4d195c Author Address: INRA-AgroParisTech, UMR 1091 Environnement et Grandes Cultures, 78850 ThivervalGrignon, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Manjunatha TM Year: 2010 Title: * Biotechnology for Sustainable Crop Production and Protection: Challenges and Opportunities. (Lead Paper) Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 1(4): 357-359 (July 2010).

Label: Review Keywords: Genetically modified crops, adoption, benefits Abstract: In 2009, transgenic crops were grown on 134 million hectares in 25 countries, including India, in six continents by about 14 million farmers, marking an 80-fold increase in the area since their first commercialization on 1.7 m ha in the USA and five other countries in 1996. The dominant transgenic traits were herbicide tolerance and insect resistance, deployed either alone or both stacked in the same plant. A recent survey of the global impact of biotech crops estimated that in 2008 alone, the total crop production gain globally for the 4 principal biotech crops - maize, soybean, cotton and

canola - was 29.6 million metric tons while the net economic benefit to the biotech farmers was US$ 9.2 billion.

The cumulative benefits for the period 19962008 were yield gains of 167 million tons and economic returns of US$ 51.9 billion. In India, the area planted with Bt-cotton increased significantly from year to year since its introduction in 2002 and reached 8.4 million hectares in 2009. The overall benefits from Bt-cotton included an yield increase of up to 63% due to effective control of bollworms, pesticide reduction by 50%, net profit to farmers up to Rs.10,000/hectare and turned India from an importer to a major exporter of cotton. These indicate that biotechnology has made significant contributions to higher productivity, lower costs of production and increased economic benefits and that it has enormous potential for the future with new traits, events and crops. Over 60 countries, including India, are engaged in research on about 55 crop species to incorporate transgenes to bestow various traits such as resistance to pests, diseases or herbicides; tolerance to environmental stresses like drought, cold or salinity; enhanced crop yields, nutrition or shelf-life, etc. However, unreasonable opposition to biotechnology and undue delays in regulatory approvals are some of the major challenges that need to be addressed so as to make full use of this technology which has the potential to revolutionize agriculture.

URL: http://7163212528993603940-a-1802744773732722657-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/ejpb10/vol-1-43/Vol-1-4-357-359.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crCIeOPpz5t0WIryTQeN0AfNPEZX201nubFoKiCF8cqj6mDSbBzshZjYts4UrmkVHgM0V2VAsi0tu9POQKXHw7q8UzXlz6igSEh_B3B8BUf4x6NITqm_NpNG32gTOoC9yCcTIVNL ZPSWOpLBVuDZelPliSMAUdcz7g3pbwVrjgEeimpK4w3M2NcZsdp8RbeabW8ONkpQrDo9wsTDvt73S3rm mjw%3D%3D&attredirects=0 Author Address: Agri-Biotechnology & Integrated Pest Management. Fmr Director, Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore - 560 092. India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mankesh Kumar, Basha PO, Anju Puri, Deepak Rajpurohit, Randhawa GS, Sharma TR, Dhaliwal HS, Year: 2010 Title: * A candidate gene OsAPC6 of anaphase-promoting complex of rice identified through T-DNA insertion.

Journal: Functional & Integrative Genomics 10, 3.

Accession Number: CABI:20103256536 Label: Physiol Keywords: amino acids; anaphase; crosses; cultivars; gene expression; genes; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; gibberellic acid; hybridization; mutants; nucleotide sequences; panicles; plant growth regulators; plant height; rice; RNA; roots; seed germination; seed size; seeds; shoots; T-DNA; transgenic plants; transposable elements; wild relatives; Agrobacterium; Agrobacterium tumefaciens; bacterium; cultivated varieties; DNA insertion elements; DNA sequences; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; insertion elements; insertion sequences; mobile genetic elements; mobile sequences; paddy; plant growth substances; plant hormones; ribonucleic acid; transposons Abstract: A dwarf mutant (Oryza sativa anaphase-promoting complex 6 (OsAPC6)) of rice cultivar Basmati 370 with 50% reduced plant height as compared to the wild type was isolated by Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation using HmR exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3) application. Homozygous mutant plants showed incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity for plant height and pleiotropic effects including gibberellic acid insensitivity, reduced seed size, panicle length, and female fertility. Single copy insertion of TDNA and its association with OsAPC6 was confirmed by Southern hybridization, germination on hygromycin, and 3:1 segregation of HPT gene in F2 from OsAPC6 * Basmati 370 cross. The T-DNA flanking region sequenced through thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction showed a single hit on chromosome 3 of japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare in the second exonic region of a gene which encodes for sixth subunit of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. The candidate gene of 8.6-kb length encodes a 728amino acid protein containing a conserved tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain and has only a paralog, isopenicillin N-synthase family protein on the same chromosome without the TPR domain. There was no expression of the gene in the mutant while in Basmati 370, it was equal in both roots and shoots. The knockout mutant OsAPC6 interferes with the gibberellic acid signaling pathway leading to reduced height and cell size probably through ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Further functional validation of the gene through RNAi is in progress.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 50 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103256536

Author Address: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247 667, Uttarakhand, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Marti L, Stefano G, Tamura K, Hawes C, Renna L, Held MA, Brandizzi F, Year: 2010 Title: * A missense mutation in the vacuolar protein GOLD36 causes organizational defects in the ER and aberrant protein trafficking in the plant secretory pathway.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 901-913.

Label: Physiol Keywords: endoplasmic reticulum integrity Golgi apparatus protein traffic Abstract: Summary A central question in cell biology is how the identity of organelles is established and maintained. Here, we report on GOLD36, an EMS mutant identified through a screen for partial displacement of the Golgi marker, ST-GFP, to other organelles. GOLD36 showed partial distribution of ST-GFP into a modified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network, which formed bulges and large skein-like structures entangling Golgi stacks. GOLD36 showed defects in ER protein export as evidenced by our observations that, besides the partial retention of Golgi markers in the ER, the trafficking of a soluble bulk-flow marker to the cell surface was also compromised. Using a combination of classical mapping and next-generation DNA sequencing approaches, we linked the mutant phenotype to a missense mutation of a proline residue in position 80 to a leucine residue in a small endomembrane protein encoded by the gold36 locus (At1g54030). Subcellular localization analyses indicated that GOLD36 is a vacuolar protein and that its mutated form is retained in the ER. Interestingly also, a gold36 knock-out mutant mirrored the GOLD36 subcellular phenotype. These data indicate that GOLD36 is a protein destined to post-ER compartments and suggest that its export from the ER is a requirement to ensure steady-state maintenance of the organelle’s organization and functional activity in relation to other secretory compartments. We speculate that GOLD36 may be a factor that is necessary for ER integrity because of its ability to limit deleterious effects of other secretory proteins on the ER. Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04296.x Author Address: 1Michigan State University-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA 2Department of Botany, Graduate School of Science, Emphasis Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Emphasis Kyoto 606–8502, Japan 3School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Marvier M Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Meta-analysis of the effects of Bt crops on non-target organisms Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: With at least two decades of fi eld experiments and over a decade of commercial experience, a great deal is now known about the risks - or lack of risks - for genetically-modifi ed Bt crops. Unfortunately, risk analyses generally neglect the wealth of accumulated data, although they may call upon ―experience‖ in an anecdotal manner. Moreover, individual risk assessment studies typically are poorly replicated and thus have low statistical power. The weak power of these studies means that a fi nding of no signifi cant effect is not very convincing. However, by combining multiple studies that address a common research question via metaanalysis, a more reassuring picture can emerge.

To facilitate such meta-analyses, we assembled a global database summarizing experimental assessments of non-target effects of Bt crops. This was accomplished by drawing on the risk assessment studies that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received, as well as studies published in the peer-reviewed literature. The database includes information from both laboratory and fi eld studies of Bt cotton, eggplant,

maize, canola, potato, rice, and tobacco. In order to be included in the database, a study had to meet a number of criteria. Specifi cally, studies had to: 1. involve a fi eld crop genetically transformed to express one or more cry genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis; 2. measure effects of the transformed crop or its gene product for one or more groups of non-target invertebrates; 3. include a comparison to a non-transgenic control or a range of exposure levels to the transgenic plant or plant products (e.g. pollen); and 4. be written in English.

For each study, we recorded information about the Bt crop, the nontarget organism, and the control treatment.

We also recorded study location, plot sizes, study duration, sampling method, and other methodological details.

We then applied meta-analytical techniques to summarize the weight of evidence regarding the non-target risks of Bt crops.

Results A meta-analysis of 42 field experiments indicated that nontarget invertebrates are generally more abundant in Bt cotton and Bt maize fi elds than in nontransgenic fi elds managed with insecticides. However, in comparison with insecticide-free control fields, certain nontarget taxa are less abundant in Bt fi elds. A separate metaanalysis of 25 laboratory studies found that Bt Cry proteins do not negatively affect the survival of honey bee larvae or adults. A third meta-analysis of fi eld studies comparing the abundance of predators, parasitoids, omnivores, detritivores and herbivores in Bt crops to their non-transgenic counterparts found that predators were negatively affected in Bt cotton compared to unsprayed non-Bt controls, and that this effect was driven by reductions in two predaceous families. In addition, fewer parasitoids were observed in Bt maize fi elds compared to unsprayed non-Bt controls, but this pattern was driven entirely by expected reductions in a specialist parasitoid of the main target pest of Bt maize. Otherwise, Bt fi elds generally had abundances of nontarget arthropods similar to those found in unsprayed control fi elds.

Discussion There is much discussion about all the experience and trials and tests that have been done to assess the safety of genetically modified crops, but there is no single place for concerned citizens or even scientists to turn to in order to see if they are themselves convinced by the accumulated evidence. We believe that creating large openaccess databases that include data from all relevant risk assessment studies is the future of risk assessment.

With such databases at hand, the power of meta-analysis and of a global community of scientists can be turned loose.

Meta-analyses have the potential to move the debate about the safety of genetically modifi ed crops beyond a situation in which competing sides argue that ―study X shows this‖ only to be countered with ―yes, but studies y and z show the opposite.‖ Indeed, no single study should, by itself, be taken too seriously until other studies have confi rmed the fi ndings. Yet there are so many scientists doing so many different experiments and risk assessments that the information has the potential to overwhelm decision makers or cause the debate to zig-zag around. If meta-analyses and large databases of completed studies were to become a routine part of risk assessment, then there would not be the distraction of single experiments capturing media attention and inappropriately alarming or comforting the public and policy makers. An investment in the creation and maintenance of risk assessment databases will have high payoff in terms of improved transparency, increased public confi dence in the process, and more rapid advancement of scientifi c understanding.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Environmental Studies Institute, Santa Clara University, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Masura, Subhi Siti; Parveez, Ghulam Kadir Ahmad; Ismail, Ismanizan Year: 2010 Title: * Isolation and characterization of oil palm constitutive promoter derived from ubiquitin extension protein (uep1) gene.

Journal: New Biotechnology 27, 4, 289-299.

Special issue on Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology: number 4 Date: 2010/9/30/ Keywords: Composition Expression Bioengineering

Abstract: The ubiquitin extension protein (uep1) gene was identified as a constitutively expressed gene in oil palm. We have isolated and characterized the 5' region of the oil palm uep1 gene, which contains an 828 bp sequence upstream of the uep1 translational start site. Construction of a pUEP1 transformation vector, which contains gusA reporter gene under the control of uep1 promoter, was carried out for functional analysis of the promoter through transient expression studies. It was found that the 5' region of uep1 functions as a constitutive promoter in oil palm and could drive GUS expression in all tissues tested, including embryogenic calli, embryoid, immature embryo, young leaflet from mature palm, green leaf, mesocarp and meristematic tissues (shoot tip). This promoter could also be used in dicot systems as it was demonstrated to be capable of driving gusA gene expression in tobacco.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B8JG4-4Y95V911/2/603c35a33234d0b84f4a2aaae3852096 Author Address: 1 Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre (ABBC), Biological Research Division, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), P.O. Box 10620, 50720 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2 School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Matsui Hidenori, Muneo Yamazaki, Mitsuko Kishi-Kaboshi, Akira Takahashi, Hirohiko Hirochika, Year: 2010 Title: * AGC Kinase OsOxi1 Positively Regulates Basal Resistance through Suppression of OsPti1a-Mediated Negative Regulation.

Journal: Plant Cell Physiol (2010) 51 (10): 1731-1744. doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcq132 - First published online: August 24, 2010 Label: ReEn Oxydatif Keywords: AGC kinasePhosphorylationRiceBasal resistancePto-interacting proteinROS Abstract: OsPti1a, a functional ortholog of tomato SlPti1, negatively regulates both basal resistance and Rgene-mediated resistance in rice. To investigate the molecular function of OsPti1a in defense responses, we searched for components interacting with OsPti1a using a yeast two-hybrid system. One of the interacting proteins is a Ser/Thr kinase that directly phosphorylates OsPti1a in vitro. This protein belongs to the AGC kinase family and is highly similar to AtOxi1, which is induced in response to a wide range of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating stimuli in Arabidopsis. Thus, it was designated OsOxi1. OsOxi1 was transiently phosphorylated in response to ROS and chitin elicitor. Both OsOxi1-overexpressing transgenic lines and the ospti1a mutant were highly sensitive to ROS treatment, indicating that OsOxi1 and OsPti1a are involved in ROS-mediated signaling in opposing ways. OsOxi1 is specifically expressed at infection sites where ROS are produced after inoculation with a blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. Overexpression of OsOxi1 enhanced basal resistance to the blast fungus, indicating that OsOxi1 positively regulates disease resistance. OsOxi1 phosphorylates Thr-233 of OsPti1a and a point mutation of Thr-233 enhanced disease susceptibility to a bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), suggesting that the phosphorylation of OsPti1a by OsOxi1 is essential for basal resistance to Xoo. Taken together, our data suggest that OsOxi1 positively regulates defense responses through the phosphorylation of OsPti1a, causing the release from an OsPti1adependent inhibition of the responses.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/10/1731.abstract?etoc Author Address: 1Division of Plant Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan 2Division of Genome and Biodiversity Research, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Matsuo K, Matsumura T Year: 2010 Title: * Deletion of fucose residues in plant N-glycans by repression of the GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase gene using virus-induced gene silencing and RNA interference.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 19 AUG 2010 Pages: no

Label: Biopharming Bioengineering Keywords: Gene silencing GMD VIGS RNAi plant N-glycosylation recombinant proteins Abstract: Production of pharmaceutical glycoproteins in plants has many advantages in terms of safety and reduced costs. However, plant-produced glycoproteins have N-glycans with plant-specific sugar residues (core -1,2-xylose and -1,3-fucose) and a Lewis a (Lea) epitope, i.e., Gal (1-3)[Fuc (1-4)]GlcNAc. Because these sugar residues and glycan structures seemed to be immunogenic, several attempts have been made to delete them by repressing their respective glycosyltransferase genes. However, until date, such deletions have not been successful in completely eliminating the fucose residues. In this study, we simultaneously reduced the plant-specific core α-1,3-fucose and ±-1,4-fucose residues in the Lea epitopes by repressing the Guanosine 5'diphosphate (GDP)-D-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD) gene, which is associated with GDP-L-fucose biosynthesis, in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Repression of GMD was achieved using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and RNA interference (RNAi). The proportion of fucose-free N-glycans found in total soluble protein from GMD gene-repressed plants increased by 80% and 95% following VIGS and RNAi, respectively, compared to wild-type plants. A small amount of putative galactose substitution in N-glycans from the NbGMD gene-repressed plants was observed, similar to what has been previously reported GMD-knockout Arabidopsis mutant. On the other hand, the recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) with fucose-deleted N-glycans was successfully produced in NbGMD-RNAi transgenic N. benthamiana plants. Thus, repression of the GMD gene is thus very useful for deleting immunogenic total fucose residues and facilitating the production of pharmaceutical glycoproteins in plants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00553.x Author Address: Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Matthes Michaela, Bruce Toby, Ton Jurriaan, Verrier Paul, Pickett John, Napier Johnathan, Year: 2010 Title: * The transcriptome of cis-jasmone-induced resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana and its role in indirect defence.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1163-1180.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: InRe Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Indirect defence - Jasmonate signalling - cis-Jasmone - Tritrophic interactions Abstract: cis-jasmone (CJ) is a plant-derived chemical that enhances direct and indirect plant defence against herbivorous insects. To study the signalling pathway behind this defence response, we performed microarraybased transcriptome analysis of CJ-treated Arabidopsis plants. CJ influenced a different set of genes from the structurally related oxylipin methyl jasmonate (MeJA), suggesting that CJ triggers a distinct signalling pathway. CJ is postulated to be biosynthetically derived from jasmonic acid, which can boost its own production through transcriptional up-regulation of the octadecanoid biosynthesis genes LOX2, AOS and OPR3. However, no effect on these genes was detected by treatment with CJ. Furthermore, CJ-responsive genes were not affected by mutations in COI1 or JAR1, which are critical signalling components in MeJA response pathway. Conversely, a significant proportion of CJ-inducible genes required the three transcription factors TGA2, TGA5 and TGA6, as well as the GRAS regulatory protein SCARECROW-like 14 (SCL14), indicating regulation by a different pathway from the classical MeJA response. Moreover, the biological importance was demonstrated in that mutations in TGA2, 5, 6, SCL14 and the CJ-inducible gene CYP81D11 blocked CJ-induced attraction of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi, demonstrating that these components play a key role in CJ-induced indirect defence. Collectively, our results identify CJ as a member of the jasmonates that controls indirect plant defence through a distinct signalling pathway.

Notes: 64 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1244-4 Author Address: (1) Biological Chemistry Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UK

(2) Biomathematics and Bioinformatics Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Maudarbocus Yousuf Year: 2010 Title: ¤ The Use of Nuclear Techniques to Produce Improved Varieties of Food Crops in Africa.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Bioengineering Review Abstract: Full text : 1 Techniques available to produce GMOs 1.1 Recombinant DNA Technology A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered. Recombinant DNA technology makes use of DNA molecules from different sources which are transferred into the genome of an organism giving it modified or new genes. In general, GMOs are produced to endow them with new useful traits.

However, when no gene, or genes, can be found in the available gene pool to introduce the desired trait into a particular plant, plant breeders have no obvious alternative but to attempt mutation induction.

Mutation can be induced artificially in two principal ways: 1) by the use of chemical agents 2) by radiation techniques.

As these methods work in entirely different ways, they are really complementary.

1.2 Chemical Methods Chemicals, such as sodium azide and ethyl methyl sulphonate, are used to induce mutations in plants. However, some plant genes are more easily mutated by radiation.

1.3 Nuclear Techniques Artificial induction of mutation by ionising radiation dates back to the late 1920s. Initial attempts used X-rays, subsequently replaced by gamma and neutron radiation. Currently, gamma radiation is most widely used.

The irradiation of seeds speeds up the natural process of evolution of the plant‘s DNA. Thus new varieties of crops can be produced with characteristics tailored to a particular need.

The seeds are normally subjected to a range of radiation doses to produce genetic variation. The plant with the desired trait is selected following field trials. The development of plant cell and tissue culture over the past decades has made it possible to transfer part of the breeding work from the field to the laboratory.

2 The importance of breeding new plant varieties Food security is one of the most challenging problems facing poor countries. The production of improved varieties of food crops can contribute significantly towards alleviating malnutrition in these countries.

Important desirable properties which can be achieved through plant breeding include: (a) Increased disease resistance: This is very important, as many crops are ruined by diseases. The use of chemicals for protection may be limited by cost or concern for the environment. (b) Improved lodging resistance: Lodging is a serious problem, affecting cereal crops such as barley and durum wheat in particular. The desired properties are a reduction in plant height and a stiffer stem with at least an equal or an improved yield. (c) Earlier or later maturing time: The ―earliness‘‘ of many important crop plants, such as bread wheat, rice and barley, can be improved by five to ten days, thus making room in the field for other crops. Altering the maturing time may also allow some crops to escape drought, frost or pests. (d) Improved seed characteristics: These concern the improvement of nutritional value (protein or oil content), baking qualities, reduction of cooking time and taste. (e) Improved agronomic characteristics: These are, for example, greater heat tolerance and better adaptability to adverse soil conditions (barren or high-salinity land). (f) Increased yields: These techniques have resulted in an increase in yield of up to 45% for certain crops.

3 Mutation breeding in African countries 3.1 New Wheat Varieties in Kenya In Kenya and other African countries wheat crops are plagued by a virulent new strain of fungus called ―wheat rust‘‘.

Using radiation-based techniques to modify crop characteristics and traits, scientists and crop researchers at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), developed new wheat seeds over the past decade. The first mutant wheat variety, called Njoro-BW1, was released in 2001. It is tolerant to drought and uses limited rainfall efficiently. Moreover, it exhibits moderate resistance to wheat rust, has high yields and the flour is of good baking quality. Today, Njoro-BWI is cultivated on more than 10 000 ha in Kenya. It has become so popular among Kenyan wheat farmers that KARI‘s seed unit can hardly keep up with demand.

Another high-yielding mutant, codenamed DH4, is due to be released soon.

3.2 New Sorghum and Rice Varieties in Mali Mali‘s native sorghum has traits that give it some resistance to drought, but it still needs substantial rainfall for a good harvest. As sorghum production has not kept up with population growth, Malian scientists, especially at the Institut Polytechnique Rural, initiated a programme to improve the production of sorghum while conserving their essential traits. With the assistance of the IAEA, traditional varieties of sorghum were irradiated with gamma rays according to prescribed procedures. Initial field tests show increases of more than 10% in productivity.

It is worth noting that other traits of sorghum in Mali have also been altered using different gamma irradiation doses, as shown in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1: Altered traits of sorghum Dose Year Traits 300 Gy 1992 Increased lodging resistance 250 Gy 1998 Earliness 100 Gy 1998 Increased panicle size, increased yield and change in grain colour Rice has been grown in the flood plains of the Niger River for several centuries. Following irradiation of the local variety, new mutants have been developed with white colour characteristics and higher yields (> 15%).

White rice in Africa fetches double the price of red; so for farmers, the colour alone means a substantial increase in income.

3.3 Sesame in Egypt In Egypt, three mutant varieties of high-yielding, disease and insect-resistant sesame are bringing higher economic returns than standard varieties.

3.4 Cassava in Ghana Ghana‘s cassava variety ―Tek Bankye‘‘, with improved cooking quality, was released recently. Trials are underway to produce higher-yielding, disease-resistant cassava, with improved starch content.

3.5 Other New Radiation-Induced Varieties Several other radiation-induced varieties of crops with improved traits, higher yield and better nutrition value, which are adaptable to harsh environments have been released. These include, among many others, finger millet and cotton in Zambia and banana in Sudan.

3.6 Ongoing Activities Numerous research and development (R&D) activities are being carried out in African countries to develop improved varieties of various crops through the use of nuclear technology. These include the development of: a) A better lodging and higher-yield variety of tef in Ethiopia. b) An improved variety of rice at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. c) A disease-resistant variety of cocoa at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Tafo, Ghana.

The cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is a major disease which has destroyed more than 40% of the cocoa production in Ghana. In fact, during the last 50 years, about 200 million cocoa trees have been destroyed in Ghana as a result of CSSV. Buds of cocoa plants are subjected to gamma radiation at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) with a view to producing new plant strains with disease-resistant properties. Some of these new strains are being field-tested; if successful, the economic benefit to Ghana would be immense.

4 Conclusion Nuclear techniques can help to address the issues of food security in Africa. These techniques are highly competitive in relation to non-nuclear technologies and can be used to achieve better solutions to new challenges in Africa. Other regions have already derived huge economic benefits through the use of radiationinduced mutations.

In China, up to 2005, a total of 638 mutant varieties of 42 plant species have been released, covering 9 million ha of planting area. The economic benefit derived from increased cereal production alone is estimated to be about US$420 million a year.

In Pakistan, a mutant producing better quality and higher-yielding crops quadrupled cotton production within ten years of release (1983–1992) and now accounts for 70% of all cotton grown in the Punjab region, resulting in an economic benefit of US$20 million a year.

In Peru‘s high Andes, stronger and healthier varieties of barley, grown at altitudes of up to 5 000 m, produce about 1 200 kg per hectare, that is, an increase of 50% in relation to previous varieties. This translates to an economic benefit of about US$9 million a year.

There is no doubt that the use of nuclear techniques to produce improved varieties of food crops in Africa could contribute significantly towards alleviating the food crisis and bring about considerable economic benefits.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Fellow of the Mauritius Academy of Science & Technology Mauritania XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mbofung Carl M.F Year: 2010 Title: ¤ The Role of GMOs in Africa: Food and Nutrition Security.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Bioengineering Socioeconomic Adoption General Abstract: Full text : Developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, have for decades been faced with numerous problems which impede their overall growth process. As a consequence, the human development index of these countries has, in most cases, remained at quite a disappointingly low level. Within the community of multilateral organisations and the United Nations, this situation and others have for long been a matter of concern and debate on how to ameliorate these countries‘ development processes. It was in the course of one of their meetings that the UN, at the end of the 1990s (2001), adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) consisting of eight points that were to serve as indicators of the progress being made towards development in these countries by 2015. Halfway through September 2007, the MDG African Steering Group, consisting of the Secretary-General of the UN, the top executives of the African Development Bank, the European Union (EU), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Union and of the World Bank, met to identify the practical steps needed to achieve the MDG in Africa. At the end of the meeting the following recommendations, aimed at spurring on progress for the attainment of the MDG in African countries by 2015, were adopted: (a) The doubling of agricultural production with the objective of reducing poverty, hunger and malnutrition. (b) The progressive introduction of commercial farming aimed at accelerating economic growth. (c) The improvement of child nutrition and the systematic introduction of school meal programmes. d) Micronutrient supplementation to vulnerable groups, especially to children under the age of two, accompanied by systematic deparasitation programmes.

These recommendations all have a direct connection with the issue of food security.

By definition, food security is achieved when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. In the light of this definition food security is a major problem for the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa. This is more so when one considers the factors that influence food production. In almost all cases low food production has constantly been ascribed to such factors as climate (drought or inadequate rainfall), soil fertility, soil erosion and desertification; poor farming practices; crop losses due to weed and insect attack; inappropriate post-harvest technology; poor farm inputs and natural disasters. In addition to these factors, the situation is increasingly being made worse by the global warming phenomenon, the decrease in farm labour due to rapid rural urban migration, widespread poverty and conflicts. The recent world food crises, together with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, only aggravate the situation, and the attainment of the MDG related to food and nutrition by 2015 is looking more like a myth for most African countries.

In situations of food insecurity, problems of food supply, hunger, undernutrition and eventually malnutrition tend to exist in varying proportions. Available statistics on hunger, undernutrition and malnutrition in developing countries in general and in Africa in particular, are not only alarming but are disturbing indicators of the poor state of the food and nutrition situation. These indicators reveal the magnitude of the challenges that the governments of these countries have to overcome to improve human life.

Food supply situation: Per capita food consumption figures for sub-Saharan Africa (Figure

2.1) have not only been the lowest in the world but have remained relatively stagnant for more than four decades (1961–2003), suggesting a very poor food security situation. Based on the International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade (IMPACT) for food supply, demand, net trade and malnutrition under the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario, projected crop production data indicate that annual cereal production rates in sub-Saharan Africa will decrease from the average rate of 3.6% achieved between 1982–1997 to 2.7% between 1997–2025 (Rosegrant et al., 2004). Equally, a decrease from 4.3% to 2.7% for the same periods will be experienced in the case of root and tuber production.

Figure 2.1: Per capita food consumption between 1961 and 2003 In this scenario, the incidence of hunger and the high prevalence of undernutrition and malnutrition are bound to be common. At the global level, estimates for the 1999–2001 period put hunger and malnutrition as affecting 842 million people, with 798 million living in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for 198 million.

Recent global statistics for malnutrition show that 60% of the almost 11 million deaths occurring in children under the age of five in developing countries are associated with nutritional problems (UNICEF, 2007). In Africa, the prevalence of malnutrition varies from 5% to 34%. About one in every three children under the age of five experiences chronic growth retardation with the attendant consequences of poor brain development and poor health. These figures, which reflect the degree of food insecurity on the continent, are in some cases exacerbated by widespread poverty and the occurrence of HIV/AIDS. Also common is the occurrence of micronutrient deficiencies. Of particular concern in this case is the high incidence of iron deficiency anaemia (30–50% in pregnant and lactating women; 20–30% in children under the age of five) and vitamin A and iodine deficiency with their attendant effects on metabolism and growth. At country level, to use Cameroon as an example, the prevalence of these micronutrient deficiencies show that: (a) Pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of five are the main groups at risk of vitamin A deficiency. Earlier studies have shown the prevalence of this avitaminosis to be around 40% for under-fiveyear-olds, with the northern parts of the country registering the highest (62.5%) rates. (b) Anaemia due to iron and other vitamin deficiencies is equally very widespread among the vulnerable groups, and the prevalence, which varies according to ecological zones, is as high as 53% for pregnant women and 75% for children. (c) Iodine deficiency is also common although relatively low in intensity. The prevalence ranges from 5.3% for children to 7% for women. Over 424 000 new-born babies suffer from mental retardation because of iodine deficiency during the intrauterine period.

This malnutrition is projected to worsen in time if deliberate and appropriate action is not taken. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI, 2004), the malnutrition figures of 37 million African children will increase by 13.5% to a whopping 42 million by 2020 (Figure 2.2). If current efforts are not improved upon, the figures will even be as high as 58 million. These trends equally predict that sub-Saharan Africa will be far from attaining the MDG for undernutrition in 2015 (21.1% as against 17.9%) as shown in Table 2.1.

Figure 2.2: Malnutrition trends for African children between 1995 and 2002 Table 2.1: Projected undernutrition figures The seriousness of this problem lies in the fact that, if unattended to, its consequences will be carried over from parent to offspring in a vicious cycle (Figure 2.3) with the magnitude of the problem growing with each passing cycle. The overall impact will be a reduction in the biological potential of children and in the development process of the country.

Figure 2.3: Vicious cycle of the burden of malnutrition The food and nutrition picture of sub-Saharan Africa in Figure 2.3 calls for reflections on and suggestions for a way forward to contribute to the solution to these problems. Generally, although nutritional status is attributed not only to food security (Figure 2.4), it does play a predominant role. Given the several constraining factors that are known to influence food production in Africa, the present paper takes a look at the role that recent genetically modified organism (GMO) technology can play in contributing to the enhancement of the food and nutritional status of African countries.

Figure 2.4: Factors influencing nutritional status Possible role of GMO: For the past 20 years the science of biotechnology has made significant and important advances in recombinant DNA engineering, making it possible to produce transgenic food crops of better quality. In this biotechnological process, genetic material of a given crop is manipulated and modified using a technique known as recombinant DNA technology. This modification process is usually aimed at enhancing desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides, pests, specific diseases, harsh environmental conditions

such as cold spells, heat waves and drought, or improved shelf life or nutritional content. Compared to conventional plant breeding methods, GM technology is less timeconsuming and more accurate in acquiring the desired objectives. The product obtained is known as a genetically modified organism (GMO) or a GM food.

Great strides have been made in this area which have given rise to a wide range of improved food crops which are now increasingly being cultivated at industrial level in most developed countries and to a lesser extent in some developing countries. In 2006, for example, GMO crops in the US were grown over an area of over 135 million acres, with the total global area exceeding 250 million acres. The current list of GM foods includes corn, potato, pineapple, cocoa bean, yellow squash, sweet pepper, sugar cane, banana, soybean, etc. In South Africa this technology has been used to produce transgenic maize, cotton and soybeans that have traits for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance.

Increasing numbers of research results on GMO are regarded as a reason for the adoption of GMOs in the fight against food insecurity in Africa. These milestone research results show the possibility of increasing crop yields, improving the storage potential of harvested crops, improving the protein content of starchy foods, biofortification of local foods, improving the functional food potential of local foods, etc.

Contrary to the expectations of opponents of GM foods, the results of modern comprehensive profiling of crop composition have shown a very close similarity between GM foods and their conventionally bred counterparts (Catchpole et al., 2005). Reputable organizations such as the WHO and the US National Academies of Science have issued numerous reports on the safety of GM foods. In June 2005, for instance, the WHO released a report entitled Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health and Development, which has affirmed the safety of GM foods. In view of the findings, GM technology has huge potential for resolving the food and nutrition problems in Africa.

At present, the quality and yield of different varieties of the principal food crops grown and consumed in subSaharan Africa such as cassava, maize, yams, cocoyams, plantains, bananas, groundnuts, Irish potatoes, millet, beans, vegetables and tropical fruits are affected by several constraining factors including diseases of viral and fungal origin, poor soil and climatic conditions. In Cameroon, for example, several factors (Table 2.2) are major constraints in food production.

Table 2.2: Some food crop production constraints in Cameroon No Crop Constraining factor 1 Maize Soil acidity, aluminium toxicity, striga streak, aflatoxin 2 Cassava Mosaic, root scale, cooking quality 3 Cocoyam Root rot, root scale, oxalic acid content 4 Sweet potato Weevils, virus complex 5 Irish potato Late blight, bacterial wilt, frying quality 6 Groundnut Aflatoxin, rosette, pod filling 7 Cocoa Black pod Based on current research trends in and successes with GM technology, these constraints can be eliminated. In addition, the same technology can be used to enhance the nutritional quality of locally grown foods such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, iodine, etc.

From a policy viewpoint, this should not be a matter of choice but compulsory for Africa because the successes so far in resolving food production problems on the continent have largely not been concerned with conventionally grown food crops but with GM crops. If this technology is not used to resolve Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s food and nutrition problems, the continent will be dependent on world food trade since it is virtually an island in a sea of countries involved in GM food production (Figure 2.5). The prospects for the economies of those countries that find themselves in a situation of dependency are not encouraging.

Figure 2.5: Major GMO-producing countries in 2007 In the light of the above, the opportunity now exists for African countries to boldly embrace this technology for the benefit of the huge numbers of people suffering from hunger, undernutrition and malnutrition. GM technology, with an appropriate quality control mechanism (Mbofung, 2006), can go a long way towards improving not only the yield of traditional African food crops but also their safety and nutritional quality.

Specifically, opportunities now exist for: (a) Increased food production: The main causes of reduced crop yield and availability are insect pests and fungal infection pre- and post-harvest. GM maize and sorghum resistant to these conditions can now be produced. The extension of this technology to root and tuber crops, as well as to other cereals commonly grown and consumed in Africa, would go a long way towards boosting food yields. In addition to reducing food crop losses due to pest and fungal attack, GM methods are currently available for food crop production on otherwise

infertile soil or in drought-stricken areas. A good part of the farming land in Africa is threatened by the changing climatic and soil conditions. The current success in the development of food crops that are drought resistant presents the opportunity for Africa to exploit land which was previously regarded as unsuitable for food crop production. (b) Minimum use of chemicals: Pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM food crops require minimum use of chemicals against pests and weeds. This will also protect the environment from harmful chemicals. Fungal and insect attacks are common problems associated with post-harvest handling of cereals in tropical Africa. The use of chemicals to reduce these effects, in addition to being expensive, can be harmful to humans. Development of pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM varieties of our local crops will minimise the use of toxic chemicals.

On a slightly different note, the essential oils of some tropical plants have been advocated as alternatives to chemicals for the post-harvest storage of cereals because of their non-toxicity. For the past ten years we have been exploring the wide plant biodiversity of Cameroon as sources of essential oils with the potential for use against insect and fungal attack on grains during storage. Encouraging results have been obtained, but the difficulty lies with the yields of essential oils produced from the identified plants. GM technology could be used to overcome this difficulty. (c) Improvement of local food processing and storage technologies: The production of decaffeinated coffee entails the use of chemicals. Using GM technology, researchers in Japan have developed a process for the production of low-caffeine coffee. Cassava is a major food crop grown and consumed in Africa, but some highyield varieties often contain significant levels of cyanogenic glucosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) which on hydrolysis release toxic hydrocyanic acid (HCN) which is only eliminated through tedious processing. The food value of these varieties could be improved by developing GM versions with lower cyanogenic glucoside levels. In the same vein, other tropical foods such as taro (Colocassia esuculenta) and bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) habour natural toxicants which reduce their food value. GM technology could also be applied in the development of non-toxic versions of the same. (d) Micronutrient biofortification: Some of the most disturbing cases of malnutrition in children in Africa are due to the low micronutrient content of the restricted diets they eat. GM foods with improved nutritional content could be used as a remedy for some of these conditions. Rice, which is a widely consumed cereal, is deficient in vitamin A which is important for human health. Scientists have developed a gene for rice crops (―golden‖ rice) that will contain the lacking vitamin. Other studies on biofortification have succeeded in producing rice with a higher iron content, which was shown to improve the iron deficiency of consumers (Haas et al., 2005). Given the high incidence of micronutrient deficiency in children and pregnant women, GM technology could be used to increase the level of these micronutrients in some commonly consumed foods. (e) Improvement of the protein quality and content of local foods: Some of the important advances made in GM technology include improvement of the nutritional content of GM foods. One of the major nutritional problems facing Africa is protein malnutrition. Improvement of the protein content of foods hitherto focused on maize, and is now being applied to other cereals. ―Super sorghum‖, which is a GMO biofortified version of a popular staple sorghum crop, is currently undergoing greenhouse trials by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa. It is a good example of a big step in the right direction for the alleviation of protein and micronutrient deficiencies in the diets of consumers. This success story is one example of the biofortification of several staple foods consumed in Africa but which are low in nutrient content. (f) Production of functional foods: Plant foods also contain many bioactive substances important to health.

These bioactive substances, which are increasingly being shown to be abundant in certain plant species, include carotenoids, vitamins C and E, pigments (beta-carotene, lycopene), polyphenols, etc. They are known to play a role in the prevention of malnutrition and the development of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, aging, etc. GM technology could be used to enhance the potential of the wide variety of some of our local foods to serve as functional foods. The production in the US of a GM Roma tomato containing three times more lycopene (a red pigment thought to have a role in the prevention of prostate cancer) is illustrative of this idea. Equally inspiring is the creation by researchers in Singapore of a lettuce that synthesises Resveratrol, a molecule of the red grape implicated in the ―French paradox‖ concerning the positive effect of red wine on cholesterol metabolism. Another important research advance has been the creation of a strain of ―golden‖ rice containing very high levels of betacarotene (pro-vitamin A) by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Since rice is widely consumed, the availability of this strain for food will contribute to the fight against avitaminosis A which affects a high proportion of people in most African countries.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, current advances in GMO technology present exciting opportunities to contribute towards the resolution of the African food and nutrition security problem. This of course will be possible only within the

framework of a properly set out biotechnology policy with sufficient financing for the training of the right people, the construction of and equipment for the necessary laboratories and the carrying out of rigorously planned, results-oriented GM food research for safe and sustainable food and nutrition security. The need for a the horns in this process may leave Africa and its people at the mercy of some Western adventurers with respect to GM foods.

Bibliography Benson, T. 2004. Africa‘s food and nutrition security situation: Where are we and how did we get here?

IFPRI, 2020 Discussion Paper 37, Washington DC. Beyer, P., Al-Babili, S. Xudong Ye, Lucca, P., Schaub, P., Welsch, R. & Potrykus, I. 2002. Golden rice: Introducing the ß-carotene biosynthesis pathway into rice endosperm by genetic engineering to defeat vitamin A deficiency. Journal of Nutrition. 132: 506S-510S. Catchpole, G.S. et al. 2005. Hierarchical metabolomics demonstrates substantial compositional similarity between genetically modified and conventional potato crops. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, 102(40): 14458-14462.

Haas, J.D., Beard, J.L., Murray-Kolb, L.E., del Mundo, A.M., Felix, A., & Gregorio, G.B. 2005. Ironbiofortified rice improves the iron stores of non-anemic Filipino women. Journal of Nutrition, 135, 2823-2830. http://www.gmoafrica.org/2005/06/who-reaffirms-safety-of-genetically.html: Modern Food Biotechnology, Human Health and Development. http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=959:supe r-sorghum-for-africa-&catid=48:innovation_news&Itemid=115%20#ixzz0fdrxAaIP. Karenlampi, S.O. & Lehesranta, S. 2006. Proteomic profiling and unintended effects in genetically modified crops. Key, S., Ma, J.K. & Drake, P.M. 2008. Genetically modified plants and human health.

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 101(6): 290-298.

Mbofung, C.M.F. 2006. Quality control in foods. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, 6(1): 53-62.

Ngeve, J.M. 2006. Challenges of biotechnology and genetically modified crops for food security in a developing economy. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, 6(1): 9-18.

Rosegrant, M.W., Cline, S.A., Weibo, L., Sulser, T. & Valmonte-Santos, R.A. 2004. Excerpt 2: Looking ahead: long-term prospects for Africa‘s food and nutrition security. In: Assuring Food and Nutrition Security in Africa by 2020, Proceedings of an All-Africa Conference, Kampala, Uganda, 1–3 April, Washington DC, pp. 23-26.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: Department of Food Science and Nutrition (ENSAIC), University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: McDonald Tia Michelle, Keating Ariel Ruth, Fausti Scott, Li Jing, Lundgren Jonathan G, Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Crop Choice, Non-Target Pest Levels, Yield Loss and Their Effect on Insecticide Use in South Dakota.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, p.1, Denver, Label: HeTo InRe ImpactPesticide RavageurSecond Keywords: Bt corn GM crops insecticide Abstract: Agriculturally, South Dakota is a unique state possessing the highest rate of adoption for genetically modified crop varieties. In 2009 ninety-six percent of corn acres planted in South Dakota were genetically modified compared with eighty-five percent nationally (Economic Research Service). Additionally, South Dakota has seen a dramatic increase in the number of acres treated with insecticide over the past 20 years.

These two situations taken together seem to be counterintuitive. Some genetically modified varieties, such as Bt corn, are equipped with genetic defenses so that they can protect the plant from target pests. Intuitively, one would expect to see a decrease in insecticide use as adoption of genetically modified varieties increase. Recent studies have found that there is a reduction in herbicides applied to herbicide tolerant varieties. Here in South Dakota, though, producers have expressed the opinion that the increase in insecticide use is the result of the emergence and spread of the soybean aphid in the state. This research seeks to address the underlying causes of the increase in insecticide use.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61427

http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61427/2/AAEA%20submission%20package.pdf Author Address: Department of Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota USA Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, Brookings, South Dakota XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: McLeod Lashonda, Prepared By: Marie-Cecile Henard, Dietmar Achilles, Barrie Williams, Year: 2010 Title: ÂŁ EU-27 Biotechnology - GE Plants and Animals.

Journal: USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) - GAIN Report Number: FR9043 Date: 6/17/2010 Abstract: Executive Summary: There are currently two biotech products approved for cultivation in the European Union (EU). The first, MON810 corn, was approved in 1998, and its approval is currently subject to renewal. It has been planted on approximately 100,000 hectares (ha) each year since 2005. Estimated at 96,000 ha in 2010, MON810 corn is spread over six Member States (MS), including Spain, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. The second product is the Amflora starch potato. It was approved for cultivation in March 2010, and is estimated to be grown on about 225 ha in the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Germany in 2010.

There is interest to grow genetically-engineered (GE) crops among EU farming groups because of the yield benefits and cost savings. Member States with the most pragmatic approach towards plant biotechnology are the Czech Republic, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain. In Poland and Romania, there is commercial cultivation of biotech crops despite the generally negative image of plant biotechnology.

European farmers face various oppositions to growing biotech crops, which include: (1) In most MS, public field registers with the location of commercially grown biotech crops are compulsory; (2) In Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Luxemburg, and Hungary national cultivation bans are present; (3) For Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Romania, and Slovakia stringent coexistence measures are in place, and (4) negative publicity, intimidation, and crop destruction by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Despite politics, the EU remains a major importer and consumer of GE plant products. The largest category consists of soybean meal, which is used in animal feed as the primary source of proteins for livestock. Most of the soybean meal consumed is imported, roughly 22-23 million metric tons (MT) out of 31-32 million MT annually, as domestic soybean production is marginal. Argentina, Brazil, and the United States are the major suppliers of soybeans and soybean meal to the EU. Corn and corn products (mainly corn gluten feed) represent the second largest category of GE plant products imported and used in the EU in animal feed. The bulk of European corn consumption is supplied by local production rather than imports.

The absence of tolerance by European authorities of biotech events approved and commercially grown outside of the EU, but not approved in the EU, may weaken the EU food chain supply. In fall 2009, due to low level presence (LLP) of biotech corn unapproved in the EU, several soybean shipments were blocked at ports. This issue was resolved when European authorities were forced to accelerate their approval process to meet the demand of the animal feed industry. It is unclear whether the European Commission would present a proposal with a technical solution to this LLP issue in the near future.

The report represents a group effort of the following FAS analysts: Dietmar Achilles FAS/Berlin covering Germany Mila Boshnakova FAS/Sofia covering Bulgaria Monica Dobrescu FAS/Bucharest covering Romania Bob Flach FAS/The Hague covering the Benelux Countries Mike Hanley FAS/Dublin covering Ireland Marie-Cecile Henard FAS/Paris covering France Roswitha Krautgartner FAS/Vienna covering Austria and Slovenia Jolanta Figurska FAS/Warsaw covering Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia Asa Lexmon FAS/Stockholm covering Sweden and Finland Marta Guerrero FAS/Madrid covering Spain and Portugal Jana Mikulasova FAS/Prague covering the Czech Republic and Slovakia Ferenc Nemes FAS/Budapest covering Hungary Sandro Perini FAS/Rome covering Italy Yvan Polet FAS/USEU/Brussels Barrie Williams FAS/USEU/Brussels

Jennifer Wilson FAS/London covering the United Kingdom URL: http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Biotechnology%20%20GE%20Plants%20and%20Animals_Paris_EU-27_7-23-2010.pdf Author Address: Dietmar Achilles FAS/Berlin covering Germany Mila Boshnakova FAS/Sofia covering Bulgaria Monica Dobrescu FAS/Bucharest covering Romania Bob Flach FAS/The Hague covering the Benelux Countries Mike Hanley FAS/Dublin covering Ireland Marie-Cecile Henard FAS/Paris covering France Roswitha Krautgartner FAS/Vienna covering Austria and Slovenia Jolanta Figurska FAS/Warsaw covering Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia Asa Lexmon FAS/Stockholm covering Sweden and Finland Marta Guerrero FAS/Madrid covering Spain and Portugal Jana Mikulasova FAS/Prague covering the Czech Republic and Slovakia Ferenc Nemes FAS/Budapest covering Hungary Sandro Perini FAS/Rome covering Italy Yvan Polet FAS/USEU/Brussels Barrie Williams FAS/USEU/Brussels Jennifer Wilson FAS/London covering the UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Meher Hari Charan, Koundal Kr, Gajbhiye VT, Year: 2010 Title: * Reactive Oxygen Species, Antioxidants, Sulfur Metabolites and their Agro-biotechnological Potential to Enhance Stress Resistance of Crop Plants.

Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Biochemistry Year : 2010, Volume : 23, Issue : 1.

Label: ReEn Oxydatif Review Keywords: ROS, antioxidants, ascorbic acid, defensins, glucosinolates, glutathione, phytoalexins, resistance, thionins, TrxR. Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of aerobic metabolism. At physiological concent ration, ROS mediate intracellular signaling cascades and redox regulation. Their excessive production leads to oxidative stress, loss of cell function, and ultimately apoptosis or necrosis. A balance between oxidant and antioxidant in intracellular systems is vital for cell function, regulation, and adaptation to diverse growth conditions. A core ubiquitous oxidoreductase system with antioxidant and redox regulator roles comprises of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx). TrxR has a highly reactive active site - selenocysteine residue, to reduce several substrates in addition to Trx. It catalyzes regeneration of several antioxidants ascorbic acid, selenium-containing substances, lipoic acid, and ubiquinone (Q10). Formation of ROS is one of the active defense re sponses of plants to pathogen invasion and linked to hypersensitive response (HR) resulting in cell necrosis/lesion. Accumulation of phytoalexins inhibits pathogens in or adjacent to HR cells.

Various sulfur metabolites- thiols, alliins, glucosinolates, phytoalexins, phytochelatins, proteins (defensins and thionins) constitute the innate defense mechanism of plants to resist abiotic stress and pests and have the biotechnological potential to enhance resistance of crop plants.

URL: http://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijab&volume=23&issue=1&article=001 Author Address: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mehrshahi Payam, Sabrina Gonzalez-Jorge, Tariq A. Akhtar, Jane L. Ward, Anahi Santoyo-Castelazo, Susan E. Marcus, Aurora Lara-Núùez, Nathaniel D Hawkins, Michael H Beale, David A Barrett, J Paul Knox, Jesse F Gregory, Andrew D Hanson, Malcolm J Bennett, Dean DellaPenna, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional analysis of folate polyglutamylation and its essential role in plant metabolism and development.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 13 AUG 2010.

Label: Physiol

Keywords: folate folylpolyglutamate synthetase polyglutamate one-carbon metabolism Abstract: Summary Cellular folates function as coenzymes in one-carbon metabolism and are predominantly decorated with a polyglutamate tail that enhances co-enzyme affinity, subcellular compartmentation, and stability. Polyglutamylation is catalyzed by folylpolyglutamate synthetases (FPGSs) that are specified by three genes in Arabidopsis, FPGS1, 2, and 3, which reportedly encode plastidic, mitochondrial, and cytosolic isoforms, respectively. A mutational approach was used to probe the functional importance of folate polyglutamylation in one-carbon metabolism and development. Biochemical analysis of single FPGS loss-offunction mutants established that folate polyglutamylation was essential for organellar and whole-plant folate homeostasis. However, polyglutamylated folates were still detectable, albeit at lower levels, in organelles isolated from the corresponding isozyme knockout lines [e.g. in plastids and mitochondria of the fpgs1 (plastidial) and fpgs2 (mitochondrial)]; a surprising result given the purported single-compartment targeting of each FPGS isozyme. These results indicate redundancy in compartmentalized FPGS activity, which in turn explains the lack of anticipated phenotypic defects for the single FPGS mutants. In agreement with this hypothesis, fpgs1 fpgs2 double mutants were embryo lethal, fpgs2 fpgs3 mutants exhibited seedling lethality, and fpgs1 fpgs3 mutants were dwarfed with reduced fertility. The phenotypic, metabolic and genetic observations in this study are consistent with the targeting of one or more FPGS isozymes to multiple organelles. These data underscore the importance of polyglutamylation in folate compartmentation, folate homeostasis and folate-dependent metabolic processes, including photorespiration, methionine and pantothenate biosynthesis.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04336.x Author Address: 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, Michigan, 48824 2School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK 3Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA 4The National Centre for Plant and Microbial Metabolomics, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UKingdom 5School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK 6Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK 7Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Meng Ling, Feldman Lewis Year: 2010 Title: * CLE14/CLE20 peptides may interact with CLAVATA2/CORYNE receptor-like kinases to irreversibly inhibit cell division in the root meristem of Arabidopsis.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1061-1074.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - CLE - 3D structures - Docking models - Root apical meristem Cytokinin Abstract: Towards an understanding of the interacting nature of the CLAVATA (CLV) complex, we predicted the 3D structures of CLV3/ESR-related (CLE) peptides and the ectodomain of their potential receptor proteins/kinases, and docking models of these molecules. The results show that the ectodomain of CLV1 can form homodimers and that the 12-/13-amino-acid CLV3 peptide fits into the binding clefts of the CLV1 dimers.

Our results also demonstrate that the receptor domain of CORYNE (CRN), a recently identified receptor-like kinase, binds tightly to the ectodomain of CLV2, and this likely leads to an increased possibility for docking with CLV1. Furthermore, our docking models reveal that two CRN-CLV2 ectodomain heterodimers are able to form a tetramer receptor complex. Peptides of CLV3, CLE14, CLE19, and CLE20 are also able to bind a potential CLV2-CRN heterodimer or heterotetramer complex. Using a cell-division reporter line, we found that synthetic 12-amino-acid CLE14 and CLE20 peptides inhibit, irreversibly, root growth by reducing cell division rates in the root apical meristem, resulting in a short-root phenotype. Intriguingly, we observed that exogenous application of cytokinin can partially rescue the short-root phenotype induced by over-expression of either CLE14 or CLE20 in planta. However, cytokinin treatment does not rescue the short-root phenotype caused by exogenous application of the synthetic CLE14/CLE20 peptides, suggesting a requirement for a condition

provided only in living plants. These results therefore imply that the CLE14/CLE20 peptides may act through the CLV2-CRN receptor kinase, and that their availabilities and/or abundances may be affected by cytokinin activity in planta.

Notes: 59 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1236-4 Author Address: Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Menkir Abebe, Oliver Jeffrey T Year: 2010 Title: $ New varieties of drought-tolerant maize could generate up to US$1.5 billion for Africa.

Journal: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) http://www.iita.org Date: 26 August 2010 Label: ReEn Socioeconomic Review DiscussionPaper Abstract: Full text : Race is on to Replace Existing Varieties Amid Concerns that Climate Change is Likely to Intensify Droughts and Significantly Depress Maize Harvests in sub-Saharan Africa.

As climate change intensifies drought conditions in Africa and sparks fears of a new cycle of crippling food shortages, a study released today finds widespread adoption of recently developed drought-tolerant varieties of maize could boost harvests in 13 African countries by 10 to 34 percent and generate up to US$1.5 billion in benefits for producers and consumers.

"We need to move deliberately, but with urgency, to get these new varieties from the breeders to the farmers, because their potential to avert crises is considerable," said Roberto La Rovere, a socio-economist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (known by its Spanish acronym CIMMYT) and lead author of the study, which was produced in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

"Our analysis shows that with high rates of adoption, more than four million producers and consumers would see their poverty level drop significantly by 2016," he added.

The study was conducted as part of the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Initiative (DTMA) implemented by CIMMYT and IITA with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. CIMMYT and IITA have worked with national agriculture research centers in Africa to develop over 50 new maize varieties that in drought conditions can produce yields that are 20 to 50 percent higher than existing varieties.

The CIMMYT-IITA analysis of the benefits of conventional drought-tolerant maize for Africa, or DTMA, examined the potential impact in Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The researchers found that under "conservative yield" improvements, the new varieties would provide farmers and consumers with food and income worth US$537 million, while under more "optimistic yield improvements," their value would increase to US$876 million.

Moreover, the researchers estimate that if drought-tolerant maize completely replaced existing varieties in the countries studied, the benefits could reach US$1.5 billion.

Farmers and consumers in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe would see the greatest benefits, the authors note, because maize dominates local diets and livelihoods, and farmers in these countries have a history of rapidly adopting improved maize varieties.

"The goal now is to make drought-tolerant maize easily available to millions of smallholder growers in countries where droughts, which always lurk as a perennial threat to food production, are expected to become more common and more severe," said Hartmann, director general of IITA. "Maize is life for 300 million in Africa, and as climatic conditions deteriorate, it is up to researchers in cooperation with governments, seed companies and farmers to ensure that maize production does not collapse."

For example, a peer-reviewed study published last year by Stanford University and the Global Crop Diversity Trust warned that by 2050, growing conditions in most African countries will be hotter than any year on record and that many varieties of maize now under cultivation will no longer be viable. Another study from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) warned that a failure to transition to drought-tolerant maize could diminish yields across the region by up to one ton per hectare.

Some of the new drought-tolerant maize seed is already reaching farmers' fields. This year alone, four new varieties developed by breeders with IITA and the Government of Ghana that are both drought-tolerant and resistant to the parasitic weed Striga were officially released.

The CIMMYT-IITA study examined past trends in adoption of improved maize varieties and cautioned that there could be wide variations in the rate at which farmers' transition to drought-tolerant maize. For example, adoption rates are projected to be as high as 85 percent in Kenya and Zambia, but only 20 percent in Benin, 30 percent in Mali, and 27 percent in Mozambique.

"It is very important for everyone at all points in the value chain to coordinate their efforts so that we address the challenges that in the past have made it very difficult for many African farmers to obtain seed of improved crop varieties," said Wilfred Mwangi, associate director of CIMMYT's global maize program and leader of the DTMA project.

According to Mwangi, farmers will adopt a new crop variety if it offers distinct advantages. But they still face barriers to obtaining improved seeds.

"Over the years, many farmers in sub-Saharan Africa have continued to grow old, low-yielding, and unsuitable maize varieties, despite the availability of newer and better-performing ones," said Mwangi. "This is partly because they don't know about the new varieties or can't get credit to buy seed. Many farmers are discouraged from buying seed because they can't sell their surplus grain at attractive prices; others live beyond the reach of commercial seed companies."

Feeding farm families in dry areas of Malawi In Malawi, the impact of the DTMA project is already becoming evident in farmers' fields and finances. For example, Bamusi Stambuli estimated he will save US$330 over 12 months by growing a drought-tolerant maize variety developed by CIMMYT and breeders from Malawi's Chitedze Research Station. This year, Stambuli's maize yields of this variety were nearly twice those of other popular local varieties. "I will now be able to feed my family for 12 months," said Stambuli, who has seven children and five grandchildren.

"The climate is changing, rainfall is decreasing, and the weather is now dictating which varieties farmers grow and in turn what varieties seed companies produce," said Dellings Phiri, Managing Director of Seed Co. Malawi, a leading seed company in the southern African region.

Two varieties released in Malawi in 2009—ZM 309 and ZM 523—are suited specifically for drought-prone areas where soils are infertile. Introduced by local extension agents to farmers in the Balaka area, the new varieties have produced good yields in demonstration plots. Farmers are saying that ZM 309 and ZM 523 yield more corn, mature earlier, and are better for pounding into flour than other popular commercial varieties.

Locally, ZM 523 is known as "Mwayi"—the Chichewa term for "fortunate." ZM 309 is called "Msunga banja," or "that which takes care of or feeds the family." In September 2009, the Malawi government decided to include ZM 309 in a government initiative that offers farmers discounts on purchases of improved maize seeds.

Notes: About IITA Africa has complex problems that plague agriculture and people's lives. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty. Our award-winning research for development (R4D) is based on focused, authoritative thinking anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We work with partners in Africa and beyond to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is an international nonprofit R4D organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the CGIAR. ========================================= From : [Actualité de la sécurité alimentaire et de la biotechnologie agricole] jeu. 02/09/2010 05:15 De nouvelles variétés de maïs tolérant à la sécheresse pourraient générer jusqu'à 1,5 milliard de dollars pour les agriculteurs et les consommateurs africains Source : IITA Auteur : n/a Une étude conjointement menée par le Centre international d'amélioration du maïs et du blé (CIMMYT) et l'Institut international d'agriculture tropicale (IITA) annonce que l'adoption généralisée des variétés existantes de maïs tolérant à la sécheresse augmenterait les récoltes globales de maïs de 10 à 34 pour cent, générant des avantages financiers pour les producteurs comme pour les consommateurs. L'étude s'est penchée sur les effets de l'adoption de 50 variétés de maïs conventionnel tolérant à la sécheresse qui ont déjà été mises au point conjointement par le CIMMYT, l'IITA, et des centres nationaux de recherche agricole en Afrique. Selon le communiqué de presse, ces variétés augmentent les rendements de 20 à 50 pour cent. " Nous devons prendre des mesures délibérées, mais urgentes, pour porter ces nouvelles variétés des obtenteurs aux agriculteurs, car elles ont un potentiel considérable pour prévenir les crises… Notre analyse montre qu'avec des taux d'adoption

élevés, plus de quatre millions de producteurs et de consommateurs verraient une baisse sensible de leurs niveaux de pauvreté d'ici 2016 ", a déclaré Roberto La Rovere, socio-économiste au CIMMYT et principal auteur de l'étude. Menée dans le cadre du projet maïs tolérant à la sécheresse pour l'Afrique (Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Initiative - DTMA), l'étude a été financée par la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates et la Fondation Howard G. Buffett, toutes deux aux Etats-Unis. Selon le communiqué de presse, les conditions climatiques pour la culture de maïs devraient empirer, du moins dans certaines parties de l'Afrique, au cours des prochaines décennies - augmentant ainsi le besoin de maïs tolérant à la sécheresse. Une étude réalisée par l'Institut international de recherche sur l'élevage (International Livestock Research Institute - ILRI), par exemple, a constaté que le simple fait de ne pas passer au maïs tolérant à la sécheresse pourrait réduire les rendements à travers la région de près d'une tonne à l'hectare.

URL: http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=83621&CultureCode=en Author Address: Dr Abebe Menkir, a.menkir@cgiar.org Maize breeder Jeffrey T Oliver, o.jeffrey@cgiar.org Corporate Communications Manager Office IITA Headquarters - Ibadan, Nigeria URL: www.iita.org XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Menrad Klaus, Gabriel Andreas, Zapilko Marina, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Cost of GMO-related co-existence and traceability systems in food production in Germany.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: Detection Dispersion Socioeconomic Keywords: Co-existence Traceability Food production Abstract: In contrast to the increasing use of GM plants in world-wide agriculture, the acceptance of GM food is still low in the European Union (EU). In order to ensure freedom of choice for consumers and users of GM and non-GM products, GM food and feed products have to be labeled in case a tolerance threshold of 0.9 % is exceeded for EU authorized GMOs. This paper aims to quantify the cost of traceability and co-existence systems for GM food from the seed to the food level for sugar, wheat starch and rapeseed oil for human consumption in Germany respecting the 0.9 % threshold for labelling of GM food. The cost calculation for traceability and co-existence measures follows the principle of aggregating all incurred cost on the different levels of the value chain and to increase the price of the final product at each level. Altogether the measures to ensure co-existence and traceability lead to 5 % to 13 % higher price for GMO-free rapeseed oil, to 2 % to 5 % higher prices of GM-free sugar and to 8 % price increase for GMO-free wheat starch.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51562 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51562/2/IAAE2009_Cost%20of%20GMO-related%20coexistence%20and%20traceability%20systems%20in%20food%20production%20in%20Germany_Reference%2 0Number%20134.pdf Author Address: Center of Science Straubing, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Marketing and Management for Renewable Resources, Schulgasse 16, D-94315 Straubing Gerrmany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Meyer S, Mumm P, Imes D, Endler A, Weder B, Al-Rasheid KA, Geiger D, Marten I, Martinoia E, Hedrich R, Year: 2010 Title: * AtALMT12 represents an R-type anion channel required for stomatal movement in Arabidopsis guard cells.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 1054-1062.

Label: Physiol Keywords: AtALMT12 malate R-type guard cell anion channel Arabidopsis Abstract: Stomatal pores formed by a pair of guard cells in the leaf epidermis control gas exchange and transpirational water loss. Stomatal closure is mediated by the release of potassium and anions from guard cells.

Anion efflux from guard cells involves slow (S-type) and rapid (R-type) anion channels. Recently the SLAC1 gene has been shown to encode the slow, voltage-independent anion channel component in guard cells. In contrast, the R-type channel still awaits identification. Here, we show that AtALMT12, a member of the

aluminum activated malate transporter family in Arabidopsis, represents a guard cell R-type anion channel.

AtALMT12 is highly expressed in guard cells and is targeted to the plasma membrane. Plants lacking AtALMT12 are impaired in dark- and CO2-induced stomatal closure, as well as in response to the droughtstress hormone abscisic acid. Patch-clamp studies on guard cell protoplasts isolated from atalmt12 mutants revealed reduced R-type currents compared with wild-type plants when malate is present in the bath media.

Following expression of AtALMT12 in Xenopus oocytes, voltage-dependent anion currents reminiscent to Rtype channels could be activated. In line with the features of the R-type channel, the activity of heterologously expressed AtALMT12 depends on extracellular malate. Thereby this key metabolite and osmolite of guard cells shifts the threshold for voltage activation of AtALMT12 towards more hyperpolarized potentials. R-Type channels, like voltage-dependent cation channels in nerve cells, are capable of transiently depolarizing guard cells, and thus could trigger membrane potential oscillations, action potentials and initiate long-term anion and K+ efflux via SLAC1 and GORK, respectively.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04302.x Author Address: 1Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland 2University of Wuerzburg, Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-Von-Sachs Platz 2, 97082 Wuerzburg, Germany 3Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Meyers Benjamin, Zaltsman Adi, Lacroix Benoît, Kozlovsky Stanislav V, Krichevsky Alexander, Year: 2010 Title: * Nuclear and plastid genetic engineering of plants: Comparison of opportunities and challenges.

Journal: Biotechnology Advances 28, 6, 747-756.

Label: Bioengineering Review Keywords: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation Nuclear transformation Chloroplast genetic engineering Transgenic plants Abstract: Plant genetic engineering is one of the key technologies for crop improvement as well as an emerging approach for producing recombinant proteins in plants. Both plant nuclear and plastid genomes can be genetically modified, yet fundamental functional differences between the eukaryotic genome of the plant cell nucleus and the prokaryotic-like genome of the plastid will have an impact on key characteristics of the resulting transgenic organism. So, which genome, nuclear or plastid, to transform for the desired transgenic phenotype? In this review we compare the advantages and drawbacks of engineering plant nuclear and plastid genomes to generate transgenic plants with the traits of interest, and evaluate the pros and cons of their use for different biotechnology and basic research applications, ranging from generation of commercial crops with valuable new phenotypes to ‗bioreactor‘ plants for large-scale production of recombinant proteins to research model plants expressing various reporter proteins.

Notes: TY - JOUR Y2 - 2010/12// URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6T4X-507BHNJ1/2/001861ab03e42743afa925651d058d56 Author Address: Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mgonja Mary, Okello Julius Juma, Mwangi Stephen G, Manyasa Eric, Ouma James, Godiah Lawrence, Alumira Jane, Kibuka J, Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Prevalence and drivers of seed and pollen-mediated geneflow in sorghum: implications for biosafety regulations and policy in Kenya.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: Dispersion Nutrition

Keywords: cultivated sorghum prevalence of wild sorghum varieties geneflow varietal purity biosafety Kenya Abstract: This paper uses a random sample of 881 farmers drawn from eastern and western Kenya to examine the prevalence and drivers of seed and pollen mediated geneflow in the two major sorghum growing regions. It employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques to assess farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; awareness of wild sorghum varieties, the practices they use in maintaining varietal purity and the conditioners of their success in maintaining the purity of cultivated varieties. The study finds that, among others, cultural differences, agro-climate and poverty affect the awareness, practices used in maintaining varietal purity and farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; success in doing so. These findings have implication for biosafety and policy in Kenya due to the clamour to introduce genetically modified bio-fortified sorghum varieties in Africa.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51901 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/51901/2/okello~iaae09~sorghum~final.pdf Author Address: 1 ICRISAT, Nairobi, Kenya 2 Nairobi University, Nairobi, Kenya.

3 KARI, Muguga, Kenya 4 KARI, Embu, Kenya XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: MITO T, NAKAMURA T, BANDO T, OHUCHI H, NOJI S, Year: 2010 Title: * The advent of RNA interference in Entomology.

Journal: Entomological Science Article first published online: 4 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: InRe Physiol Bioengineering Review Keywords: development insecticides insects loss-of-function regeneration RNAi Abstract: Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process by which an mRNA is targeted for degradation by a small interfering RNA that contains a strand complementary to a fragment of the target mRNA, resulting in sequence specific inhibition of gene expression. The discovery of RNAi enabled the use of loss-of-function analyses in many non-model insects other than Drosophila to elucidate the roles of specific genes. The RNAi approach has been widely used on insects in several fields, including embryogenesis, pattern formation, reproduction, biosynthesis and behavior. The increasing availability of insect genomes has made the RNAi technique an indispensable technique for characterizing gene functions in insects. Here we review the current status of RNAi-based experiments in insects and the applications of RNAi for species-specific insecticides, focusing on non-drosophilid insects. We also identify future applications for RNAi-based studies in Entomology.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1479-8298.2010.00408.x Author Address: Department of Life Systems, Institute of Technology and Science, University of Tokushima, Tokushima City, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Miyadate H, Adachi S, Hiraizumi A, Tezuka K, Nakazawa N, Kawamoto T, Katou K, Kodama I, Sakurai K, Takahashi H, Satoh-Nagasawa N, Watanabe A, Fujimura T, Akagi H, Year: 2010 Title: * OsHMA3, a P1B-type of ATPase affects root-to-shoot cadmium translocation in rice by mediating efflux into vacuoles.

Journal: New Phytologist Article first published online: 14 SEP 2010 Pages: no Label: Phytoremediation ReEn ImpactEnvironnement Keywords: cadmium OsHMA3 phytoremediation rice (Oryza sativa) vacuole sequestration Abstract: * The cadmium (Cd) over-accumulating rice (Oryza sativa) cv Cho-Ko-Koku was previously shown to have an enhanced rate of root-to-shoot Cd translocation. This trait is controlled by a single recessive allele located at qCdT7.

* In this study, using positional cloning and transgenic strategies, heavy metal ATPase 3 (OsHMA3) was identified as the gene that controls root-to-shoot Cd translocation rates. The subcellular localization and Cdtransporting activity of the gene products were also investigated. * The allele of OsHMA3 that confers high root-to-shoot Cd translocation rates (OsHMA3mc) encodes a defective P1B-ATPase transporter. OsHMA3 fused to green fluorescent protein was localized to vacuolar membranes in plants and yeast. An OsHMA3 transgene complemented Cd sensitivity in a yeast mutant that lacks the ability to transport Cd into vacuoles. By contrast, OsHMA3mc did not complement the Cd sensitivity of this yeast mutant, indicating that the OsHMA3mc transport function was lost. * We propose that the root cell cytoplasm of Cd-overaccumulating rice plants has more Cd available for loading into the xylem as a result of the lack of OsHMA3-mediated transportation of Cd to the vacuoles. This defect results in Cd translocation to the shoots in higher concentrations. These data demonstrate the importance of vacuolar sequestration for Cd accumulation in rice.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03459.x Author Address: 1) Laboratory of Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Kaidoubata-Nishi 241-438, Shimoshinjyo-Nakano, Akita 010-0195, Japan 2) Laboratory of Brewing Microbiology, Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Kaidoubata-Nishi 241-438, Shimoshinjyo-Nakano, Akita 010-0195, Japan 3) Akita Agricultural Experiment Station, Genpachizawa 34-1, Aikawa, Yuwa, Akita 010-1231, Japan 4) Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572 Ibaraki, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mlotshwa S, Pruss GJ, Gao Z, Mgutshini NL, Li J, Chen X, Bowman LH, Vance V, Year: 2010 Title: * Transcriptional Silencing Induced by Arabidopsis T-DNA Mutants is Associated with 35S Promoter siRNAs and Requires Genes Involved in siRNA-mediated Chromatin Silencing.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Received Date : 15-Jun-2010 - Revised Date : 27-Aug-2010 - Accepted Date : 07Sep-2010.

Pages: no Label: Bioengineering Expression Keywords: transcriptional silencing DCL3 35S promoter siRNA T-DNA insertion mutant SALK line Abstract: The utility of many T-DNA insertion mutant lines of Arabidopsis is compromised by their propensity to trigger transcriptional silencing of transgenes expressed from the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. To try to circumvent this problem, we characterized the genetic requirements for maintaining 35S promoter homology-dependent transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) induced by the dcl3-1 (SALK_005512) T-DNA insertion mutant line. Surprisingly, even though DCL3 and RDR2 are known components of the siRNAdependent TGS pathway, TGS of a 35S promoter-driven GUS hairpin transgene occurred in plants homozygous for the dcl3-1 T-DNA insertion and was unaffected by loss of function of RDR2. However, the TGS was alleviated in dcl2 dcl3 dcl4 triply mutant plants and also by mutations in AGO4, NRPD2, HEN1, and MOM1.

Thus, at least some T-DNA insertion mutant lines induce 35S promoter homology-dependent transcriptional silencing that requires neither DCL3 nor RDR2, but involves other genes known to function in siRNAdependent transcriptional silencing. Consistent with these results, we detected 35S promoter siRNAs in dcl3-1 SALK line plants, suggesting that 35S promoter homology-dependent silencing induced by some T-DNA insertion mutant lines is siRNA-mediated.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04358.x Author Address: 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA 2Department of Botany and Plant Sciences and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mocali S

Year: 2010 Title: ?? Bt plants and effects on soil micro-organisms.

Journal: CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 5, 036, 1-19 Accession Number: CABI:20103160296 Label: InRe ImpactBiol Keywords: genetic engineering; genetic transformation; nontarget effects; nontarget organisms; reviews; risk assessment; soil flora; soil properties; species diversity; transgenic plants bacterium; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; non-target organisms; non-target species; nontarget species Abstract: The continued and increasing adoption of genetically modified plants (GMPs) in agriculture has raised both perspectives on increasing the productivity and some concern over their potential effects on the environment, especially on soil. These effects include unintentional changes in the chemical compositions of root exudates, and the direct or indirect effects of transgenic plants on non-target species of soil microorganisms that have a key role in the maintenance of soil quality and environmental sustainability. Therefore any change to the quality of crop residues and rhizosphere inputs could modify the dynamics of the composition and activity of organisms in soil. One of the most common transgenic traits in commercial GMPs is insect resistance based on the expression of Cry toxin derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and it is crucial that risk assessment studies on the use of Bt crops consider the impacts on micro-organisms in soil. This review summarizes the results of most of the studies that have been conducted to specifically test the effects of Bt plants on soil microbial communities, and examines the role of soil properties as one of the most important factors to be considered to study the interactions between micro-organisms and Bt plants. Most studies suggest that the Bt plants that have been released for commercial purposes could cause small changes in microbial communities and these are often transient in duration. However, experimental results are often contrasting and, given our limited knowledge of the soil system and the linkage with the soil microbial community's diversity and function, more work needs to be done on a case-by-case basis to further evaluate the effects of Bt plants on soil micro-organisms and soil ecosystem functions.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103160296 Author Address: CRA - Centro di Ricerca per lo studio delle Relazioni tra Pianta e Suolo, Via della Navicella, 2-00184 Roma, Italy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Mohr Toni J, Mammarella Nicole D, Hoff Troy, Woffenden Bonnie J, Jelesko John G, McDowell John M, Year: 2010 Title: * The Arabidopsis Downy Mildew Resistance Gene RPP8 Is Induced by Pathogens and Salicylic Acid and Is Regulated by W Box cis Elements.

Journal: Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 23, 10, 1303-1315.

Date: 2010/09/10 Label: FuRe Abstract: Plants disease resistance (R) genes encode specialized receptors that are quantitative, rate-limiting defense regulators. R genes must be expressed at optimum levels to function properly. If expression is too low, downstream defense responses are not activated efficiently. Conversely, overexpression of R genes can trigger autoactivation of defenses with deleterious consequences for the plant. Little is known about R gene regulation, particularly under defense-inducing conditions. We examined regulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana gene RPP8 (resistance to Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, isolate Emco5). RPP8 was induced in response to challenge with H. arabidopsidis or application of salicylic acid, as shown with RPP8-Luciferase transgenic plants and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of endogenous alleles. The RPP1 and RPP4 genes were also induced by H. arabidopsidis and salicylic acid, suggesting that some RPP genes are subject to feedback amplification. The RPP8 promoter contains three W box cis elements. Site-directed mutagenesis of all three W boxes greatly diminished RPP8 basal expression, inducibility, and resistance in transgenic plants.

Motif searches indicated that the W box is the only known cis element that is statistically overrepresented in Arabidopsis nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat promoters. These results indicate that WRKY transcription factors can regulate expression of surveillance genes at the top of the defense-signaling cascade.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-01-10-0022

http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/MPMI-01-10-0022 Author Address: Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Latham Hall (0329), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Moreno-Risueno Miguel A, Van Norman Jaimie M, Moreno Antonio, Zhang Jingyuan, Ahnert Sebastian E, Benfey Philip N, Year: 2010 Title: * Oscillating Gene Expression Determines Competence for Periodic Arabidopsis Root Branching.

Journal: Science 329, 5997, 1306-1311.

Date: September 10, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Plants and animals produce modular developmental units in a periodic fashion. In plants, lateral roots form as repeating units along the root primary axis; however, the developmental mechanism regulating this process is unknown. We found that cyclic expression pulses of a reporter gene mark the position of future lateral roots by establishing prebranch sites and that prebranch site production and root bending are periodic.

Microarray and promoter-luciferase studies revealed two sets of genes oscillating in opposite phases at the root tip. Genetic studies show that some oscillating transcriptional regulators are required for periodicity in one or both developmental processes. This molecular mechanism has characteristics that resemble molecular clockdriven activities in animal species.

URL: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/329/5997/1306 Author Address: 1 Department of Biology and Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy Center for Systems Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA. 2 Departamento de Acustica Ambiental, Instituto de Acustica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Serrano 144, Madrid 28006, Spain.

3 Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Motoyama Takayasu, Okumoto Yutaka, Tanisaka Takatoshi, Utsumi Shigeru, Maruyama Nobuyuki, Year: 2010 Title: * Co-expression of ' and subunits of -conglycinin in rice seeds and its effect on the accumulation behavior of the expressed proteins.

Secondary Title: Transgenic Research 19, 5, 819-827.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Label: Composition Expression Nutrition Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Ă&#x;-Conglycinin - Genetic crossing - Glutelin - Rice - Soybean Abstract: A transgenic rice that produces both the and subunits of -conglycinin has been developed through the crossing of two types of transgenic rice. Although the accumulation level of the subunit in the transgenic rice was slightly lower than that in the transgenic rice producing only the subunit, the accumulation level of the subunit in the -transgenic rice was about 60% higher than that in the transgenic rice producing only the subunit. Results from sequential extraction and gel-filtration experiments indicated that part of the subunit formed heterotrimers with the subunit in a similar manner as in soybean seeds and that the heterotrimers interacted with glutelin via cysteine residues. These results imply that the accumulation level of the subunit in the -transgenic rice increases by an indirect interaction with glutelin.

Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the and subunits are localized in a low electron-dense region of protein body-II (PB-II) and that homotrimers in the -transgenic rice seeds seem to accumulate outside of this low electron-dense region.

Notes: 25 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-009-9359-8 Author Address: (1) Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyou, Kyoto, Japan

(2) Laboratory of Food Quality Design and Development, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Moura W de M, Lima PC de, Azpiazu I, Santos J dos, Reigado FR, Year: 2009 Title: ?? Legal aspects of the protection of transgenic cultivars Journal: Informe Agropecuario 30, 253.

Accession Number: CABI:20103085530 Label: Adoption Socioeconomic Keywords: biosafety; genetically engineered organisms; intellectual property rights; legislation; new cultivars; patents; registration; transgenic plants, genetically engineered plants; genetically modified organisms; genetically modified plants; GEOs; GMOs Abstract: Transgenic cultivars are obtained by the introduction of genes from different species directly into the plant genome. On the one hand these cultivars represent a major advance in genetic improvement, and on the other can contribute to a real monopoly in the seed market owing to the existing legal systems of protection. Of great interest in respect of the development of transgenic cultivars is the process of patenting biotechnology products under Brazilian Industrial Property Law. Theoretically, the patent holder of a transgenic gene could control all cultivars into which the gene is introduced. One way of preventing this has been the institution in Brazil of the Plant Cultivar Protection Act. Both these bills give the patent holders and the holders of the cultivars the right to receive royalties on the use and/or commercialization of patented or protected material.

Therefore, transgenic crops can, in a sense, be covered by two laws, which has sometimes led to conflicts.

However, only the process and the biotechnology products involved in the production of genetically modified organisms and not the transgenic cultivar obtained can be patented. The cultivar itself is only protected under the Plant Cultivar Protection Act after issuance of a conclusive technical opinion by CTNBio (the Brazilian National Technical Commission on Biosafety). After that, seed can be marketed in the country, although it must be registered in the National Register of Plant Cultivars. Details are included of certified conventional and transgenic cultivars of a large range of Brazilian crops, and of the effect of royalties on the final product cost of protected cultivars.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 13 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103085530 Author Address: U.R. EPAMIG ZM, Caixa Postal 216, CEP 36570-000 Vicosa, MG, Brazil.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nagegowda Dinesh A Year: 2010 Title: * The small subunit of geranyl diphosphate synthase: a tool to improve aroma and flavour by metabolic engineering.

Journal: Journal of Biosciences Volume 35, Number 2, 167-169, DOI: 10.1007/s12038-010-0019-1.

Label: Composition Qualite Author Address: Biotechnology Division, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226 015, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nair Smitha G, Vijayalakshmi C Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic Transformation of Itc 3, A Superior Clone of Eucalyptus Tereticornis.

Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Research Year : 2010, Volume : 44, Issue : 3.

Label: Bioengineering Abstract: Transformation of Eucalyptus calli from ITC-3, a superior clone, was attempted with transformation vectors pAHC 25 and pHX4 carrying -glucoronidase and hygromycin phosphotransferase respectively.

Particle bombardment was done using PDS1000/He Particle Delivery System. However, Gus expression could not be achieved

Author Address: Orissa University of Agriculture Technology, Bhupnedwar, Orissa, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Namitha KK, Negi PS Year: 2010 Title: * Chemistry and biotechnology of carotenoids.

Journal: Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 50, 8, 728-60.

Accession Number: MEDLINE:20830634 Label: Physiol Composition Nutrition Review Abstract: Carotenoids are one of the most widespread groups of pigments in nature and more than 600 of these have been identified. Beside provitamin A activity, carotenoids are important as antioxidants and protective agents against various diseases. They are isoprenoids with a long polyene chain containing 3 to 15 conjugated double bonds, which determines their absorption spectrum. Cyclization at one or both ends occurs in hydrocarbon carotene, while xanthophylls are formed by the introduction of oxygen. In addition, modifications involving chain elongation, isomerization, or degradation are also found. The composition of carotenoids in food may vary depending upon production practices, post-harvest handling, processing, and storage. In higher plants they are synthesized in the plastid. Both mevalonate dependent and independent pathway for the formation of isopentenyl diphosphate are known. Isopentenyl diphosphate undergoes a series of addition and condensation reactions to form phytoene, which gets converted to lycopene. Cyclization of lycopene either leads to the formation of b-carotene and its derivative xanthophylls, b-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and violaxanthin or a-carotene and lutein. Even though most of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes have been cloned and identified, some aspects of carotenoid formation and manipulation in higher plants especially remain poorly understood. In order to enhance the carotenoid content of crop plants to a level that will be required for the prevention of diseases, there is a need for research in both the basic and the applied aspects.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://20830634 Author Address: Human Resource Development, Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR), Mysore, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Napasintuwong Orachos Year: 2010 Title: * The Role of Agricultural Biotechnology Policies in Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Economy.

Journal: The Asian Biotechnology and Development Review Vol. 12 No. 1 March 2010 ISSN: 0972-7566 Label: Adoption Reglement Socioeconomic Keywords: Agricultural Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Plans, Government R&D, GM products, trade policies, Thailand.

Abstract: Agricultural biotechnology plays a major role in agricultural development in several countries around the world. At the same time, many countries are opposing to the technology while some others are considering the coexistence of dual markets. Thailand is among agricultural-based countries facing challenges in climate change, rising global competition, and shortage of energy supply. Biotechnology could be an alternative to solve these problems, but the national policies are still ambiguous. This article reviews biotechnology-related policies and regulations in Thailand, and their implications for agricultural development from an economic perspective.

URL: http://www.ris.org.in/article1_v12n1.html Author Address: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Naqvi S, Zhu C, Farre G, Sandmann G, Capell T, Christou P, Year: 2010

Title: * Synergistic metabolism in hybrid corn indicates bottlenecks in the carotenoid pathway and leads to the accumulation of extraordinary levels of the nutritionally important carotenoid zeaxanthin.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Composition Nutrition Keywords: metabolic engineering carotenoid profile transgenic corn hybrid corn lycopene cyclase Zea mays Abstract: Lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be synthesized de novo in humans, and although lutein is abundant in fruit and vegetables, good dietary sources of zeaxanthin are scarce. Certain corn varieties provide adequate amounts because the ratio of endosperm lycopene cyclase activity favours the -carotene/zeaxanthin branch of the carotenoid pathway. We previously described a transgenic corn line expressing the early enzymes in the pathway (including lycopene -cyclase) and therefore accumulating extraordinary levels of -carotene.

Here, we demonstrate that introgressing the transgenic mini-pathway into wild-type yellow endosperm varieties gives rise to hybrids in which the ratio is altered additively. Where the ratio in the genetic background is high, introgression of the mini-pathway allows zeaxanthin production at an unprecedented g/g dry weight. This result shows that metabolic synergy between endogenous and heterologous pathways can be used to enhance the levels of nutritionally important metabolites.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00554.x Author Address: 1Departament de Produccio Vegetal I Ciencia Forestal, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain 2Biosynthesis Group, Molecular Biosciences, J.W. Goethe Universitaet, Frankfurt, Germany 3Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, Barcelona, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nathwong B, Prasatsri V, Kunawasen S, Kongsawat C, Chancharoenrit J, Valyasevi R, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Genetically modified plants development and biosafety research in Thailand.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Adoption EvaluationRisque Abstract: Agriculture is a main driving force of Thailand‘s economy. Blessed with the location in tropical area, the harvest from Thailand has been providing to the world food a range of commodities such as rice, cassava, exotic tropical fruits and vegetables. However, the tropical climate is also a place for plant diseases and insects.

Inevitably, farmers need new and effi cient technologies to battle the problems. In the last two decades, development of genetically modifi ed plants has proved to be a promising technology for battling the plant diseases and insects especially when conventional breeding reaches limitations.

Genetically modifi ed plants developed in Thailand include virus resistant papaya, tomato and chilli and delayed ripening papaya. Among these, papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) resistant papaya was the fi rst successful case. The papaya rings spot disease was reported for the fi rst time in Thailand in 1975. Since then the disease has continuously deteriorated Thailand‘s papaya production until now. In 2006 – 2007, Thailand produced only 134,443 tons of fresh papaya which was 15,557 tons less than the market‘s demand.

At the beginning, the breeding programme of PRSV resistant papaya variety, in response to the outcry of Thai papaya growers, was mainly by conventional breeding using parental lines available in Thailand and from the US. The conventional breeding programme succeeded in producing a new papaya variety that yields papaya fruit of market preference characteristics i.e. long oval shape and fi rm red fl esh but still susceptible to PRSV infection.

The breeding programme of PRSV resistant papaya variety changed strategy to employ modern biotechnology in 1994, the year that severe PRSV infections were reported from all over the kingdom. The non-translatable coat protein genes of PRSV isolates collected from central (Nakhon Pathom), northern (ChiangMai) and northeastern (KhonKaen) parts of Thailand were separately transferred into papaya embryogenic callus by biolistic bombardment or Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Selection of transgenic papaya was based on kanamycin resistant characteristics of the transformed cells. Subsequent Southern blot analysis revealed integrity and stability of the inserted gene cassette up to R5 generation whose resistance effi ciency to PRSV is 97-99%.

Following the success of PRSV resistant transgenic papaya, delayed ripening transgenic papaya expressing ACC oxidase antisence gene was developed to extend the ripening period of the papaya fruit. In parallel, tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (TYLCTHV) resistant tomato containing the viral Rep gene was also successfully developed in order to help tomato growers fi ghting with the most important tomato disease in Thailand. Assessment at screenhouse level showed success in delaying of ripening of the transgenic papaya fruit and strong resistance to TYLCVTHV of the transgenic tomato. In addition to alleviate biotic stress problem in crops, Thai researchers have been putting effort to develop colour improvement and long shelf life orchids and establish cassava embryogenesis with an aim to develop a new cassava variety with improved starch properties. Biosafety research of genetically modifi ed plants in Thailand Since 1993, twenty one biosafety assessments were conducted in Thailand. Examples of the assessed genetically modifi ed plants include delayed ripening tomato, insect resistant cotton and maize, herbicide resistant maize and virus resistant papaya. All of these assessed genetically modified plants completed the screenhouse level assessment and only virus (PRSV) resistant papaya had undergone field trials in 1997. Environmental safety assessment indicated that the transgenic papaya behaves in a confined open fi eld in the same way as its conventional counterpart.

The transgenic papaya did not show weediness behavior when, after harvesting and elimination of the transgenic papaya, planting six different plants i.e. water morning glory (Ippomoea aquatica Forssk.), peanut, yard long bean (Vigna unguigulata syn sinensis), maize, cabbage and grass in the same confi ned area. Bee larvae fed on extract of the transgenic papaya fruit had normal growth rate and developed into normal adults as those fed on extract from the conventional counter part. Similar result was also found in tests with Norway mice. Body weight, growth rate and reproduction of the mice fed on the transgenic papaya fruit and those fed on the conventional counterpart were equally normal. Microbiological study of microorganisms such as rhizobium and mycorrhiza in the soil used for cultivating the transgenic papaya showed no difference in number of species and populations to those found in the soil used for the conventional counter part.

In 2001, further experiments for environmental safety assessment were put on hold due to the cabinet decision upon the request of a non-governmental organization to ban all fi eld trials of genetically modifi ed plants pending the enactment of the biosafety law. Since then, research in genetic engineering in Thailand was limited to laboratory and greenhouse - screenhouse levels. However, in December 2007, the cabinet passed a new resolution allowing fi eld trial study of genetically modifi ed plants while the fi nal draft of Thailand biosafety law is on the process to seek fi nal approval by the legislative house. By the new resolution, fi eld trial study of genetically modified plants can be conducted in a confi ned area within the government owned properties provided the study plan and safety measure are approved by the cabinet.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2 Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative, Thailand.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: NI Futai, LI Changyou, LIU Qiang, WANG Zhanwu, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Application of Morden Biotechnology in Plant Researches.

Journal: Journal: Biotechnology Bulletin, Year 2010, Issue 5, Page 78-81 Label: Bioengineering Review URL: http://caod.oriprobe.com/articles/23835325/Application_of_Morden_Biotechnology_in_Plant_Resea.htm Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nickson TE Year: 2008 Title: 造 Planning environmental risk assessment for genetically modified crops: problem formulation for stresstolerant crops.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf

Label: ReEn EvaluationRisque Abstract: Recent advances in plant biotechnology have led to the discovery of genes associated with tolerance to abiotic stresses such as cold, heat, water and salt; and some of these genes show promise in major crops like maize and rice. Plants expressing stress tolerancephenotypes are now being widely tested in fi eld trials around the world. As such, the scientifi c principles underlying the environmental risk assessments completed for GM crops commercialized to date will soon be applied to crops modifi ed for improved tolerance to abiotic stresses.

These principles, and the processes built upon them, have been shown to be suffi ciently robust to provide the appropriate information for regulatory decision-making and to ensure an adequate level of environmental protection. This presentation describes the initial steps in the environmental risk assessment process and illustrates an approach that could be taken for GM crops tolerant to abiotic stress (e.g., water, salt, cold and heat). The discussion will include an overview of the initial steps in an environmental risk assessment, known as Problem Formulation. A hypothetical drought tolerant maize product will be used as an example of how Problem Formulation can guide the environmental risk assessment for a specifi c abiotic stress tolerant crop.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Regulatory Environmental Sciences Center, Monsanto Company. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ninkovic Slavica, Tatjana Djordjevic, Branka Vinterhalter, Branka Uzelac, Aleksandar Cingel, Jelena Savic and Svetlana Radovic, Year: 2010 Title: * Embryogenic responses of Beta vulgaris L. callus induced from transgenic hairy roots, Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Volume 103, Number 1, 81-91, Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Keywords Sugar beet - Agrobacterium rhizogenes - Callus - TIBA - Somatic embryogenesis Abstract: Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4M70GUS-mediated transformation of two local breeding lines of sugar beet was obtained using 4-week-old seedlings. Root formation efficiency was 61.54% for SBa genotype and 36.36% for SBb genotype. Five highly proliferated hairy root lines have been established in liquid hormonefree MS medium. Transgenic nature of the hairy root clones was evaluated by GUS assay, PCR and RT-PCR analyses. Hairy root-derived calli were induced using different plant growth regulators (PGRs): auxin, auxin/cytokinin and cytokinin. The best callus induction response was achieved on MS medium containing both 1 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1 mg/l thidiazuron (TDZ). Globular embryo-like structures were observed in friable callus after its prolonged cultivation on MS medium supplemented with TDZ and giberellic acid (GA3) at 1 mg/l each, followed by growth on MS medium containing 1% glucose and 0.5 mg/l 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA). Histological analysis revealed somatic embryos at different stages of development in hairy root-derived callus of sugar beet.

Notes: 51 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/w14r147406250751/ Author Address: (1) Institute for Biological Research ―Siniša Stankovic‖, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia (2) Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3/II, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nishizawa Toru, Masanori Tamaoki, Mitsuko Aono, Akihiro Kubo, Hikaru Saji and Nobuyoshi Nakajima Year: 2010 Title: * Rapeseed species and environmental concerns related to loss of seeds of genetically modified oilseed rape in Japan.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 143 - 156 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12761.

Label: HeTo Dispersion Abstract: Feral rapeseed in Japan consists of Brassica rapa, B. juncea, and B. napus, mostly produced by escape from crops. Brassica rapa and B. juncea were introduced from abroad long ago as leaf and root vegetables and as an oil crop, and breeders have developed various cultivars. Brassica napus was introduced in the late 1800s, mainly as an oil crop. Rapeseed production in Japan is low, and most demand is met by imports from Canada (94.4% of the 2009 trade volume). Recently, spontaneous B. napus, including genetically

modified (GM) herbicide-resistant individuals, has been detected along Japanese roads, probably originating from seeds lost during transportation of imports. As GM oilseed production increases abroad, the probability of escape of GM oilseed rape in Japan will increase, raising environmental biosafety concerns related to the impact of feral rapeseed on heirloom brassicaceous crops. In this paper, we review the history of rapeseed introduction in Japan and future concerns.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12761/ Author Address: Environmental Biology Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2009 Title: // Global Seeds Market: Focus on Genetically Modified Segment.

Journal: Publisher: Koncept Analytics - Publication Date: 01-Feb-2009 - Format: PDF Email - Pages: 31 Label: Socioeconomic Abstract: Industrialization is changing the dynamics of the global seeds industry. The agriculture land is not going to increase over a period of time; in fact, it is decreasing owing to the growing industrialization world over. The agricultural land is increasingly being used for setting up of industries. This is putting pressure on agricultural sector as the increasing population is driving food demand. The need of the hour is to produce more crops with the same or the diminishing land. This has in a way sacrificed the variety of crops we used to have once. Companies have introduced hybrid seeds and then introduced biotech traits into them which made them resistant to many diseases and calamities. Moreover, these corporate giants patented these seeds in their names, to make their sales grow and make them more profitable. This is gradually killing the traditional way where farmers would save the seeds for the next season. Rather now they have to buy them every time from these companies. The government is also promoting these biotech or hybrid seeds in order to make up for the increasing food demand. So, the agricultural sector is changing hands, although slowly, from the farmers to the seed giants. Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta are the few big players in the seed industry. Another interesting trend in the industry, however contradictory to the cause of introducing these biotech crops, is the use of crops as biofuels, sacrificing the need for food. Governments as well as companies are encouraging farmers to grow crops which can be used for biofuels. The biggest challenge now is, one, whether these biotech crops are really satisfying the cause and secondly, how to protect the non-biotech or the conventional crops from getting contaminated by the genetically modified crops. The report is an attempt to analyze the size of the global seeds market, focusing primarily on the biotech seeds industry, along with the forecast of the industry size. The growth drivers and major issues facing the industry are also being touched upon. The major players of the industry are being profiled, highlighting their strategies.

Notes: Global Seeds Market: Focus on Genetically Modified Segment Table of Contents 1. Overview Supply Chain 2. Market Size Commercial Seeds Market Proprietary Seeds Market Seeds Market by Region 2.1 Indian Seeds Market Market Segmentation Market Share 3. Biotech Seeds Market GMO Seeds Market Value GMO Seeds Market Growth GMO Seeds Market Share 3.1 US GMO Seeds Market Market Share 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.1.1 Food Price Increase

4.1.2 Benefits of Biotech Trait 4.1.3 Rising Demand of Biofuels 4.1.4 Limited Crop Area & Productivity Increase 4.2 Industry Challenges 4.2.1 Maintaining Seed Purity 4.2.2 GM Seeds Contaminating Conventional Seeds 5. Corporate Profiles 5.1 Monsanto Overview Business Strategies Maintain Leadership in Agriculture Sector Doubling Yield with Technology Delivering Value to Shareowners 5.2 DuPont Overview Business Strategies Streamlining Agriculture & Nutrition Segment New Science for Growing Agriculture Markets 5.3 Syngenta Overview Business Strategies Outperform Markets Grow New Products Life Cycle Management Investment in Seeds 5.4 Bayer AG Overview Business Strategies Strategies of the Environmental Science, BioScience Segment 6. Market Forecast Commercial Seeds Projections Vegetable Seeds Projections List of Tables Domestic Seeds Market Value of Top Ten Markets (2007-08) Global GMO Crop Plantings by Region (2006-07) Impact of Crop Trait on Pesticide Application List of Charts Development & Supply Chain of Seed Production Global Agrochemicals Market by Segments (2007) Global Commercial Seeds Market by Segments (2007) Global Proprietary Seeds Market by Segments (2007) Global Proprietary Seeds Market Share (2007) Global Seeds Market by Region (2007-08) Indian Seeds Market Segmentation (2007) Market Share of Indian Seeds Companies (2007) Indian Seeds Market by Segments (2007-08) Market Participant Categories of Indian Seeds Market (2007-08) Global GMO Seeds Market Value by Seed Type (2007) Global GMO Plantings by Crop Type (2007) Global GMO Seed Market Growth (1996-2007) Global GMO Seeds Market Share (2007) Global GMO Seeds Market by Region (2007) US GMO Seeds Market Share (2007) US Corn Market Share (2007) US Cotton Seeds Market Share (2007) Market Value of Seeds with Traits (2001-06)

Sales Growth of Monsanto (2003-07) Agriculture & Nutrition Sales Growth of DuPont (2003-07) Sales Growth of Syngenta (2003-07) Sales Growth of Bayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Crop Science Segment (2003-07) Market Forecast of Commercial Seeds (2006/20E) Global Vegetable Seeds Market Forecast (2007/20E) Global Field Crop Commercial Seeds Market Forecast (2007/15E) North America Commercial Seeds Market Forecast (2007/15E) URL: http://www.marketreports.com/reports/Agricultural_Biotechnology.html#a106 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: $ GM soybeans hurt bean production in NE China.

Journal: Source: China Daily Volume: Source: China Daily Date: Monday, August 23, 2010 Label: Socioeconomic HeTo Abstract: Full text : Farmers in China's Heilongjiang province are losing faith in soybean production because of growing imports of genetically modified varieties of the foodstuff.

Some working the land in the nation's main soybean supply base have given up growing the produce entirely.

Fan Shenggen, director general of the Washington DC-based International Food Policy Research Institute, warned "dual standards" adopted on domestic and imported soybeans have hurt the domestic industry.

More than a decade has passed since China became a net soybean importer in the mid-1990s and those cultivated abroad have nibbled away at the home-grown variety every year since.

China's soybean imports increased 16.2 percent year-on-year to 30.76 million tons in the first seven months, according to the latest China's customs statistics.

Farmers such as Li Guofu, 61, in rural Jixi, Heilongjiang province, have now decided to stop soybean cultivation.

"It's customary for local farmers to grow soybeans but we have to shift to other crops since you can't make money from them," Li said.

A mu of land, about 666 square meters, can generate about 300 yuan from corn but farmers would hardly break even if they planted soybeans instead, he said.

Farmers worry about selling the soybeans after harvesting them because most local oil refinery businesses have ceased production.

International players such as Archer Daniels and Midland have dominated nearly 80 percent of the soybean processing capacity in China.

They largely use imported GM soybeans, which are about 300 to 600 yuan cheaper per ton than non-GM soybeans, said industry insiders.

The price of GM and non-GM soybean oil and soybean meal in China are largely the same, so it makes economic sense for processing enterprises to buy imported GM soybeans.

China consumes about 10 million tons of soybean oil and about 40 million tons of soybean meal per year, more than 80 percent of which is imported or made from imported GM soybeans.

"The dual standards in trade policy failed to provide an equal competition platform for the domestic industry. It stimulated more imports instead of protecting the domestic industry," Fan said.

Generally, countries that don't allow production of GM crops, also prohibit the importing of GM crops.

So far, China has yet to approve GM crop production but the nation imports more than 40 million tons of soybeans per year from countries such as the United States, Brazil and Argentina that mainly grow GM soybeans.

Fan said China should either permit the domestic production of GM soybeans or forbid importing them to create a level playing field..

"Chinese soybeans are green and come with lots of nutritional value. They should be priced higher, but it's a big pity that we have yet to become a successful brand," said Zhang Honglei, an official of Heilongjiang Beidahuang Group, the biggest agriculture group in Heilongjiang.

"We are not willing to cultivate GM soybeans even if we could. There are still many uncertainties about GM food and it contradicts our vision of building a green and natural ecology."

Competition from outside is "cruel" and the industry needs more protection from the government, Zhang added.

To alleviate the pressure on farmers, the government has protectively purchased some soybean produce in northeast China since 2008.

Both American and European countries adopt various measures to protect their own soybean industries. These include subsidies or lifting tariffs on imports, as well as non-trade methods such as the prohibition of imported GM food, said analysts.

In comparison, China's protection for the domestic soybean industry is not enough, said Fan of the Food Policy Research Institute.

Another reason for today's problems is the lack of attention paid to soybean research and development over the past 10 to 20 years, said Fan. Domestic soybeans have less oil and provide lower yields compared with soybeans from the United States and Brazil, but that can be changed by adopting higher level technologies, Fan said.

"It's still not too late to rescue the Chinese soybean industry," he said.

Notes: From : [Actualité de la sécurité alimentaire et de la biotechnologie agricole] jeu. 02/09/2010 05:15 Le soja GM nuit à la production de graines dans le Nord-est de la Chine Source : China Daily Auteur : n/a Cet article indique que les producteurs de soja de la province chinoise de Heilongjiang ont du mal à soutenir la concurrence d'un volume de plus en plus grand d'importations de soja génétiquement modifié venues de l'étranger. Selon l'article, les producteurs d'huile de soja en Chine utilisent largement à présent du soja GM importé qui coûte de 300 à 600 yuans (44 à 88 dollars américains) de moins la tonne que le soja non-GM produit dans le pays. Depuis 2008, le gouvernement chinois achète systématiquement la production nationale de soja pour aider les agriculteurs. Quand bien même, indique l'article, certains agriculteurs chinois choisissent d'arrêter la culture de soja. La Chine n'autorise pas ses agriculteurs à cultiver du soja GM. Fan Shenggen, directeur général de l'Institut de recherche sur les politiques alimentaires (International Food Policy Research Institute - IFPRI), déclare que cette politique du " deux poids deux mesures ", une pour le soja local et une pour le soja importé, a nui à l'industrie nationale du soja. La Chine doit permettre la production de soja GM dans le pays, ou en interdire l'importation, afin d'harmoniser les règles du jeu, conclut-il. Cependant, Zhang Honglei du Heilongjiang Beidahuang Group, le plus grand groupe agricole de Heilongjiang, soutient : " Nous ne sommes pas disposés à cultiver du soja GM même si nous en avons la possibilité. Il existe encore de nombreuses incertitudes concernant les aliments GM, et cela va à l'encontre de notre vision qui est de construire une écologie verte et naturelle ". Zhang soutient que le gouvernement chinois devrait prendre davantage de mesures pour protéger le marché intérieur du soja.

URL: http://greenbio.checkbiotech.org/news/gm_soybeans_hurt_bean_production_ne_china Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: * What is Really Wrong with GM? Journal: Outlooks on Pest Management 21, 4, 188-189.

Volume: 21 Date: ///August 2010 Label: DiscussionPaper Adoption Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/resinf/opm/2010/00000021/00000004/art00011 http://dx.doi.org/10.1564/21aug10 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: ?? How to identify the market genetically modified food.

Journal: BEIJING AGRICULTURE: 2010 (17) Label: Adoption Detection Keywords: Key words: gene products market genetically modified food labeling system for consumers to know the right choice to protect directory Abstract: In order to protect the right of consumers to information and choice, our implementation of the GMO labeling system directory, directory of genetically modified products need to include logo identity.

URL: http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_beijny201017034.aspx Author Address: Ministry of Agriculture Information Office China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: $ University of the Philippines Readies Borer-Free Eggplant.

Journal: Crop Biotech Update > September 3, 2010 Label: InRe Socioeconomic Abstract: Full text : The University of the Philippines is in high hopes to commercialize its first-ever locally developed genetically modified (GM) eggplant in the next two years once it has passed the rigorous and robust science-based safety assessments set by the Philippine biotech regulatory framework. The fruit and shoot borer-resistant (FSB-R) eggplant, also called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) eggplant, being developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines Los BaĂąos (UPLB), is currently under multi-location trials in seven sites within the country including Pangasinan, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Leyte, Davao City, and Cotabato. The multi-location trial is one of the several levels of safety assessments where the biotech product performance and safety to environment are being evaluated before it undergoes to another series of evaluation prior to commercial release.

According to Dr. Desiree Hautea, FSB-R/Bt eggplant project leader, the development of FSB-R/Bt eggplant in the Philippines started through the granting of royalty-free license to UPLB from the Indian Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited (Mahyco), to use its eggplant lines as source of FSB-R trait for the Philippine eggplant variety. Through this public-private partnership, UPLB scientists started the research in 2003 and underwent contained trials in UPLB-IPB, confined field trials in 2007, and now, the current multi-location trial all over the country. The Bureau of Plant Industry from the Department of Agriculture is spearheading the safety assessment of biotech crops under the field trial stage.

The FSB-R/Bt eggplant developed through modern biotechnology, produces a natural protein that makes it resistant to FSB, the major pest problem in eggplant production. "In the Philippines, damage by FSB results in yield losses from 54-70%, and to date, there is no available commercial varieties resistant to this pest. Through the development of FSB-R/Bt eggplant, farmers may double its income by 200 percent and gain an additional of Php 50,000 per hectare of production," said Dr. Hautea. Likewise, she stressed that insecticide application may lessen up to 72 times per season and may decrease spraying that accounts to 24% of production cost.

Eggplant is one of the major vegetable crop in the country in terms of area and volume of production, and small-scale farmers are expected to benefit most from the promising FSB-R/Bt eggplant technology.

For related information regarding this article, visit University of the Philippines Newsletter at http://www.up.edu.ph/upnewsletter.php?issue=66&i=1209. To learn more about the Bt eggplant project in the Philippines, visit http://isaaa.org/programs/supportprojects/abspii/research/default.asp. For more news updates on biotechnology, visit the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center website at http://www.bic.searca.org/, or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org.

URL: http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=6632 Author Address: Philippines XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: // Biopesticides.

Journal: A MARKET INSIGHT REPORTâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; JULY 2010 Publisher: RI Technologies - Publication Date: July, 2010 - Format: PDF - Pages: 346

Label: InRe Review Abstract: This report gives an insight into the different types of biopesticides, which includes microbial pesticides, biochemical pesticides, macrobial pesticides, plant incorporated protectants (Bt Insect Resistance) and other (weedicides and termiticides) and their impact on various application areas such as cereals, fruit and vegetables, soybean, cotton and other (ornamentals, turfs, pulses, oil seeds, woody plants and forestry). The study includes estimates and projections for the total global biopesticides market. Projections and estimates are also illustrated by region, product type and by application. Detailed emphasis on the adoption of GM (especially Bt Crops) worldwide and its strong effect in the developing countries is analyzed. Projections and estimates are also illustrated by geographic regions encompassing NAFTA, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, Japan and Middle East. Global and regional market analysis is done for 2005-2012 with 332 exhibits. Business profiles of 22 major companies are discussed in the report. The report serves as a guide to biopesticides industry, as it covers more than 200 companies that are engaged in biopesticides‘ studies/screening, products and applications. Research Organizations and Universities serving biopesticides industry are also covered in the Corporate Directory section of this report. Information related to recent product releases, product developments, partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions is also covered in the report.

Notes: Table of Contents & Exhibit List : http://www.marketreports.com/TOC/RI_Technologies/MIR022-TOC.pdf MIR022-TOC URL: http://www.marketreports.com/reports/Agricultural_Biotechnology.html#a106 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: No author Year: 2010 Title: £ Recherche sur les OGM – Rapport sur les mesures pratiques permettant d‘éviter le mélange de maïs génétiquement modifiés et de maïs conventionnels.

Journal: Europe - P/10/1181- Bruxelles, le 27 septembre 2010 Label: Dispersion Reglement Abstract: Recherche sur les OGM – Rapport sur les mesures pratiques permettant d‘éviter le mélange de maïs génétiquement modifiés et de maïs conventionnels Les conclusions d’un rapport présenté aujourd’hui par le commissaire européen à la santé et à la politique des consommateurs, M. John Dalli, au Conseil «Agriculture» indiquent que des mesures spécifiques concernant le stockage et l’isolement permettent de limiter ou d’éviter le mélange de maïs génétiquement modifiés et de maïs conventionnels ou biologiques. Cette synthèse de bonnes pratiques, rédigée par le Bureau européen pour la coexistence (ECoB) et publiée par le Centre commun de recherche (JRC) de la Commission européenne, souligne notamment qu’un stockage adéquat des semences et le respect de distances d’isolement sont les meilleurs moyens de limiter et d’éviter le mélange des variétés. D’autres méthodes faisant intervenir un isolement temporel (alterner les périodes de floraison des parcelles OGM et non OGM) sont également envisageables dans certains États membres de l’UE bénéficiant de conditions climatiques particulières. À l‘occasion de la présentation du rapport, aujourd‘hui, au Conseil «Agriculture», le commissaire européen à la santé et à la politique des consommateurs, M. John Dalli, a déclaré: «Les méthodes proposées dans ce document essentiel peuvent être appliquées dans le cadre de la nouvelle stratégie de la Commission concernant la coexistence et la culture des OGM, adoptée en juillet dernier. Elles sont parfaitement conformes à l‘esprit et aux objectifs de la proposition, qui confère aux États membres une plus grande flexibilité dans l‘organisation de la coexistence des cultures génétiquement modifiées, conventionnelles et biologiques.» Et d‘ajouter: «Ce rapport présente un ensemble de pratiques non contraignantes et a pour but d‘aider les États membres à élaborer et à affiner leurs stratégies nationales et régionales en matière de coexistence.»

Bonnes pratiques Cette synthèse de bonnes pratiques porte sur la culture du maïs génétiquement modifié jusqu‘au stade du premier point de vente et concerne trois types de production: le maïs-grain, les plants complets et le maïs doux.

Le Bureau européen pour la coexistence (ECoB) a analysé les sources potentielles de mélange des cultures et a défini un ensemble consensuel de bonnes pratiques de gestion agricole permettant d‘assurer la coexistence tout en maintenant l‘efficacité économique et agronomique des exploitations.

Entre autres pratiques, l‘ECoB propose notamment des distances d‘isolement de 15 à 50 m pour éviter la pollinisation croisée des maïs génétiquement modifiés et des maïs conventionnels et limiter à moins de 0,9 % la

teneur en OGM des denrées alimentaires et des aliments pour animaux conventionnels (seuil légal d‘étiquetage). Des distances supérieures (100 à 500 m) sont également proposées pour des niveaux de mélange encore plus faibles (0,1 %, par exemple, qui est la limite généralement admise de la quantification).

Bureau européen pour la coexistence En 2006, le Conseil a invité la Commission à poursuivre ses travaux sur la coexistence afin de définir des bonnes pratiques en matière de mesures techniques de confinement et d‘élaborer des lignes directrices de coexistence pour les différentes cultures. En 2008, la Commission a créé l‘ECoB. Le bureau se compose d‘experts nommés par les États membres intéressés (20 y participent actuellement) et d‘un secrétariat scientifique assuré par l‘Institut de prospective technologique (IPTS) du Centre commun de recherche.

L‘élaboration de cette synthèse de bonnes pratiques a été réalisée en étroite coopération avec les parties prenantes et son résultat offre aux États membres de l‘UE la flexibilité nécessaire pour adapter les mesures à leurs particularités régionales et locales.

Faits et chiffres En 2009, on comptait 134 millions d‘hectares de cultures d‘OGM dans le monde, essentiellement aux ÉtatsUnis (48 % des surfaces mondiales), au Brésil (16 %) et en Argentine (16 %). Les quatre principales espèces génétiquement modifiées – résistantes aux insectes ou aux herbicides – sont le soja (77 % de l‘ensemble des cultures de soja dans le monde), le coton (49 % des cultures), le maïs (26 % des cultures) et le colza (21 % des cultures).

L‘UE n‘a autorisé la culture que de trois souches génétiquement modifiées sur son territoire: > deux variétés de maïs, dont une seule est cultivée dans l‘UE: le maïs Bt MON810, résistant aux insectes; > une variété de pomme de terre (pomme de terre féculière génétiquement modifiée, autorisée en mars 2010).

Contexte Le 13 juillet, la Commission a adopté une proposition globale visant à permettre aux États membres d‘autoriser, de restreindre ou d‘interdire la culture d‘OGM sur leur territoire, tout en préservant le système d‘autorisation de l‘UE fondé sur des données scientifiques. La proposition adoptée se compose d‘une nouvelle recommandation sur la coexistence des cultures génétiquement modifiées avec les cultures conventionnelles et/ou biologiques et d‘un projet de règlement prévoyant une légère modification de la législation relative aux OGM. La proposition de révision de la directive 2001/18/CE visait à garantir une sécurité juridique aux États membres prenant une décision concernant une culture génétiquement modifiée pour des motifs autres que scientifiques.

Elle sera adoptée par la procédure de codécision avec le Parlement européen et le Conseil.

Pour télécharger le rapport: http://ecob.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents.html Pour de plus amples informations: http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/index_en.htm XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nocarova Eva, Opatrny Zdenek, Fischer Lukas, Year: 2010 Title: * Successive silencing of tandem reporter genes in potato (Solanum tuberosum) over 5 years of vegetative propagation.

Journal: Annals of Botany 106, 4, 565-572.

Date: October 1, 2010 Accession Number: 10.1093/aob/mcq153 Label: Expression Abstract: Background and Aims Transgenic plants represent an excellent tool for experimental plant biology and are an important component of modern agriculture. Fully understanding the stability of transgene expression is critical in this regard. Most changes in transgene expression occur soon after transformation and thus unwanted lines can be discarded easily; however, transgenes can be silenced long after their integration.Methods To study the long-term changes in transgene expression in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the activity of two reporter genes, encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and neomycin phosphotransferase (NPTII), was monitored in a set of 17 transgenic lines over 5 years of vegetative propagation in vitro.Key Results A decrease in transgene expression was observed mainly in lines with higher initial GFP expression and a greater number of T-DNA insertions. Complete silencing of the reporter genes was observed in four lines (nearly 25 %), all of which successively silenced the two reporter genes, indicating an interconnection between

their silencing. The loss of GFP fluorescence always preceded the loss of kanamycin resistance. Treatment with the demethylation drug 5-azacytidine indicated that silencing of the NPTII gene, but probably not of GFP, occurred directly at the transcriptional level. Successive silencing of the two reporter genes was also reproduced in lines with reactivated expression of previously silenced transgenes.Conclusions We suggest a hypothetical mechanism involving the successive silencing of the two reporter genes that involves the switch of GFP silencing from the post-transcriptional to transcriptional level and subsequent spreading of methylation to the NPTII gene.

URL: http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/106/4/565.abstract Author Address: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Plant Experimental Biology, Vinicna 5, CZ 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nolan Elizabeth, Santos Paulo Year: 2010 Title: 造 Measuring the Contribution of Genetic Characteristics as an Indicator of Innovation: the Case of Corn in the USA, 1990-2009.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado USA Label: InRe HeTo Rendement Keywords: hybrid seed corn GM traits varietal change fixed effects random effects Abstract: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regimes for plant breeding are generally justified on the basis that they encourage innovation. Introduction of IPR regimes for plant varieties in the United States has led to increased concentration, but it is less clear whether IPRs have promoted useful innovation, as measured by productivity of available corn hybrids. There are difficulties in finding a satisfactory measure of innovation in plant breeding, and in this paper we propose a procedure. Results from the annual corn hybrid trials conducted by 11 US universities over the 20 years from 1990 to 2009, at 365 separate locations in the 11 states, have been collated. This set of unbalanced panel data for grain corn hybrid trials has been used in a fixed effects model to estimate a production function for corn and the contribution to yield of the genetic characteristics of the corn hybrids. The Hausman Taylor estimator is then used to separate out the contribution of GM traits. Because the data are experimental, the production function can be interpreted as representing the technological frontier. The cross section is made up of the corn hybrids that were submitted for trial over the period. The fixed or unobserved time invariant effects represent the part of production which can be attributed to the characteristics of a particular hybrid. This is taken to be the contribution of the "genetics" of each hybrid to yield, and the maximum fixed or unobserved effect in any one year can be considered to represent the "frontier" of genetic contribution to increased yield.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61333 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61333/2/AAEA_Paper_11782.pdf Author Address: Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Norsworthy Jason K, McClelland Marilyn, Griffith Griff, Bangarwa Sanjeev K, Still Joshua, Year: 2010 Title: * Evaluation of Legume Cover Crops and Weed Control Programs in Conservation-Tillage, Enhanced Glyphosate-Resistant Cotton.

Journal: Weed Technology 24, 3, 269-274.

Date: 2010/09/15 Label: HeTo Efficacite Keywords: Nomenclature: Goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. ELEIN; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats AMAPA; pitted morningglory, Ipomoea lacunosa L. IPOLA; Austrian winter pea, Pisum sativum L. ssp. arvense (L.) Poir.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth.

Abstract: Research was conducted at Marianna, AR, for 2 yr to determine whether hairy vetch and Austrian winter pea cover crops would aid weed management programs in conservation-tilled, enhanced glyphosateresistant cotton. Both cover crops were easily established and produced rapid growth in early spring, with

biomass production of 435 to 491 g m-2 by Austrian winter pea and 415 to 438 g m-2 by hairy vetch. The effect of cover crops on weed control was short-lived in both years, with herbicide programs being the major determinant of weed control and seed-cotton yield. Averaged over cover crops, seed-cotton yields when the initial in-crop glyphosate application was delayed to the four-node cotton stage were up to 710 kg ha-1 less than in a PRE herbicide program. In 1 of 2 yr, seed-cotton yields were greater in PRE-treated plots compared with a program where initial weed management was delayed to the one-leaf stage of cotton. As a result of rapid decay of hairy vetch and Austrian winter pea biomass following cotton planting and the lack of adequate Palmer amaranth, pitted morningglory, and goosegrass control in the absence of herbicides, it appears there may be minimal weed management benefits from the use of hairy vetch and Austrian winter pea in Midsouth cotton production.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-09-00037.1 Author Address: Department of Crop, Soils, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, 1366 West Altheimer Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ntui Valentine, khan Raham, Chin Dong, Nakamura Ikuo, Mii Masahiro, Year: 2010 Title: * An efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.).

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103, 1, 15-22.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Colocynthis citrullus - Cotyledon - Genetic transformation - GUS Regeneration - Transgene cassette Abstract: Cotyledonary explants of two Egusi genotypes, ˜Ejagham™ and NHC1-130, were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 carrying either plasmid pIG121-Hm harbouring genes coding for beta-glucuronidase (gus), hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) and neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) or plasmid pBBRacdS harbouring these same genes along with a gene coding for 1-aminocyclopropane1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. Six weeks after co-cultivation, more than 35% of explants produced shoots in both cultivars. A DNA fragment corresponding to the gus gene or the selection marker nptII was amplified from genomic DNA extracted from leaves of regenerated plant clones rooted on hormone-free MS medium containing 100 mg/l kanamycin, suggesting their transgenic nature. Southern blot analysis confirmed successful integration of one to three copies of the gus gene. Transformation efficiencies of cultivar NHC1-130 with EHA101(pIG121-Hm) and EHA101(pIG121-Hm, pBBRacdS) were 3.8% and 10%, respectively, which were higher than those obtained for cultivar â˜Ejagham" of 2.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Co-cultivation medium containing 5 mg/l BA was effective for obtaining high transformation efficiency for both cultivars as compared with that without it.

Notes: 36 Ref URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9748-y Author Address: Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8510, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ntui VO, Azadi P, Thirukkumaran G, Khan RS, Chin DP, Nakamura I, Mii M, Year: 2010 Title: * Increased resistance to fusarium wilt in transgenic tobacco lines co-expressing chitinase and wasabi defensin genes.

Journal: Plant Pathology Article first published online: 26 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: FuRe Bioengineering Keywords: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. nicotianae gene-stacking marker-free MAT vector Nicotiana tabacum retransformation

Abstract: Marker-free transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines containing a chitinase (ChiC) gene isolated from Streptomyces griseus strain HUT 6037 were produced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. One marker-free transgenic line, TC-1, was retransformed with the wasabi defensin (WD) gene, isolated from Wasabia japonica. Of the retransformed shoots, 37% co-expressed the ChiC/WD genes, as confirmed by western and northern analyses. Southern blot analysis showed that no chromosomal rearrangement was introduced between the first and the second transformation. Transgenic lines either expressing ChiC or WD, or co-expressing both genes were challenged with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. nicotianae (Fon). Assessment of in vitro plant survival in the presence of Fon showed that transgenic lines co-expressing both genes had significantly enhanced protection against the fungus (infection indices 0·0-1·2) compared with corresponding isogenic lines expressing either of the genes (infection indices 2·5-9·8). Whole-plant infection indices in transgenic lines were significantly related (r = 0·93, P < 0·01) to the extent of root colonization of the host, which ranged from 2·1% to 11·3% in lines co-expressing both genes, and from 16·8% to 37·7% in lines expressing just one of the genes (compared with 86·4% in non-transformed controls). Leaf extracts of transgenic lines also inhibited mycelial growth of Fon in vitro and caused hyphal abnormalities.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2010.02352.x Author Address: Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8510, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Nusrat Ali, Swapan K. Datta, Karabi Datta Year: 2010 Title: * RNA interference in designing transgenic crops.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: Expression Rendement Composition Qualite Revue Bioengineering Abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence specific gene silencing mechanism, triggered by the introduction of dsRNA leading to mRNA degradation. It helps in switching on and off the targeted gene, which might have significant impact in developmental biology. Discovery of RNAi represents one of the most promising and rapidly advancing frontiers in plant functional genomics and in crop improvement by plant metabolic engineering and also plays an important role in reduction of allergenicity by silencing specific plant allergens. In plants the RNAi technology has been employed successfully in improvement of several plant species- by increasing their nutritional value, overall quality and by conferring resistance against pathogens and diseases. The review gives an insight to the perspective use of the technology in designing crops with innovation, to bring improvement to crop productivity and quality.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13344/ Author Address: University of Calcutta Botany, West Bengal, India Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: O‘Callaghan M, Brownbridge M, Gerard E, Stilwell W, Burgess E, Barraclough E, Christeller J, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Effect of GM plants on non-target soil biota.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: Introduction Environmental non-target testing of GM plants has historically focussed on measuring impacts on aboveground ―ecosystem service providers‖ (e.g. natural enemies and pollinators), and insects of cultural or aesthetic value. More recently there has been growing recognition of the need to determine non-target impacts on soil ecosystems. Exposure of non-target soil biota to transgene-derived proteins is likely, especially in plants where the protein is constitutively expressed in all parts of the plant, as both plant residues left after harvest and root exudates released into the soil could contain the transgene-derived protein. Soil microorganisms account for

greater than 80% of the total soil biomass (excluding plant roots) and together with numerous soil-dwelling invertebrate species (e.g. earthworms, Collembola and nematodes), are responsible for essential soil ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and decomposition. Thus potential impacts on soil biota must be determined if GM plants are to be considered an environmentally safe option.

Difficulties in assessment of impacts on soil ecosystems: Testing effects of GM plants on non-target soil biota and processes is beset with diffi culties because of the heterogeneity of the soil environment and the complexity and inaccessibility of the communities within it. It is impractical to collect biosafety data on all of the large numbers of potential non-target soil-dwelling species in the receiving environment of each GM crop and, of necessity, studies have often examined effects on a single soil-dwelling organism under highly controlled conditions, and usually for a short period. Much effort is now being made to select the most appropriate species for non-target testing. For example, Todd et al. (2008) have prioritised non-target above-ground invertebrates for risk assessment of a hypothetical introduction of Bt Cry1Ac-expressing Pinus radiata trees in New Zealand.

Unfortunately this is much more diffi cult to achieve in soil; reliable indicator species for important ecological processes such as decomposition have yet to be identifi ed, although Birch et al. (2007) selected ―indicator groups‖ of soil biota that could be assessed on laboratory, glasshouse and fi eld scales.

Amount and activity of transgene-derived proteins in soil: The value of non-target testing data in risk assessment is greatly increased by measuring the amount and biological activity of transgene-derived protein; it is also important to have some understanding of the expected levels that will be present in fi eld soils. Pot trials studying impacts of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins in soil have generally been conducted using 200-700 ng Bt protein/g soil, while estimates on expected levels that will be found in fi eld soils range from <8 to 30 ng Bt protein/g soil (Christeller et al. 2006), so most pot trials are carried out under ―worst-case scenario‖ conditions.

However, with the exception of Bt proteins, there are no simple methods for estimation of amounts of transgene-derived protein in soil. O‘Callaghan et al. (2007) regularly applied GM plant material to pots containing earthworms when assessing impacts of aprotininexpressing tobacco, to ensure that earthworms remained exposed to the protein throughout the experiment. With the exception of Bt endotoxins, there has been little effort put into tracking the fate of other transgene-derived proteins in soil, but it would be useful to know if each protein is mobile in soil or whether it becomes bound to soil particles. Christeller et al. (2006) showed that the potent insecticidal protein avidin binds tightly to soils and residual insecticidal activity varied with soil type and length of incubation in two New Zealand soils.

Experimental design Often for practical reasons it is possible to study only a limited number of plant lines – most commonly, the GM line and its nearisogenic control. However, inclusion of unrelated cultivar controls is essential to discriminate between natural variation and effects of GM traits. During preliminary testing of GM plants, it is also important to assess several GM lines. For example, O‘Callaghan et al. (2008) showed that geocaulosphere bacterial communities associated with two of three GM magainin-expressing potato lines differed significantly from their unmodifi ed parental line and an unrelated control cultivar, while the communities associated with the third GM line were more similar to those of the two control lines. It is also essential to be able to place any observed impacts within the context of the whole crop production system, where any alteration in agronomic practice could alter the soil ecosystem. Thus, Griffi ths et al. (2007) monitored fi eld trials of Bt-maize and included investigations of the effects of tillage and insecticide use on the soil microfauna and microbial community structure. It was found that land management options, crop type and pesticide use, caused greater impact on the biology of soil than the growth of GM or unmodifi ed maize.

Results The extensive testing on non-target plant-feeding insects and benefi cial species that has accompanied the widescale and long-term use of Bt-crops has not detected signifi cant adverse effects. Tests to date have also shown that Bt-crops have little impact on soil biota such as earthworms, collembolans and general soil microfl ora.

While Bt plants have dominated the market for insect-resistant transgenic crops, plants expressing a range of other insecticidal compounds, such as lectins, protease inhibitors and biotin-binding proteins, are currently under development. These alternative insect resistant compounds have more wide ranging activity but have only been tested on a very limited range of non-target species to date.

Obviously, genetic modifi cations targeting a microbial pest such as a plant disease have greater potential to impact on plant-associated and soil microbial communities than a modifi cation for insect or herbicide resistance. However, several recent studies that examined effects of a range of anti-microbial peptides, enzymes and other compounds expressed in GM plants on soil and rhizosphere communities found that any changes in natural microfl ora were either transient or insignifi cant in terms of the natural variation observed between growth stage of plant, cultivar, season and site. Most studies have focussed on genetic diversity of the

predominant microbial populations; rapid developments in molecular ecology are now leading to opportunities to examine effects on activity and function of soil and plant-associated microbial communities.

While most soil biota studies have looked at effects on biomass or diversity, a limited number of studies have measured effects of GM plants on soil processes, with plant litter decomposition often being used as a key indicator of soil ecosystem function. Most studies have not found differences in the decomposition rates of GM and unmodifi ed control plant material but further research is needed to confirm these results, in particular on plants expressing trangene-derived proteins other than Bt. Soil respiration studies (measuring the rate of CO2 evolution) may give an index of biomass but high levels of functional redundancy within soil microbial communities may buffer signifi cant, but highly specifi c, effects.

Conclusions and future directions Major knowledge gaps remain in the non-target testing of GM plants. In particular, test species are often not representative of the environment in which the transgenic plants will be grown – this is especially true of soil biota. In addition, detection of nontarget impacts resulting from novel combinations of transgene-derived proteins may require a different set of testing methodologies than those used to date. The range of crop plants under modifi cation is constantly increasing. To date there have been few studies examining non-target impacts of long-lived species such as pasture plants and trees. Improved prediction and more effi cient testing for detection of non-target impacts relies on understanding the mode of action of future transgene-derived proteins.

For example, the protease inhibitor bovine spleen trypsin inhibitor (BSTI) is an effective inhibitor of certain pest species in transgenic plants but its impacts have been minimal on the limited number of non-target species tested. While there are many possible interpretations for this apparent lack of effect, BSTI must be stable in the digestive system to impact non-target species, but its stability in earthworms and soil is unknown (O‘Callaghan et al. 2007). Also important in robust non-target testing will be the adoption of standardised tests for soil ecosystem function. Rapid developments in molecular characterisation of specifi c functional groups of microbes (e.g. species important in nutrient cycling) will lead to more sensitive assessment of effects of GM plants on soil ecosystem function. Because of the complexity of the soil ecosystem with its high degree of spatial and temporal variation, a range of experimental scales is needed, including laboratory and glasshouse experiments along with fi eld research. In addition, reported impacts of GM plants must be considered within the context of the crop production systems and practices. This can only be achieved with fi eld trials of reasonable size and time frame. Few studies of this nature have been completed to date and such studies may be required for future generations of GM plants.

As the body of literature on non-target effects of GM crops increases, new forms of data analysis have been undertaken. For example, Wolfenbarger et al. (2008) carried out meta-analysis of Bt crop effects on functional guilds of non-target arthropods. This analysis was based on the extensive data sets discussed by Marvier et al.

(2007), and these are available at http://delphi.nceas.ucsb.edu/btcrops. Birch et al. (2007) combined data mining with rule-based modelling and economic analysis to provide an overview of the risks and benefi ts of proposed GM crops. These types of analysis, based on data from numerous sites and seasons, will lead to greater confidence in the safety of GM plants, but unfortunately, at present there are insuffi cient data on the impacts of emerging GM technologies on soil biota.

References Birch ANE, Griffi ths BS, Caul S, Thompson J, Heckman LH, Krogh PH, Cortet J. 2007. The role of laboratory, glasshouse and fi eld scale experiments in understanding the interactions between genetically modifi ed crops and soil ecosystems: A review of the ECOGEN project. Pedobiologia 51: 251-260 Christeller JT, Markwick NP, Poulton J, O‘Callaghan M. 2006. Binding of an insecticidal transgene product to soil: biological activity of soil-bound avidin and the effects of time and microbial activity. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 38: 2043-2052 Griffi ths BS, Caul S, Thompson J, Birch ANE, Cortet J, Andersen MN, Henning Krogh P. 2007. Microbial and microfaunal community structure in cropping systems with genetically modifi ed plants. Pedobiologia 51: 195206 Todd JH, Ramankutty P, Barraclough EI, Malone LA. 2008. A screening method for prioritizing non-target invertebrates for improved biosafety testing of transgenic crops. Environmental Biosafety Research 7: 35-56 O‘Callaghan M, Glare TR, Burgess EPJ, Malone LA. 2005. Effects of plants genetically modifi ed for insect resistance on non-target organisms. Annual Review of Entomology 50: 271-292 O‘Callaghan M, Gerard EM, Bell NL, Waipara NW, Aalders LT, Baird DB, Conner AJ. 2008. Bacterial and fungal communities associated with potatoes genetically modifi ed to express the antimicrobial peptide magainin. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40: 1446-1459

O‘Callaghan M, Brownbridge M, Stilwell W, Gerard EM, Burgess EPJ, Barraclough EI, Christeller JT. 2007.

Effects of tobacco genetically modified to express the protease inhibitor BSTI on non-target soil organisms.

Environmental Biosafety Research 6:183-95 Marvier M, McCreedy C, Regetz J, Karieva P. 2007. A meta-analysis of effects of Bt cotton and maize on nontarget invertebrates. Science 316: 1475-1477 Wolfenbarger LL, Naranjo SE, Lundgren JG, Bitzer RJ, Watrud LS. 2008. Bt crop effects on functional guilds of non-target arthropods: a meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 3(5): e2118. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002118 URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 AgResearch, 2 HortResearch, New Zealand XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Obonyo Dennis, Lilian Nfor, Wendy Craig, Decio Ripandelli, Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Challenges for GM Technologies: Evidence-based Evaluation of the Potential Environmental Effects of GM Crops.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Adoption Socioeconomic ImpactEnvironnement ImpactBiol Dispersion General Review Abstract: The human population in Africa has undergone a rapid increase in the last decade and this, coupled with problems such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and agricultural pest problems, has resulted in severe food insecurity. Advanced agricultural technologies, including the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), could play a role in enhancing agricultural productivity in Africa. However, despite the apparent potential of GMOs to improve agricultural production, there is still a significant debate regarding the extent of the risks posed by GM crops. A number of concerns pertaining to the possible impacts of these crops have been raised and they include food safety, animal/human health, environmental, agricultural and socioeconomic issues. Even though potential impacts range from negative through to positive, the potential negative impacts are the most pronounced in the perceptions of policy-makers and the general public in Africa. Given the many concerns, there is a great need for accurate, credible scientific and technical information, appropriate biosafety regulatory systems, policies, legal instruments, and decision-making processes to enable the assessment (and deployment) of GMOs in a rational, scientifically based manner. This paper reviews some of the concerns that have been expressed regarding GM crops and outlines some of the key principles of biosafety that are relevant to their safety assessment and sound decision-making in the context of their potential environmental impacts.

Full text : 1 Introduction Population projections estimate that, during the past decade, the human population in Africa has increased from 820 million to over 1 billion (DESA UN, 2009). This, coupled with problems such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and agricultural pest problems, has resulted in severe food insecurity (Mataruka, 2009). The total number of undernourished people in the world reached 963 million in 2008, nearly 15% of the world‘s population (OECD-FAO, 2009), and it is predicted that the number of people living in hunger will soon surpass the 1 billion mark (FAO, 2009a). Sub-Saharan Africa is the most food-insecure region in the world, and many countries on the continent have seen significant increases in food imports while domestic food production has failed to keep pace with rising food demand (FAO, 2009b).

Paarlberg (2008) attributes the high poverty and hunger levels in Africa to low levels of land and labour productivity: ―For farmers in Africa today, productivity is low and poverty high because far too little science has been brought to farming. Currently, only 4% of Africa‘s farmland is irrigated, less than 30% is planted to improved seeds, and average fertilizer use is only 9 kg per hectare, compared to 117 kg per hectare in the industrialised world.‖ To enhance land and labour productivity, he proposes that African farmers must utilize improved technologies such as improved draft animals, fertilisers and insect- and diseaseresistant crop varieties.

This brings into sharp focus the role that advanced agricultural technologies, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), could play in improving agriculture for socioeconomic development in Africa. Concerns pertaining to the use of GM technology will increasingly play a role in shaping the structure of agricultural production over the medium term (OECD-FAO, 2009).

The global area under GM crop cultivation is rapidly increasing. By 2008, GM crops (mostly herbicidetolerant) were cultivated on up to 125 million ha worldwide (James, 2008). These crops have been

demonstrated to enhance agricultural productivity and have the potential to address some of the challenges facing agricultural production in Africa. For example, under rain-fed irrigation, Bt maize (expressing genes that encode insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis) increased maize production in South Africa by 11% (James, 2008); in Burkina Faso, Bt cotton cultivation resulted in a two-thirds reduction in pesticide usage and 15% higher yield (Vitale et al., 2008).

Despite the apparent potential of GM crops to improve agricultural production, there is still significant debate regarding the risks posed by the technology. For the potential benefits of GM crops to be realised, it is necessary that they be assessed (and deployed) in a rational, science-based manner. Several African countries have therefore put in place policies and regulatory frameworks to support the responsible and safe use of biotechnology, assure public confidence, encourage local biotechnology innovation based on local priority needs, and help mitigate against any possible adverse effects on human health and the environment. This paper reviews some of the concerns that have been expressed regarding GM crops (drawing on examples from insectresistant [IR] and herbicide-tolerant [HT] crops) and outlines some of the key principles of biosafety that are relevant to their safety assessment and sound decision-making with specific regard to their potential environmental impacts.

2 Concerns regarding GM crops Most concerns about GM crops can be placed into four broad categories: food safety and animal/human health concerns, environmental concerns, agricultural concerns and socioeconomic issues. Although the primary focus of this paper is on the potential environmental effects of GM crops, the term ―environment‖ has a very broad definition in common usage and therefore a wider array of issues surrounding GM crops are also discussed.

Environmental concerns that have been expressed with regard to GM crops include: negative impact(s) on ―non-target organisms‖, gene flow, invasiveness, new pests and diseases, and unexpected variability (Kohi, 2006; Thies & Devare, 2007). For example, potential effects on non-target species may occur if GM crops produce novel defensive compounds (e.g. Bt toxin to prevent extended insect attack).

One of the agricultural concerns that have been expressed with regard to pest-resistant GM crops is the development of resistance by the target pest to the protective transgenic compound in the crops (Thies & Devare, 2007). In this case, the primary concern is the loss of usefulness of the control strategy, as has been frequently observed with conventional breeding for resistance or application of chemical pesticides (Conner et al., 2003). Strategies to delay the development of such resistance include the selection of transformation events expressing very high toxin levels, stacking different insect-resistance transgenes together in the same GM variety, and strategically planting nearby non-resistant crops or plants as refugia to allow any resistant individuals that might develop to mate with non-resistant individuals in order to reduce the frequency of resistance genes in the insect population (Bates et al., 2005).

While the aforementioned agricultural and environmental safety-related concerns are often presented as generic concerns when discussing biotechnology, socioeconomic issues also pose challenges to decision-making bodies. The issues raised include: monopoly control by transnational companies; profit margins being squeezed between seed cost and declining world prices; possible loss of existing robust crop varieties and technologies and challenging market dynamics, especially with the European Union (EU). Other issues include benefitsharing, the transferability of biosafety assessments across the region and beyond, and the co-existence of organic and GM crops (Sengooba et al., 2009).

In addition to potential negative effects of GM crops on the environment, there are also potential positive effects. For example, the use of insect-resistant transgenic crops can lead to lower applications of conventional pesticides, and hence minimise environmental pollution. Potential effects of GM crops therefore run right through the continuum from negative to positive, as illustrated by the following examples pertaining to insectresistant and herbicide-tolerant crops. Obonyo (2009) found variable effects of Bt maize plants on a number of non-target organisms associated with maize fields. The farm-scale field trials in the UK also clearly documented the fact that the impact of GM crop cultivation on biodiversity can be either positive or negative and always depended upon the agriculture system as a whole, and not on the GM crop (Firbank et al., 2003).

2.1 Insect-Resistant (IR) GM Crops Numerous reports have documented reduced pesticide use resulting from the cultivation of Bt crops engineered for resistance to specific insect pests (Morse et al., 2005; Brookes & Barfoot, 2006; Raney, 2006; Vitale et al., 2008). Introduced genes in Bt crops encode crystalline (Cry) toxins, each of which acts very specifically on a narrow range of insect or nematode species. B. thuringiensis, either in the form of spores, bacterial suspension or partly purified toxin preparation, is commonly used by organic farmers as a biopesticide.

However, the more spatially controlled toxin application via GM crops has raised concerns about possible effects on non-target organisms. A well-cited case by opponents of the technology is that of the laboratory

studies on the Monarch butterfly (Losey et al., 1999), where the consumption of excess (and therefore unrealistic) doses of Bt expressing maize pollen by larvae was shown to have a deleterious effect. Follow-up studies in the breeding grounds of Monarch butterflies, however, demonstrated that pollen distribution patterns and subsequent deposits on milkweed plants (the main food source of larvae) within and outside the corn fields are at levels that are highly unlikely to affect caterpillars which feed on them (Pleasants et al., 2001; Sears et al., 2001; Stanley-Horn et al., 2001). Beneficial effects from the cultivation of Bt crops include the reduction of insecticide use (this also implies further savings on manpower, fuel consumption and less soil damage caused by heavy machinery), more effective pest control, and consequently higher yields (Ismael et al., 2002). Indirect benefits include reduced contamination of the soil and waters by crop-protection chemicals and in some situations reduced mycotoxin contamination in the crop (Huesing & English, 2004).

2.2 Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) GM Crops Herbicide-tolerant GM crops are those which have been transformed by genetic engineering such that they are unharmed when sprayed with a broad-spectrum herbicide while crop-infesting weeds are destroyed. However, the transfer of herbicide resistance genes to previously susceptible wild species may allow the recipients to proliferate in the presence of the herbicide (Dale, 1992). In addition, if two HT transgenes become present in the same host variety or varieties, the resulting plants are likely to be tolerant to both herbicides. This could have an impact if the host plants become volunteers in the next growing season. Therefore there is a need to assess the consequences of any potential transfer, and to consider suitable crop management strategies to minimise likely negative impacts.

The selection and spread of weeds resistant to a particular broad-spectrum herbicide is the most frequently highlighted risk of HT crops (Sehnal & Drobnik, 2009). HT weeds could evolve either through (a) gene transfer to any weeds that successfully hybridise with the GM crop (for example, rice can cross-pollinate with wild relatives that already frequently appear as significant crop infestations), or (b) spontaneous mutation, followed by selection under herbicide pressure. This potential adverse effect aside, it is worthy of mention that the cultivation of HT crops has led to the use of less toxic herbicides and reduced fuel-use, and has facilitated the adoption of reduced-tillage or no-till production methods, hence helping to preserve soil quality and reducing soil erosion (Brookes & Barfoot, 2006).

3 What does the scientific literature say?

3.1 Effects of Insect-Resistant Bt Crops on Non-Target Organisms This section reviews some of the studies that have been carried out on impacts of Bt crops on non-target organisms, with significant focus on natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) of agricultural pests.

A number of meta-analyses of data, collated from a wide range of non-target studies conducted on Bt crops, mainly from peer-reviewed journals but also from non-peerreviewed reports, and from industry studies conducted to gain regulatory authorisation, were recently published (e.g. Duan et al., 2008; Marvier et al., 2007; Wolfenbarger et al., 2008). These have largely shown the expected lack of effect of Bt proteins on nontarget invertebrates, regardless of whether organisms were categorised taxonomically (order to species) or by ecological functional guilds. However, with the exception of Duan and colleagues (laboratory honeybee studies), the analyses focused on field studies. In an extension to these analyses, Naranjo (2009) added data eggplant and Bt rice) to the cotton, maize and potato analyses from the original study by Wolfenbarger and colleagues (2008). The results from this later enlarged meta-analysis did not indicate any qualitative alteration to the patterns for ecological functional guilds previously observed.

Collectively, the non-target studies performed to date demonstrate that Bt crops do not have any unexpected toxic effects on natural enemy species of agricultural pests, as would be predicted from knowledge of the mode of action and specificity of Bt proteins. Bt crops therefore effectively preserve local populations of various economically important biological control organisms that can be adversely impacted by broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. The only indirect effects on non-target organisms that have been observed with Bt crops are local reductions in the numbers of certain specialist parasitoids whose hosts are the primary targets of Bt crops. Such trophic effects will be associated with any effective pest control technology, whether it be as with natural fluctuations in host populations (Head, 2005).

3.1.1 Effects of Insect-Resistant Bt Crops on Insect Predators Natural enemies of crop pests, and particularly generalist arthropod predators, have been the focus of many scientific studies due to their role in the biological control of various agricultural pests. Based on what is known about the limited spectrum of activity of the Bt proteins (Cry proteins) expressed in current Bt crops, no direct toxic effects from Bt crops would be expected for any of these species. As predicted, Tier 1 (â&#x20AC;&#x2022;worst case scenarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;) laboratory studies required by the regulatory process for Bt crops have not demonstrated any direct toxic effects of Cry1, Cry2 or Cry3 proteins against insect predators for concentrations at or much greater than

maximum possible exposure levels under natural conditions (for example, see reviews in Betz et al., 2000).

Obviously these tests are not designed to mimic natural exposure, nor do they test all possible species that could be exposed, but they do represent stringent tests of possible hazard characterisation using carefully chosen surrogate species.

Researchers interested in the fate of particular predatory species have carried out additional laboratory and semi-field tests of potential non-target impacts (e.g. Pilcher et al., 1997; Bai et al., 2005; Ahmad et al., 2006; Ludy & Lang, 2006). These tests have used a variety of designs, with differing degrees of realism in terms of the route and level of Bt exposure. Given that many predators feed on pollen at some point in their life-cycle, many of these studies have involved feeding predatory insect species pollen from Bt crops and comparable control lines. None of these studies have found any adverse impacts of Bt pollen on the survival or development of various insect predators.

Even though the above studies involved direct exposure, under field conditions exposure can also occur through secondary pathways, with predators feeding upon herbivores that have fed on a Bt crop. Secondary exposure of this sort should have relatively little impact on arthropod predators for the same reasons outlined above for direct exposure. However, one set of studies has been presented as a possible example of adverse impacts through secondary exposure. Hilbeck and colleagues (1998a, 1998b) performed a number of tritrophic laboratory studies with the predatory lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, feeding these larvae on prey lepidopteran larvae that had previously fed on Bt corn. They found higher mortality and slower development of lacewings exposed to Bt-intoxicated insects than for lacewings fed on comparable controls. Subsequent studies by other researchers indicate that these results actually reflected feeding on nutritionally poorer prey rather than any toxic effect of the Bt protein (Dutton et al., 2002; Romeis et al., 2004). Such a situation should have little relevance in the field due to the presence of other prey sources that are not affected by Bt crops. Furthermore, tri-trophic studies by Al-Deeb and colleagues (2001) with Orius insidiosus saw no effect when feeding on Btintoxicated prey. In this case, the results were confirmed with direct feeding studies on Bt corn silks and field observations.

Numerous field studies (e.g. Riddick et al., 1998; Sisterson et al., 2007; Wolfenbarger et al., 2008) have focused on generalist predators, particularly Coleomegilla maculata, C. carnea, O. insidiosus, and guilds of carabids because of their abundance in crop fields and their perceived importance. No adverse effects have been observed for any of these species or in the broader, community-level studies of Bt corn (e.g. Pilcher et al., 1997; Lozzia, 1999; Candolfi et al., 2004; Pilcher et al., 2005) and Bt cotton (Xia et al., 1999; Hagerty et al., 2005).

The absence of even indirect trophic effects of Bt corn and Bt cotton in these studies is not surprising because most of the predatory species feed on a wide array of prey species, the vast majority of which are not directly impacted by Bt corn, e.g. sucking insects such as aphids and whiteflies. In contrast, insecticidal sprays used in the cultivation of conventional corn have clear adverse impacts, at least transiently, on almost all common predators, and particularly those species foraging above ground (Candolfi et al., 2004). Similarly, the insecticidal sprays used in conventional cotton also had clear adverse impacts on almost all of the important arthropod predators studied (Xia et al., 1999; Hagerty et al., 2005; Wu & Guo, 2005).

3.1.2 Effects of Insect-Resistant Bt Crops on Parasitoids Given what is known about the spectrum of activity of the Bt proteins expressed in currently commercially available Bt crops (Clark et al., 2005), no direct toxic effects on any parasitoid species are expected.

Furthermore, because the larvae of these groups feed solely on other arthropods, larval parasitoids will not face any direct exposure (Head, 2005). Adult exposure due to their occasional feeding on pollen or nectar will also be very limited. As with arthropod predatory species, Tier 1 laboratory studies have not found any direct toxic effects on parasitoids of Cry1, Cry2 or Cry3 proteins, at concentrations equivalent to or much greater than the maximum possible exposure level under natural conditions (see reviews in Betz et al., 2000). However, secondary exposure to Bt proteins may occur if the parasitoids feed on herbivore larvae that have fed upon Bt plant material. In addition, indirect effects may occur at the population level if the host species of the parasitoid(s) are a target of the Bt crop and are depressed in numbers. Secondary exposure studies indicate that parasitoids developing on hosts exposed to Bt protein may be adversely impacted.

When reared on Bt-susceptible insects previously fed on Bt corn, the larval development and mortality of the parasitoid Parallorhogas pyralophagus were adversely affected, but the fitness of emerging adults was not impacted (Bernal et al., 2002). Obonyo (2009) found varying effects of Bt-intoxicated stem borer hosts on the development and fitness parameters of their tested parasitoids Cotesia sesamiae, C. flavipes and Xanthopimpla stemmator.

A major determinant of the relative impact that Bt crops have on non-target species derives from the fundamental difference in their toxin delivery mechanism (in planta) as compared to conventional insecticides

(ex planta). Non-target species must consume Bt plant material in order to be directly exposed, and therefore, as non-herbivores, many parasitoids will never be exposed. Because of their specificity, parasitoids of Bt target pest larvae would be expected to be rarer in fields of Bt crops than in comparable fields of nonsprayed conventional crops. As expected, the few specialist parasitoids that parasitise Ostrinia nubilalis and certain other stalk-boring Lepidoptera in corn have been found to be rarer in Bt corn than in conventional corn, e.g.

Macrocentrus cingulum (Candolfi et al., 2004). Similarly, the few specialist parasitoids that parasitise foliagefeeding Lepidoptera, such as Helicoverpa armigera, have been found to be rarer in Bt cotton than in non-Bt cotton (e.g. Xia et al., 1999). Of course, it is important to consider these results in the context of alternative practices. As mentioned earlier, the insecticidal sprays used in conventional corn (Candolfi et al., 2004) and cotton (Xia et al., 1999; Hagerty et al., 2005; Wu & Guo, 2005) have clear adverse impacts, at least transiently, on these same parasitoid species. Furthermore, any effective pest control practice that decreases the abundance of the host species will have comparable effects.

3.2 Potential Environmental Effects of HT Crops One of the most widely reported examples of studies on the potential environmental impacts of HT crops were the farm-scale evaluations carried out in the UK. These were a series of multi-year comparisons of agricultural biodiversity in conventional and transgenic HT maize, oilseed rape (spring- and autumn-sown) and sugar beet fields, which were undertaken as a response to public concerns of the effects of cultivation of transgenic HT crops on farmland wildlife (Firbank et al., 2003).The farm-scale evaluations tested the null hypothesis that â&#x20AC;&#x2022;transgenic HT crops had no effect on farmland biodiversity compared with a conventional cropping systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; (Squire et al., 2003). The results of the studies can be summarised as follows: in oilseed rape and sugar beet there were fewer weeds that set seed in the transgenic HT crop than in the conventional crop, whereas in maize there were more weeds in the transgenic HT crop; invertebrate numbers tended to be positively correlated with the abundance of weeds, although some taxa showed the opposite relationship; and in general, there were more decomposers in the fields of transgenic HT crops (Ammann, 2005). See Raybould (2007) for a critical analysis of the farm-scale evaluation studies.

Sweet and colleagues (2004) observed no direct impact of the transgenes in HT winter botanical diversity.

Differences observed between treatments were attributable to the herbicide programmes. The GM HT crops, however, required fewer herbicide applications than conventional crops. Antonio and Duke (2006), in a review on the environmental impacts of glyphosate-tolerant (GT) crops, noted that no risks had been found with respect to food or feed safety nor nutritional value in products from currently available GT crops. They noted that GT crops have promoted the adoption of reduced or no-tillage agriculture in the US and Argentina, providing a substantial environmental benefit. The review also showed that weed species in GT crop fields have shifted to those that can more successfully withstand glyphosate and to those that avoid the time of its application. It also indicated that three weed species have evolved resistance to glyphosate in GT crops and that GT crops have a greater potential to become problems as volunteer crops than do conventional non-HT crops.

They also reported that GT transgenes had unexpectedly been found in fields of conventional oilseed rape, indicating that the largest risk of GT crops may arise from transgene flow (introgression) from GT crops to their related wild species They concluded, however, that all of the minimal environmental risks that have been discussed in relation to GT crops are reversible and are in most cases not exclusive to transgenic crops, except for those associated with flow of transgenes to other plants (the same species or other species).

A review by Kleter and colleagues (2008) of data collected from studies on a number of GT crops in Europe indicated that, depending on the parameters used for the prediction or measurement of the environmental impacts of GT crops, generally similar or less negative impacts were observed compared with conventional crops. They concluded that favourable environmental effects of the glyphosate-containing herbicide regimes on GT crops appear feasible, provided appropriate measures for maintaining biodiversity and prevention of volunteers and gene flow are applied. Graef (2009), in a review of the potential agro-environmental effects of cultivating GM oilseed rape, also noted the importance of monitoring for persistence and/or spread of feral HT oilseed rape and volunteers, the transfer of herbicide tolerance to wild relatives and a decline in agro biodiversity, the development of herbicide tolerance in weeds, as well as any adverse effects on field organisms and/or soil bio-geochemical cycles. Powell and colleagues (2009) conducted a series of microcosm and field experiments in Ontario, Canada, that estimated the effects of transgenic GT crops and their management on the abundances of detritivorous soil biota and crop litter decomposition. Although the conventional and GT varieties studied differed in composition, they observed few effects of the modification for glyphosate-tolerance on maize and soya bean litter decomposition. Overall, the herbicide system associated with the GT crops reduced soya bean and corn litter decomposition, but responses were inconsistent across Ontario, with many

trials demonstrating no effect. Herbicide-tolerant crops can therefore enhance agricultural productivity and, with appropriate measures in place, any potential risks can be kept in check.

4 Principles of biosafety and risk assessment Biosafety worldwide is heavily influenced by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (henceforth referred to as the Protocol), an international agreement to which many African countries are signatories (CBD, 2000). According to the Protocol, biosafety refers to ―the need to protect human health and the environment from the possible adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology‖. The Protocol recognises that, in as much as modern biotechnology has a great potential for the promotion of human well-being, appropriate procedures have to be put in place to enhance the safety of biotechnology. For example, Article 16, Paragraph 1, states that ―The Parties shall, taking into account Article 8 (g) of the Convention, establish and maintain appropriate mechanisms, measures and strategies to regulate, manage and control risks identified in the risk assessment provisions of this Protocol associated with the use, handling and transboundary movement of living modified organisms‖. In addition, Article 2, Paragraph 2 of the Protocol states that ―The Parties shall ensure the development, handling, transport, use, transfer and release of any living modified organisms are undertaken in a manner that prevents or reduces the risks to biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health‖.

Therefore in order to evaluate GM crops for safety, an acknowledgment of their potential benefits must be made in addition to an evaluation of the potential damage to the environment and human and animal health.

Any biosafety evaluation of GM crops and their products must be based on an understanding of the technologies used in their development, a comparison of GM crops with the non-modified recipients or parental organisms, and the difference of GM crop production practices with those of current agricultural practices and their potential impacts. Evaluation of the benefits and risks of GM crops is necessary in order to set the level of acceptable risk as a basis for decisionmaking concerning the acceptance or refusal of the technology in any given situation (Sehnal & Drobnik, 2009). Economics may also be taken into account, in particular in any evaluations of the long-term use.

A review by Hill and Sendashonga (2003) identified a number of key lessons (drawn from the experiences with chemical risk assessment) which have possibly served as useful principles to guide the risk assessment of GMOs. These include: a) considering multiple lines of evidence b) assessing risks in a comparative context c) flexibility regarding the level of detail for risk assessments d) having iterative and adaptive risk assessments which could be re-evaluated whenever there have been changes that affect risk assessments e) being able to assess cumulative effects as part of the risk assessments.

5 Risk assessment in practice Risk may be defined as the probability of damage resulting from exposure to a hazard. As no activity is without risk, the risk scale does not start with zero, and only relative risk can be assessed by comparison with alternative human activities. Risk assessment has been defined in a number of ways. For example, the European Commission (EC, 2000) defines risk assessment as ―a process of evaluation including the identification of the attendant uncertainties, of the likelihood and severity of an adverse effect(s)/event(s) occurring to man or the environment following exposure under defined conditions to a risk source(s)‖. According to WHO (1995), risk assessment is the ―scientific evaluation of known or potential adverse health effects resulting from human exposure to food-borne hazards.‖ A risk assessment generally identifies the likelihood of exposure to a hazard and the magnitude of the consequences of the exposure on human health (Fischer et al., 2005), and the environment. It is often decomposed into four elements: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation (EC, 2000; Codex Alimentarius, 2007).

Publications and guidance documents on environmental risk assessment (USA EPA, 1998; EC, 2003; Suter, 2006) have outlined coherent and logical steps to progressively and iteratively proceed to a point where a risk is characterised and the evidence supporting the conclusion is clearly communicated. This process has been successfully used for chemical stressors and has been described in detail by the American Environmental Protection Agency (USA EPA, 1998). The process follows the steps of: problem formulation as the beginning; assessment of the exposure, including levels and likelihood of exposure; hazard identification and assessment that examine the potential hazard(s) using effects testing and the magnitude of the potential outcome; and risk characterisation that integrates the hazard, the magnitude of the consequences, and the likelihood of occurrence.

Regulatory decisions regarding the acceptability of introducing a potentially harmful agent into the environment are based on the characterised risk (Nickson, 2008). Experimental testing is performed by

following established procedures, e.g. feeding tests, allergy induction assays, in vitro digestibility tests, etc.

(WTO, 2009). Since these tests are expensive, any regulatory decision to require testing should be taken in a responsible manner.

Notes: In addition to the intended target effects, these studies may reveal differences between a GM and the comparator, but differences from standard crop cultivation practices that oilseed rape and sugar, nor the transgenic crops themselves on crop production and include protective measures against insect pests, weeds, etc. should also be tested. It is necessary also to consider extra comparators that help to place differences between the GM and its counterpart in context (Perry et al., 2009). For example, comparisons should also be made with plots subjected to the standard agricultural practices and, if possible, cultivars with similar properties as the GM cultivars but obtained by other breeding methods (Sehnal & Drobnik, 2009). Furthermore, HT GM plants per se are unlikely to affect biodiversity, but the use of herbicides associated with their cultivation may have a deleterious impact. HT varieties developed by other breeding techniques, together with their required herbicide regime, should therefore be included in the studies to act as comparators.

Ideally, a risk assessment should be accompanied by a benefit assessment performed under the same conditions and using an identical methodology. The benefit:risk ratio is not only extremely useful in the identification of an acceptable level of risk, but also in decision-making. The potential risks and benefits from the introduction of a new GM crop can be assessed only by a comparison with currently grown varieties, either conventional non-GM or pre-existing GM, cultivated with the use of standard procedures, including the application of any necessary insecticides, herbicides, etc. (Sehnal & Drobnik, 2009).

Agriculture has inevitably converted natural, diversified ecosystems to monoculture-based agro-ecosystems that are sometimes exploited to the point of irreversible damage. The evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of new technologies is dictated by the need to mitigate such damage for the sake of agriculture sustainability. GM crops should be scrutinised as is any other technology, and based upon possible significant effects on food safety and the agro-ecosystem. Even though new cultivars introduce a novel genetic set-up to the ecosystem, care should be taken to discriminate between the direct impact of the new plant varieties themselves with those derived from their associated agronomic practices, i.e. the methods of field management, applications of any chemicals, cropselection and rotation, etc. The impact of new technologies can be either positive or negative, or even a mixture of the two (Prakash, 2001); there is no reason to classify some technologies a priori as negative and ―risky‖.

It is important to note, however, that the collection of large amounts of data may not be necessary for effective risk assessment decision-making. Craig and colleagues (2008) reported that ―In the decade since the first authorisations for commercial release of GM crops, there has been an enormous increase in the amount of data generated by scientific studies that relates to risk assessment. If this trend continues, we run the risk of competent authorities being submerged by excessively large amounts of data that may be of questionable pertinence to verifiable safety questions.‖ In fact, an effective risk assessment should seek to minimise the amount of data required to reach a sound judgement because collection of superfluous data often confuses decision-making and diverts effort from more worthwhile activities (Raybould, 2006). Indeed, if the collection of additional data delays the introduction of a beneficial product, overall environmental risk may be increased rather than reduced (Cross, 1996). Emphasis must therefore be placed only on data that will facilitate the making of a sound judgement (Craig & Tepfer, 2007).

6 Conclusion The regulation of agricultural biotechnology has both immediate and long-lasting socioeconomic consequences and can affect the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. Policymakers are responsible for formulating regulations, while scientists are charged to provide and evaluate information necessary for prudent decisions. It would be extremely useful for open debates if the public were familiar with the nature of various breeding methods, as well as those of GM technologies. Knowledgeable citizens would then be able to positively contribute to the discussions concerning possible safety measures and GM crop deployment. Scientifically unjustified bans on the deployment of GM crops may slow down agricultural output, and could further compound the dire food security situation in Africa.

The socioeconomic factors affecting GM crop deployment also include pressure from various interest groups.

All these issues are very volatile and hard to control. It is important that GM crops be assessed on a case-bycase basis. The evaluation of the possible risks arising from the deployment of a particular GM crop in the receiving environment should include the results of prior research, and may or may not require the generation of new information.

It has been argued that GM crops should not be used, even when there may be a very low probability of the occurrence of an unpredictable adverse effect on the environment or on human health (Nuffield Council on

Bioethics, 2003). This case is frequently cited in terms of the precautionary approach in the Protocol which emanated from Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration which states: ―In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.‖ Some people have contended that irrespective of possible benefits, the precautionary approach argues for a delay in the use of the technology until a complete assurance of absence of risk is available (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2003). Interestingly, however, the text of the Protocol can also be interpreted as permitting the introduction of GM crops with their associated risks if they are likely to be less than the risks inherent in current practices, even if the full extent of the reduction is not known. The former argument could lead to an inappropriate embargo on the introduction of all new technology. Since an absolute absence of risk arising from the use of any new technology can never be guaranteed, the only sensible interpretation of the precautionary principle should be comparative, i.e. to select the course of action (or inaction) with the least overall risk (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2003).

Scientific research has to clarify the possible environmental effects of GM crops, and place them in the context of real-life scenarios. This should take into account: the gene (or combination of genes) being inserted; the nature of the target crop; local agricultural practices, agro-ecological conditions, trade policies, etc. So far, it is not possible to make generalisations on the effects of GM technologies. Any judgement of the impact of GM crops should be made on a case-by-case basis using a rational, evidence-based approach (FAO, 2003). It is essential to pose the question: ―How does the use of a GM crop compare to the alternatives?‖ In making decisions, all possible paths of action must be compared, including inaction.

Even though there is little evidence of specific harmful effects from the millions of acres of transgenic crops grown worldwide, the potential risks associated with the technology are very pronounced in the perceptions of policy-makers and the general public in Africa. Given this level of concern, there is a great need for accurate, credible information. There has been much effort to communicate issues pertinent to GM crops. While notable progress is being made, inadequate knowledge and misinformation about GM technology still prevails in the region. Efforts to address concerns include: developing national communication strategies, open discussions, training and supporting efficientcommunicators, developing and using effective messages and Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials, and using study tours to allow key stakeholders to directly observe GM crops in the field. Ensuring the presence of appropriate biosafety regulatory systems, policies, legal instruments and decision-making processes is critical for the safe deployment of GM crops (Sengooba et al., 2009), as well as for meeting international obligations. Public policy with regard to the deployment of GM crops must be guided by the most accurate and objective scientific advice available.

With a large number of GM crops currently under development in Africa it is evident that regulatory authorities in the continent will continue receiving applications for GM trials and/ or environmental releases. In order to be able to effectively evaluate these applications, it is imperative that they have access to relevant information and appropriate training. For this to be possible, efforts have to be made to provide as much information as possible regarding GMOs, and training on how to evaluate them.

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URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, UCT Campus, Wernher and Beit Building (South), Anzio Road, Observatory-7925, Cape Town, South Africa Biosafety Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: O'Brien Dennis Year: 2010 Title: ÂŁ New Genetic Tool Helps Improve Rice.

Abstract: Full text : U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have developed a new tool for improving the expression of desirable genes in rice in parts of the plant where the results will do the most good.

Roger Thilmony, a geneticist with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), has shown that the LP2 gene promoter can be used to direct other introduced genes to express beneficial traits in specific plant tissues without the potential for causing unintended consequences. Thilmony works at the ARS Crop Improvement and Utilization Research Unit in Albany, Calif. ARS is USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency.

Rice is under constant threat from pathogens such as rice blast, a fungus found in fields worldwide, and sheath blight, a continuing threat to U.S. growers. Scientists who develop disease-resistant varieties often find that introducing a gene may prevent disease in one part of the plant, but also may reduce seed quality or produce other "side effects" because the gene is expressed throughout the plant. Tissue-specific promoters, such as LP2, are segments of genes that can direct the activity of introduced genes only to parts of the plant where the beneficial traits are needed.

Thilmony and his ARS colleagues Mara Guttman, James Thomson and Ann Blechl found that the gene they named LP2 is consistently expressed in green tissues. In experiments, they fused the LP2 promoter with a "reporter gene" known to produce a specific enzyme, and inserted that fused DNA package into seven lines of rice to see where the enzyme would be produced.

They found that the LP2 promoter steered expression of the reporter gene specifically to green tissues where photosynthesis occurs. The reporter gene enzyme activity was highest in the leaves, and nearly undetectable in the roots, seeds and flower parts.

The LP2 promoter could be used to improve varieties of rice, barley and wheat and could aid in the development of biofuel crops, in which scientists need to control leaf traits without affecting other tissues, according to Thilmony.

The researchers published their work in Plant Biotechnology Journal and have filed a provisional patent on use of the LP2 promoter.

Notes: From : [Actualité de la sécurité alimentaire et de la biotechnologie agricole] jeu. 02/09/2010 05:15 Un nouvel outil génétique permet d'améliorer le riz Source : USDA Auteur : n/a Des chercheurs du Département de l'Agriculture des Etats-Unis (USDA) ont élaboré un nouvel outil - le promoteur de gènes LP2 - qui semble capable de diriger " l'expression " de gènes désirables vers les feuilles de la plante et loin d'autres parties telles que les graines et les racines. Un promoteur est une longueur d'ADN qui facilite l'expression d'un gène voisin. Les chercheurs ont fusionné le promoteur LP2 à un " gène rapporteur " codant pour une enzyme détectable spécifique. Quand ils ont inséré l'ADN fusionné dans les génomes de plants de riz, ils ont constaté que l'enzyme pour laquelle codait le gène rapporteur était exprimée - ou produite principalement dans les feuilles des plantes et d'autres parties vertes. Elle était pratiquement indétectable dans les racines, les graines et les fleurs. Le communiqué de presse indique qu'un avantage possible du promoteur LP2 est que son utilisation pourrait empêcher les conséquences négatives non voulues qui se produisent parfois quand une enzyme ou une protéine d'un autre type est produite dans des parties de la plante où elle n'est pas nécessaire.

URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100819.htm?pf=1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Oh Man-Ho, Wang Xiaofeng, Wu Xia, Zhao Youfu, Clouse Steven D, Huber Steven C, Year: 2010 Title: * Autophosphorylation of Tyr-610 in the receptor kinase BAK1 plays a role in brassinosteroid signaling and basal defense gene expression.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published ahead of print September 27, 2010, doi:10.1073/pnas.0915064107 Accession Number: 10.1073/pnas.0915064107 Label: Physiol DisRe Keywords: basal immunityflagellin; signalingreceptor-like; kinasetyrosine phosphorylation;phosphospecific antibodies Abstract: BAK1 is a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase that functions as a coreceptor with the brassinosteroid (BR) receptor BRI1 and the flagellin receptor FLS2, and as a negative regulator of programmed cell death. BAK1 has been shown to autophosphorylate on numerous serine/threonine sites in vitro as well as to transphosphorylate associated receptor kinases both in vitro and in planta. In the present study we identify Tyr610 in the carboxyl-terminal domain of BAK1 as a major site of autophosphorylation that is brassinolideinduced in vivo and requires a kinase-active BAK1. Expression of BAK1(Y610F)-Flag in transgenic plants lacking the endogenous bak1 and its functional paralogue, bkk1, produced plants that were viable but extremely small and generally resembled BR signaling mutants, whereas an acidic substitution for Tyr-610 to mimic phosphorylation restored normal growth. Several lines of evidence support the notion that BR signaling is impaired in the BAK1(Y610F)-Flag plants, and are consistent with the recently proposed sequential transphosphorylation model for BRI1/BAK1 interaction and activation. In contrast, the FLS2-mediated inhibition of seedling growth by the flg22 elicitor occurred normally in the Y610F-directed mutant. However, expression of many defense genes was dramatically reduced in BAK1(Y610F) plants and the nonpathogenic hrpA mutant of Pseudomonas syringae was able to grow rapidly in the mutant. These results indicate that phosphorylation of Tyr-610 is required for some but not all functions of BAK1, and adds significantly to the emerging notion that tyrosine phosphorylation could play an important role in plant receptor kinase signaling.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/23/0915064107.abstract Author Address: aAgricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture and bDepartment of Plant Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801;

cDepartment of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695; dPhysiological and Molecular Plant Biology Program, Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801; and eDepartment of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Omanya Gospel Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Introduction and Problem Statement.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Label: Discussion paper General Abstract: Full text : Introduction Biotechnology: A Historical Perspective Biotechnology is ―any technique that uses living organisms or substances from these organisms, to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses‖ (Office of Technology Assessment of the United States Congress). In this broad sense, plant and crop breeders have been using biotechnology to modify the genetic make-up of crops for thousands of years (McHughen, 2008). In fact, no currently grown crop varieties are ―natural‖, in that all arose from human intervention in moving genes around to create new genetic combinations. A new variety, whether developed using traditional or modern breeding methods, must carry a new combination of genes not present in nature. Modern biotechnology has been associated with genetic engineering or genetic modification (GM). Recombinant DNA, or genetic engineering, is a more precise form of biotechnology, allowing the breeder to transfer known, desirable genes into crops, instead of moving large groups of mostly unknown genes as in most traditional breeding. But the words ―genetically modified crops‖, often known by the acronym ―GM crops‖, are usually received with varying emotions worldwide. Nonetheless, GM application, a component of biotechnology, is gradually finding its niche across the globe.

Incidentally, biotechnology has been with us throughout history, since the domestication of plants around 8000 BC. For instance, brewing, fermentation, bread- and cheesemaking and the production of dairy products were some of the earliest forms of applying biotechnology. Groundbreaking work by Mendel in the 1860s laid the foundation for classical plant breeding. This took advantage of natural genetic recombination within species, an aspect that has been exploited by farmers over the centuries, resulting in superior harvests in successive generations. Later in 1901, it was discovered that the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was able to produce toxins that are lethal to insects but harmless to humans. Furthermore, the discovery of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in 1907 offered a unique tool for transfer of the Bt genes to crops, ushering in a new era of gene transfer across plant species, a process that became clearer following Watson and Crick‘s unravelling of the DNA structure in the 1950s. Biotechnology thus provides a complementary approach to conventional breeding methods.

African agriculture and biotechnologies African Agriculture: Challenges and Future Prospects Millions of Africans are vulnerable to food insecurity and malnourishment. This is particularly evident in rural areas, where people primarily depend on agriculture for food and income. However, the agricultural sector on the continent has for decades been faced by myriad challenges, ranging from low productivity to poor or nonexistent markets and infrastructure. As shown in Figure 0.1, the yields of cereals in sub-Saharan Africa have stagnated over the last four decades, despite the tremendous growth recorded in other regions of the world. This decline in productivity has been attributed to low-input usage, declining soil fertility, erratic climatic conditions and low government commitment to fund development efforts in the sector.

Figure 0.1: Global trends in the yield of cereals (1961–2003) As a result of the incidence of poverty among small-scale farmers in Africa, it has been difficult for them to purchase adequate inputs, a predicament that further fuels the vicious cycle of poverty. Indeed, Chambers (1983) elaborates that poverty contributes to physical weakness through the lack of food, small physiques, malnutrition leading to a low immune response to infections, and the inability to reach or pay for health services. Furthermore, the climate change predicament is predicted to aggravate the situation considering that only 4% of crop land on the continent has access to irrigation and that 33% of the land is subject to moderate

drought. The rise in global food prices has caused a dilemma since government has to spend huge sums of foreign exchange for food imports.

However, as noted by the World Bank (2008), agriculture can work in concert with other sectors to produce faster growth, reduce poverty and sustain the environment. This is because agriculture contributes to development as an economic activity, as a livelihood and as a provider of environmental services, making the sector a unique instrument for development. However, to achieve this, there is a dire need for renewed efforts towards revitalising agriculture at local and global levels since agricultural productivity growth is synonymous with poverty alleviation. Agriculture can be a main pathway leading out of poverty by making small-scale farming more productive, profitable and sustainable through the establishment of policy instruments that embrace innovation and technology, market reforms and improved linkages between farmers and research.

Biotechnology and Agricultural Development The debate on the linkage between rural development and biotechnology has been going on for some time.

However, the important question has been: â&#x20AC;&#x2022;What role can biotechnology play in solving the farm problem and make agriculture work for the poor?â&#x20AC;&#x2013; As noted by USAID (2007), agricultural biotechnology offers an additional tool for increasing crop productivity, especially when conventional methods cannot deliver on breedingtargets. This offers a great breakthrough in Africa towards advancing even faster towards food security and poverty eradication. A number of studies have been done to assess the impact of GM crops on farm productivity in developing countries (e.g. Huang et al., 2005; Zilberman et al., 2007). There is unanimous agreement that biotechnology is indeed an important tool for increasing farm productivity for the smallholder farm sector. A study by Subramanian and Qaim (2009) provides empirical evidence that production of Bt cotton has direct and spill-over positive socioeconomic effects on all types of rural households through improved yields and increased employment. These important findings point to the role that GM crops can play in solving poverty and development issues.

Status of Biotechnology in the Developing World A decade after genetically modified crops were introduced into the world, their production has grown to about 125 million ha globally (GMO Compass, 2009). According to the annual report of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA, 2008; Karembu et al., 2009) on the global crop situation, a world total of 13.3 million farmers used GM crops in 2008, 1.3 million more than in 2007.

However, over 90% of these farmers are in developing countries, mainly China, India and the Philippines.

Although the developed countries are leading in the production of GM crops, with the US alone accounting for close to 50% (62.5 million ha) of the global area under GM crops, production in the developing countries has also been growing gradually. In 2008, China,Paraguay and South Africa cultivated GM crops on an area of over one million ha, and in the same year, Bolivia, Egypt and Burkina Faso cultivated GM crops for the first time.

So far, the Philippines has approved 21 transgenic varieties for food, feeds and processing. These include Bt maize, herbicide-tolerant maize, rice, soybean, canola, potato, cotton, sugar beet and alfalfa. India has also approved GM cotton which is at present being cultivated on about 1.5 million ha, with other crops (eggplant, rice, cauliflower, tomato, okra, potato and mustard) under trial for potential release. China has about 3.3 million ha under GM crop production â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Chinese government has committed vast resources (US$1.4 billion) for development of agricultural biotechnology, and has established more than 100 biotechnology laboratories, signifying intent and commitment by the country to use biotechnology to address its food security challenge.

Two Latin American countries, Argentina and Brazil, are following the global giant in GM crop production with 21.0 and 18.5 million ha respectively, mainly Bt maize and Roundup Ready soybean. Other countries producing GM crops (Bt cotton, Bt maize and Roundup Ready soybean) in the region are Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay.

However, despite the fact that Africa is the only continent whose per capita food production has been declining, biotechnology has been adopted on a very cautious basis. By 2007, only the Republic of South Africa had benefited from the commercialisation of GM crops. However, in 2008, two more countries, Egypt and Burkina Faso, joined South Africa. As Africa gradually embraces innovative techniques, the development and implementation of biosafety policies and laws will be key in guiding the commercialisation and use of biotech products.

Current Biotechnology Solutions in Africa Biotechnology found its way into Africa through Bt maize introduced into South Africa in 2003. Since its introduction, the technology has been found to reduce losses of maize incurred through damage by stem borers (Wanyama et al., 2004). James (2008) reports that GM maize in South Africa offers a grain yield advantage of 11% and increased revenue of US$35 per ha. In Burkina Faso, Bt cotton was commercialised in 2008, making this the third African country to commercialise GM crops after South Africa and Egypt (Kerumbu et al., 2009).

It was reported that the technology has produced 15% higher yields and that insecticide sprays have been reduced by two thirds, hence reducing labour costs and environmental pollution. Vitale et al. (2008) further reports that 15 102 ha were planted for cotton seed production in 2008 and this could result in 163 265 ha of Bt cotton in 2009 in Burkina Faso. In North Africa, Egypt has several GM crops under field trials, including maize, melon, potato, wheat and sugar cane (Mansul, 2005). However, the country is yet to enact a biosafety law even though some of the tested crops (potato, squash, maize and cotton) are approaching commercialisation.

Potential Biotechnology Solutions in Africa As mentioned earlier, a number of biotechnological successes such as Bt maize in South Africa and Bt cotton in Burkina Faso are beginning to benefit farmers in Africa. However, there is still a large untapped potential in biotechnology that can be embraced to address Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s challenges. In recognition of these potentials, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), an international not-for-profit organisation, is leading several publicprivate partnerships to access, develop and deliver various technologies and products to resourcepoor farmers in Africa. These include herbicide-tolerant maize varieties for Striga weed control, cowpea varieties with resistance to Maruca pod borers, drought-tolerant maize varieties, banana varieties resistant to bacterial wilt, rice varieties with better productivity under saline and low soil nitrogen, and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in maize grains.

Challenges and future perspectives Challenges to the Use of GM Crops in Africa While biotechnology is gradually being embraced across continents, it nonetheless faces challenges to its adoption. Such challenges may be founded on perceptions and attitudes which vary depending on the level of information and knowledge of stakeholders. * Perceptions and attitudes A number of perception and attitude issues have been raised about GM crops by several stakeholders, including environmental activists. These groups have raised concerns over the potential effects of GM crops on human health. Human health concerns have been raised over food safety aspects associated with allergenicity, toxicity, horizontal transfer, antibiotic resistance and changed nutrient levels. Concerns have also been raised over the effect of GM crop production on the environment, especially their impacts on nontargets, crop-to-weed gene flow and pest resistance build-up. It is important to note that biotech products actually undergo intense safety tests to minimise any negative effects, if any. * Access and use of proprietary technology New technologies, particularly biotechnology, are increasingly coming with intellectual property protection.

This may promote private sector research and development, but it may also impose higher royalty fees that could spill over into product prices that outpace the particularly resource-poor farmers in Africa. Fortunately, institutions such as the AATF have the prime mission of negotiating for royalty-free access to proprietary technology such that end-products are affordable to small-scale farmers in Africa. In delivering its products, the AATF facilitates stewardship to ensure responsible and sustainable use for long-term benefits. * Biotechnology policy Although there have been success stories about biosafety legislation in Africa, progress has been a bit slow, with only seven countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritius, South Africa, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Kenya) having developed functional national biosafety frameworks. A further 13 countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Egypt) are at various stages in the development of biosafety policies and laws. Apparently the raging debate on GM crops has sent mixed signals, hence influencing decision-making at policy level and slowing progress. * The cost of biotechnology research The cost of biotechnology research has been prohibitive and this has been a major challenge in African countries, considering that most of them have minimal budget allocations for agricultural research and development. According to Kalaitzandonakes et al. (2007), the cost of regulatory compliance for Bt maize ranges between US$7 million and US$15 million over and above the development cost. Therefore this requirement for huge investments has been a key drawback in the progress towards breakthroughs in biotechnology research and development. * Policy implications and future perspectives From the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the adoption of new agricultural technologies, including biotechnologies, will play an important role in closing the current harvest gap in African agriculture and in helping African farmers to cope with the impact of climate change. GM also offers an opportunity to move

faster in addressing food security and poverty challenges among Africa‘s households. Meanwhile, the increasing trend of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in agricultural research will most likely continue.

To tap into the potential that biotechnology offers to agricultural productivity and food security, there is a need for renewed dedication by African governments towards biotechnology development. This can be done by developing their capacity to negotiate access to IP, enact and operationalise IP and biosafety policies and guidelines that foster technological innovations, delivery and trade. It is essential for African countries to understand the importance of minimising the cost of regulations in order to maximise the benefits from biotechnology because positions taken by other regions may not necessarily be suited to Africa. Furthermore, there is need for sound stewardship that will ensure responsible and sustainable use of biotechnologies while minimising any risks.

Acknowledgements The author is grateful to the AATF, who financed participation at the workshop and to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) for the invitation. Special thanks to Daniel Kyalo of the AATF, whose unwavering support enabled the completion of this review article.

References Chambers, R. 1983. Rural development: Putting the Last First. London: Longman.

GMO Compass. 2009. Available at: http://www.gmo-compass.org.

Huang, J., Hu, R., Rozelle, S. & Pray, C. 2005. Insect-resistant GM rice in farmers‘ fields: assessing productivity and health effects in China. Science, 308(5722):688-690.

ISAAA (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications). 2008. Global status of commercialised biotech/GM crops. ISAAA Brief 39-2008.

Kalaitzandonakes, N., Alston, J. & Bradford, K. 2007. Compliance costs for regulatory approval of new biotech crops. Nature Biotechnology, 25(5): 509-511.

Karembu, M., Nguthi, F. & Ismail, H. 2009. Biotech crops in Africa: The final frontier. ISAAA AfriCenter, Nairobi, Kenya.

McHughen, A. 2008. Available at: http://agribiotech.info/details/McHugehn-Regulations-Submitted%20 to%20web%2002.pdf.

Subramanian, A. & Qaim, M. 2009. Village-wide effects of agricultural biotechnology: the case of Bt Cotton in India. World Development, 37(1): 256-267.

Wanyama, J. M., de Groote, H. Mose, L., Odendo, O., Ouma, M., Owuor G., Lutta, M., Ndung‘u, J. & Mutoko, M. 2004. Economics of insecticide use and potential for Bt maize varieties in the control of stalkborer in Kenya. Proceedings, African Association of Agricultural Economists. Inaugural Symposium, 6–8 December 2004, Nairobi, Kenya.

Zilberman, D., Ameden, H. & Qaim, M. 2007. The impact of agricultural biotechnology on yield, risk, and biodiversity in low-income countries. Jl Devel Stud, 43(1): 63-78.

URL: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Author Address: African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Kenya XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Omidvar V, Abdullah SNA, Izadfard A, Ho CL, Mahmood M, Year: 2010 Title: * The oil palm metallothionein promoter contains a novel AGTTAGG motif conferring its fruit-specific expression and is inducible by abiotic factors.

Journal: Planta 232, 4, 925-936.

Accession Number: WOS:000281055200012 Label: Bioengineering Expression Keywords: Biolistic transformation; Fruit-specific promoter; Gel mobility shift assay; Inducible expression; Oil palm metallothionein; Transient expression assay KeyWords Plus: FUNCTIONAL-ANALYSIS; TRANSGENIC ARABIDOPSIS; TRANSIENT EXPRESSION; GENE-EXPRESSION; RICE; TISSUE; TRANSCRIPTION; ELEMENTS; TOBACCO; PLANTS Abstract: The 1,053-bp promoter of the oil palm metallothionein gene (so-called MSP1) and its 5' deletions were fused to the GUS reporter gene, and analysed in transiently transformed oil palm tissues. The full length promoter showed sevenfold higher activity in the mesocarp than in leaves and 1.5-fold more activity than the CaMV35S promoter in the mesocarp. The 1,053-bp region containing the 5' untranslated region (UTR) gave the

highest activity in the mesocarp, while the 148-bp region was required for minimal promoter activity. Two positive regulatory regions were identified at nucleotides (nt) -953 to -619 and -420 to -256 regions. Fine-tune deletion of the -619 to -420 nt region led to the identification of a 21-bp negative regulatory sequence in the 598 to -577 nt region, which is involved in mesocarp-specific expression. Gel mobility shift assay revealed a strong interaction of the leaf nuclear extract with the 21-bp region. An AGTTAGG core-sequence within this region was identified as a novel negative regulatory element controlling fruit-specificity of the MSP1 promoter.

Abscisic acid (ABA) and copper (Cu2+) induced the activity of the promoter and its 5' deletions more effectively than methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and ethylene. In the mesocarp, the full length promoter showed stronger inducibility in response to ABA and Cu2+ than its 5' deletions, while in leaves, the -420 nt fragment was the most inducible by ABA and Cu2+. These results suggest that the MSP1 promoter and its regulatory regions are potentially useful for engineering fruit-specific and inducible gene expression in oil palm.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281055200012 http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=EndNote&UT=00 0281055200012&SID=Z185OnfIj8naiiFDfBp&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=FullRecord&customersID=Res earchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images%2Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: 1. Univ Putra Malaysia, Fac Agr, Dept Agr Technol, Serdang 43400, Selangor Malaysia 2. Univ Putra Malaysia, Inst Trop Agr, Lab Plantat Crops, Serdang 43400, Selangor Malaysia 3. Univ Putra Malaysia, Fac Biotechnol & Biomol Sci, Dept Cell & Mol Biol, Serdang 43400, Selangor Malaysia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ordiz MI, Magnenat L, Barbas CF, Beachy RN, Year: 2010 Title: * Negative regulation of the RTBV promoter by designed zinc finger proteins.

Journal: Plant Molecular Biology 72, 6.

Accession Number: CABI:20103261236 Label: ViRe Physiol Keywords: control; crops; effects; genes; genetic transformation; genomes; molecular biology; plant pathogens; plant viruses; regeneration; rice; symptoms; transcription; transcription factors; transgenic plants; transgenics; viral replication; zinc; Capparales; DNA transcription; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; paddy; phytopathogens; viruses of plants Abstract: The symptoms of rice tungro disease are caused by infection by a DNA-containing virus, rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV). To reduce expression of the RTBV promoter, and to ultimately reduce virus replication, we tested three synthetic zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZF-TFs), each comprised of six finger domains, designed to bind to sequences between -58 and +50 of the promoter. Two of these ZF-TFs reduced expression from the promoter in transient assays and in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. One of the ZF-TFs had significant effects on plant regeneration, apparently as a consequence of binding to multiple sites in the A. thaliana genome. Expression from the RTBV promoter was reduced by ~45% in transient assays and was reduced by up to 80% in transgenic plants. Co-expression of two different ZF-TFs did not further reduce expression of the promoter. These experiments suggest that ZF-TFs may be used to reduce replication of RTBV and thereby offer a potential method for control of an important crop disease.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 54 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103261236 Author Address: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 53132, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ortiz R Year: 2008 Title: * Crop genetic engineering under global climate change Journal: Annals of Arid Zone 47, 3/4, 1-12.

Accession Number: CABI:20103089492 Label: Bioengineering review

Keywords: adaptation; climatic change; genetic engineering; heat tolerance; plant nutrition; plant water relations; reviews; transgenic plants; use efficiency; water use climate change; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs Abstract: Climate change may bring an increased intensity and frequency of storms, drought and flooding, weather extremes, altered hydrological cycles, and precipitation. Such climate vulnerability will threaten the sustainability of farming systems, particularly in the developing world. Stress tolerant bred-germplasrn, coupled with sustainable crop and natural resource management as well as sound policy interventions will provide means for farmers to cope with climate change and benefit consumers worldwide. This article reviews advances in genetic engineering for improving traits such as heat tolerance, water productivity, and better use of nutrients that may enhance crop adaptation to the changing climate of the twenty-first century.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103089492 Author Address: Centro International de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Km 45 Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, Col. El Batan, Texcoco, Edo, de Mexico, C.P. 56130, Mexico.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Palagyi Andrea, Terecskei Kata, Adam Eva, Kevei Eva, Kircher Stefan, Merai Zsuzsanna, Schafer Eberhard, Nagy Ferenc, Kozma-Bognar Laszlo, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional Analysis of Amino-Terminal Domains of the Photoreceptor Phytochrome B. Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1834-1845.

Date: August 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: At the core of the circadian network in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), clock genes/proteins form multiple transcriptional/translational negative feedback loops and generate a basic approximately 24-h oscillation, which provides daily regulation for a wide range of processes. This temporal organization enhances the fitness of plants only if it corresponds to the natural day/night cycles. Light, absorbed by photoreceptors, is the most effective signal in synchronizing the oscillator to environmental cycles. Phytochrome B (PHYB) is the major red/far-red light-absorbing phytochrome receptor in light-grown plants. Besides modulating the pace and phase of the circadian clock, PHYB controls photomorphogenesis and delays flowering. It has been demonstrated that the nuclear-localized amino-terminal domain of PHYB is capable of controlling photomorphogenesis and, partly, flowering. Here, we show (1) that PHYB derivatives containing 651 or 450 amino acid residues of the amino-terminal domains are functional in mediating red light signaling to the clock, (2) that circadian entrainment is a nuclear function of PHYB, and (3) that a 410-amino acid amino-terminal fragment does not possess any functions of PHYB due to impaired chromophore binding. However, we provide evidence that the carboxyl-terminal domain is required to mediate entrainment in white light, suggesting a role for this domain in integrating red and blue light signaling to the clock. Moreover, careful analysis of the circadian phenotype of phyB-9 indicates that PHYB provides light signaling for different regulatory loops of the circadian oscillator in a different manner, which results in an apparent decoupling of the loops in the absence of PHYB under specific light conditions.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1834 Author Address: Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H–6726 Szeged, Hungary Biologie II/Institut für Botanik and Centre for Biological Signalling Studies University of Freiburg, D–79104 Freiburg, Germany; School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Palma K, Thorgrimsen S, Malinovsky FG, Fiil BK, Nielsen HB, et al., Year: 2010 Title: * Autoimmunity in Arabidopsis acd11 Is Mediated by Epigenetic Regulation of an Immune Receptor.

Journal: PLoS Pathog 6(10): e1001137. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1001137 Label: DisRe Physiol

Abstract: Certain pathogens deliver effectors into plant cells to modify host protein targets and thereby suppress immunity. These target modifications can be detected by intracellular immune receptors, or Resistance (R) proteins, that trigger strong immune responses including localized host cell death. The accelerated cell death 11 (acd11) â&#x20AC;&#x2022;lesion mimicâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana exhibits autoimmune phenotypes such as constitutive defense responses and cell death without pathogen perception. ACD11 encodes a putative sphingosine transfer protein, but its precise role during these processes is unknown. In a screen for lazarus (laz) mutants that suppress acd11 death we identified two genes, LAZ2 and LAZ5. LAZ2 encodes the histone lysine methyltransferase SDG8, previously shown to epigenetically regulate flowering time via modification of histone 3 (H3). LAZ5 encodes an RPS4-like R-protein, defined by several dominant negative alleles.

Microarray and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed that LAZ2/SDG8 is required for LAZ5 expression and H3 lysine 36 trimethylation at LAZ5 chromatin to maintain a transcriptionally active state. We hypothesize that LAZ5 triggers cell death in the absence of ACD11, and that cell death in other lesion mimic mutants may also be caused by inappropriate activation of R genes. Moreover, SDG8 is required for basal and R protein-mediated pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis, revealing the importance of chromatin remodeling as a key process in plant innate immunity.

Author Summary Plants defend themselves against pathogens via immune receptors that trigger responses including the suicide of infected cells to limit pathogen growth. The accelerated cell death 11 (acd11) knockout mutant of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana kills itself in the absence of invading pathogens. By screening for secondary mutations that resurrect acd11, we discovered two LAZARUS (LAZ) genes required for death. The first, LAZ2, encodes an enzyme that methylates histones, the major protein component of chromatin. This particular histone modification is generally involved in epigenetic remodeling of chromatin to a more permissive state for transcription of associated DNA. We show that expression of the second gene, LAZ5, is dependent on LAZ2 activity, suggesting that LAZ5 is a direct target of LAZ2. LAZ5 is a member of an immune receptor class involved in detection of specific pathogens and subsequent cell death. We propose that acd11, and other suicidal mutants, result from autoimmunity triggered by immune receptors controlled by chromosomal modifications. Interestingly, we found that defects in LAZ2 result in enhanced susceptibility to bacterial pathogens, suggesting that it controls other genes involved in innate immunity.

URL: http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.ppat.1001137 Author Address: 1 Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2 Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pan Guoqing, Zhang Shuang, Liu Xiuming, Li Ying, Zhang Yaofang, Li Hongzhi, Li Haiyan, Li Xiaokun, Year: 2010 Title: * Cloning of keratinocyte growth factor 2 gene (KGF2) and its transformation to Brassica napus L. Journal: Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 26, 6, 767-71.

Accession Number: MEDLINE:20815256 Label: Biopharming Abstract: Recently, more research about the plant bioreactor expressing genes encoding human proteins was reported. In the present study, the cDNA of the human gene keratinocyte growth factor 2 (KGF2) was replaced with plant preferred codons by PCR, and the modified full-length cDNA was cloned into the plant expression vector pCAMBIA-YO containing the oil-body promoter. The fusion construct pCAMBIA-YO-KGF2 was transformed into Brassica napus by Agrobacterium tumefacien-mediated cotyledon transformation method. The transgenic seedlings were identified by PCR, Southern and western blot analysis all showed that KGF2 gene was successfully expressed in in transgenic Brassica napus.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20815256 Author Address: Engineering Research Center of Bioreactor and Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pan I-Chun, Li Chia-Wen, Su Ruey-Chih, Cheng Chiu-Ping, Lin Choun-Sea, Chan Ming-Tsair, Year: 2010

Title: * Ectopic expression of an EAR motif deletion mutant of SlERF3 enhances tolerance to salt stress and Ralstonia solanacearum in tomato.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1075-1086.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Volume: 232 Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: ReEn Salin BaRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences -AP2/ERF - EAR - Pathogen resistance - Repression domain - Salt tolerance Abstract: Ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERFs) bind specifically to cis-acting DNA regulatory elements such as GCC boxes and play an important role in the regulation of defense- and stress-related genes in plants. In contrast to other ERFs, class II ERFs contain an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) domain and act as GCC-mediated transcriptional repressors. In this study, SlERF3, a class II ERF was isolated from tomato and characterized. To examine whether the EAR motif of class II ERF proteins participates in ERF-mediated functions in plants, the EAR domain was deleted to generate SlERF3?RD. We show that SlERF3?RD protein retains the character of a transcription factor and becomes a GCC-mediated transcriptional activator. Constitutive expression of full-length SlERF3 in tomato severely suppressed growth and, as a result, no transgenic plants were obtained. However, no apparent effects on growth and development of SlERF3?RD transgenic plants were observed. Overexpression of SlERF3?RD in transgenic tomato induced expression of pathogenesis-related protein genes such as PR1, PR2 and PR5, and enhanced tolerance to Ralstonia solanacearum. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis and tomatoes constitutively expressing SlERF3?RD exhibited reduced levels of membrane lipid peroxidation and enhanced tolerance to salt stress. In comparison with wild-type plants grown under stress conditions, transgenic SlERF3?RD tomatoes produced more flowers, fruits, and seeds. This study illustrates a gene-enhancing tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses in transgenic plants with the deletion of a repressor domain. Our findings suggest that class II ERF proteins may find important use in crop improvement or genetic engineering to increase stress tolerance in plants.

Notes: 60 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1235-5 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pandey Shree P, Mario Roccaro, Moritz Schรถn, Elke Logemann, Imre E. Somssich, Year: 2010 Title: * Transcriptional reprogramming regulated by WRKY18 and WRKY40 facilitates powdery mildew infection of Arabidopsis Journal: The Plant Journal - (Accepted, unedited articles published online for future issues) - DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04387.x Label: FuRe Physiol Keywords: chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP);Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1);G. orontii;JAZ repressors;wrky18 wrky40 double mutant.

Abstract: The two closely related Arabidopsis transcription factors, WKRY18 and WRKY40, play a major and partly redundant role in PAMP-triggered basal defense. We monitored the transcriptional reprogramming induced by the powdery mildew fungus, Golovinomyces orontii, during early stages of infection with respect to the role of WRKY18/40. Expression of >1300 Arabidopsis genes was differentially altered already 8 hours post infection (hpi), indicating rapid pre-penetration signaling between the pathogen and the host. We found that WRKY18/40 negatively affects pre-invasion host defenses and deduced a subset of genes that appear to be under WRKY18/40 control. A mutant lacking the WRKY18/40 repressors executes pathogen-dependent but exaggerated expression of some defense genes leading, for example, to strongly elevated levels of camalexin.

This implies that WRKY18/40 act in a feedback repression system controlling basal defense. Moreover, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), direct in vivo interactions of WRKY40 to promoter regions containing W box elements of the regulatory gene EDS1, the AP2-type transcription factor gene RRTF1 and to JAZ8, a member of the JA-signaling repressor gene family were demonstrated. Our data support a model in which WRKY18/40 negatively modulate the expression of positive regulators of defense such as CYP71A13, EDS1 and PAD4, but positively modulate the expression of some key JA-signaling genes by partly suppressing the expression of JAZ repressors.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04387.x/abstract Author Address: Department of Plant Microbe Interaction, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-von-Linne-Weg 10, Cologne 50829, Germany Present address: Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139 MA, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pan-Hou H Year: 2010 Title: ?? Application of Mercury-resistant Genes in Bioremediation of Mercurials in Environments.

Journal: Yakugaku Zasshi-Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan 130, 9, 1143-1156.

Accession Number: WOS:000281433800006 Label: ReEn ImpactEnvironnement Bioremediation Keywords: mercury pollution; polyphosphate kinase gene (ppk); merT; merB; transgenic tobacco; bioremediation Abstract: Mercury and its organic compounds, especially methylmercury are extremely hazardous pollutants that have been released into the environment in substantial quantities by natural events and anthropogenic activities. Due to the acute toxicity of these contaminants, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and affordable technology to remove them from the environments. Recently, attempts have been made to utilize bacterial mer operon-mediated reduction and volatilization of mercurials for environmental remediation of mercury pollution. However, application of this technology to the treatment of mercury-contaminated environments has been limited by social concerns about the release of volatile mercury that will become part of the local mercury cycle and repollute the environment again, into the ambient air. To improve this environmental, problem, a new mercury scavenging mechanism that could be expressed in living cells and accumulates mercury from contaminated site without releasing mercury vapor is necessitated. To construct a new biocatalyst that is capable of specifically accumulating mercury from contaminated sites without releasing mercury vapor, we have genetically engineered bacteria and tobacco plant for removal of mercury from wastewater and soils, respectively, to express a mercury transport system and organomercurial lyase enzyme simultaneously, and overexpress polyphosphate, a chelator of divalent metals. The applicability of these new engineered biocatalysts in the environmental remediation of mercurials is evaluated and discussed in this review.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281433800006 Author Address: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Park Chang-Jin, Lee Sang-Won, Chern Mawsheng, Sharma Rita, Canlas Patrick E, Song Min-Young, Jeon Jong-Seong, Ronald Pamela C, Year: 2010 Title: * Ectopic expression of rice Xa21 overcomes developmentally controlled resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Journal: Plant Science 179, 5, 466-471.

Date: 2010/11// Label: BaRe Keywords: Oryza sativa Pathogen-associated molecular pattern Pattern recognition receptor XA21 Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Abstract: Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activates the innate immune response. The rice PRR, XA21, confers robust resistance at adult stages to most strains of the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Seedlings are still easily infected

by Xoo, causing severe yield losses. Here we report that Xa21 is induced by Xoo infection and that ectopic expression of Xa21 confers resistance at three leaf stage (three-week old), overcoming the developmental limitation of XA21-mediated resistance. Ectopic expression of Xa21 also up-regulates a larger set of defencerelated genes as compared to Xa21 driven by the native promoter. These results indicate that altered regulation of Xa21 expression is useful for developing enhanced resistance to Xoo at multiple developmental stages.

Research highlights

> Xa21 expression is induced by Xoo infection. > Constitutive expression of Xa21 shows enhanced resistance to Xoo. > Overexpression of Xa21 overcomes developmentally regulated resistance.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TBH-50JHBNJ3/2/3815974cf4d2bbb874ebccae5d350798 Author Address: a Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States b Graduate School of Biotechnology & Crop Biotech Institute, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701, South Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Park Hyeong Cheol, Kim Man Lyang, Kim Ho Soo, Park Jung Hoon, Jung Mi Soon, Shen Mingzhe, Kang Chang Ho, Kim Min Chul, Lee Sang Yeol, Cho Moo Je, Chung Woo Sik, Yun Dae-Jin, Year: 2010 Title: * Specificity of DNA sequences recognized by the zinc-finger homeodomain protein, GmZF-HD1 in soybean.

Journal: Phytochemistry 71, 16, 1832-1838.

Date: 2010/11// Label: DisRe Physiol Keywords: Soybean (Glycine max) Fabaceae GmZF-HD1 Calmodulin Transcription factor Cis-element Plant defense response Abstract: Zinc finger-homeodomain proteins (ZF-HDs) have been identified in many plant species. In soybean (Glycine max), GmZF-HD1 functions as a transcription factor that activates the soybean calmodulin isoform-4 (GmCaM-4) gene in response to pathogens. Recently, we reported specific binding of GmZF-HD1 to a 30-nt A/T-rich cis-element which constitutes two repeats of a conserved homeodomain binding site, ATTA, within 1207 to -1128 bp of the GmCaM-4 promoter. Herein, homeodomain sequences of the GmZF-HD1 protein were compared to those of other homeodomain proteins and characterized the specificity of DNA sequences in the interaction of the GmCaM-4 promoter with GmZF-HD1 protein. Considering the conservation of homeodomains in plants, the AG sequence within a 30-nt A/T-rich cis-element is required for binding of the GmZF-HD1 protein. Approximately 25-bp of A/T-rich DNA sequences containing an AG sequence is necessary for effective binding to the GmZF-HD1 protein. Taken together, the results support the notion that the GmZF-HD1 protein specifically functions in plant stress signalling by interacting with the promoter of GmCaM-4.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TH7-50X38811/2/fdf92a2b88f6dbd758c4a314b83e1308 Author Address: a Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 program), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea b Environmental Biotechnology National Core Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660701, Republic of Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Park Julian Raymond, McFarlane Ian, Phipps Richard Hartley, Ceddia Graziano, Year: 2019 Title: * The role of transgenic crops in sustainable development.

Journal: Plant Biotech. J. Article first published online: 8 OCT 2010 - no. doi: 10.1111/j.14677652.2010.00565.x Label: HeTo InRe Resistance ImpactBiol Socioeconomic ImpactEnvironnement Review Keywords: transgenic;sustainable;biodiversity;economic;environment;social Abstract: The concept of sustainable development forms the basis for a wide variety of international and national policy making. World population continues to expand at about 80 M people per year, while the demand for natural resources continues to escalate. Important policies, treaties and goals underpin the notion of sustainable development. In this paper, we discuss and evaluate a range of scientific literature pertaining to the use of transgenic crops in meeting sustainable development goals. It is concluded that a considerable body of evidence has accrued since the first commercial growing of transgenic crops, which suggests that they can

contribute in all three traditional pillars of sustainability, i.e. economically, environmentally and socially.

Management of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant transgenic crops to minimize the risk of weeds and pests developing resistance is discussed, together with the associated concern about the risk of loss of biodiversity.

As the world population continues to rise, the evidence reviewed here suggests it would be unwise to ignore transgenic crops as one of the tools that can help meet aspirations for increasingly sustainable global development.

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00565.x/abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00565.x/full http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00565.x/pdf Author Address: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Park MR, Yun KY, Mohanty B, Herath V, Xu F, Wijaya E, Bajic VB, Yun SJ, de Los Reyes BG, Year: 2010 Title: * Supra-optimal expression of the cold-regulated OsMyb4 transcription factor in transgenic rice changes the complexity of transcriptional network with major effects on stress tolerance and panicle development.

Journal: Plant Cell Environ. 2010 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] Label: Physiol Abstract: Heterologous overexpression studies have shown that the OsMyb4 transcription factor of rice plays an important role in the regulation of stress tolerance mechanisms by osmotic adjustment and phenylpropanoid metabolic process. Through a signal-independent activation approach, we dissected the compositional complexity of the low temperature-mediated transcriptional network controlled by OsMyb4 in order to evaluate its potential application for stress tolerance enhancement by regulon engineering. Results established that OsMyb4 controls a hierarchical network with multiple sub-clusters associated with oxidative defenses, metabolism and development, in a manner independent of the DREB/CBF network. Because of its upstream position in the regulatory hierarchy, supra-optimal expression of OsMyb4 leads to both positive and negative effects at the physiological and phenotypic levels.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pashkovskii PP, SS Ryazanskii, NL Radyukina, VA Gvozdev, Vl V Kuznetsov, Year: 2010 Title: * MIR398 and expression regulation of the cytoplasmic Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase gene in Thellungiella halophila plants under stress conditions.P. Journal: Russian Journal of Plant Physiology Volume 57, Number 5, 707-714.

Original Russian Text © P.P. Pashkovskii, S.S. Ryazanskii, N.L. Radyukina, V.A. Gvozdev, Vl.V. Kuznetsov, 2010, published in Fiziologiya Rastenii, 2010, Vol. 57, No.5, pp. 756–764.

Label: ReEn Keywords: Thellungiella halophila - abiotic stress - superoxide dismutase - CSD - MIR398 Abstract: In the salt-tolerant plant Thellungiella halophila, expression of microRNA from MIR398 family, which regulated expression of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) in Arabidopsis thaliana at posttranscriptional level, was revealed. The effects of various salinity levels, illumination intensity, and UV-B radiation on MIR398 expression was demonstrated by Northern-blot hybridization. These stressors changed the level of MIR398 expression in roots and leaves in opposite directions, which indicates a possible stressdependent transport of MIR398 over the plant. Under salinity stress and UV-B irradiation, a negative correlation was observed between expression of MIR398 and its target, mRNA of Cu/Zn-SOD, one of the key enzymes of plant antioxidant defense. Thus, MIR398-dependent expression of CSD1 gene is characteristic of not only glycophytes but also halophytes, being organ-unspecific and independent of abiotic stressors affecting the plant.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j8m08k5h77508377/ Author Address: Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: PATEL RM, VAN KAN JAL, BAILEY AM, FOSTER GD, Year: 2010 Title: * Inadvertent gene silencing of argininosuccinate synthase (bcass1) in Botrytis cinerea by the pLOB1 vector system.

Journal: Molecular Plant Pathology 11, 5, 613-624.

Keywords: Bioengineering DisRe Abstract: For several years, researchers working on the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea and a number of other related fungi have routinely used the pLOB1 vector system, based on hygromycin resistance, under the control of the Aspergillus nidulans oliC promoter and what was reported to be the β-tubulin (tubA) terminator.

Recently, it has been demonstrated that this vector contains a 446-bp portion of the B. cinerea argininosuccinate synthase gene (bcass1) rather than the tubA terminator. As argininosuccinate synthase is essential for the production of l-arginine, inadvertent gene silencing of bcass1 may result in partial l-arginine auxotrophy and, indeed, may lead to altered phenotypes in planta. In this article, we report our findings relating to possible problems arising from this incorrect plasmid construction. As an absolute baseline, gene disruption of bcass1 was carried out and generated a strict auxotroph, unable to grow without exogenous arginine supplementation.

The knockout displayed an alteration in host range in planta, showing a reduction in pathogenicity on strawberries, French bean leaves and tomatoes, but maintained wild-type growth on grape, which is in accordance with the reported arginine availability in such tissues. Deliberate gene silencing of bcass1 mirrored these effects, with strongly silenced lines showing reduced virulence. The degree of silencing as seen by partial auxotrophy was correlated with an observed reduction in virulence. We also showed that inadvertent silencing of bcass1 is possible when using the pLOB1 vector or derivatives thereof. Partial arginine auxotrophy and concomitant reductions in virulence were triggered in approximately 6% of transformants obtained when expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein, luciferase, monomeric red fluorescent protein or βglucuronidase using the pLOB1-based expression system, which inadvertently contains 446 bp of the bcass1 coding sequence. We recommend the testing of transformants obtained using this vector system for arginine auxotrophy in order to provide assurance that any observed effects on the development or virulence are a result of the desired genetic alteration rather than accidental bcass1 silencing.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00632.x Author Address: 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, UKingdom 2Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University Plant Sciences, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Paul M, Ma JKC Year: 2010 Title: * Plant-made immunogens and effective delivery strategies.

Journal: Expert Review of Vaccines 9, 8, 821-833.

Date: Aug Accession Number: ISI:000281104800006 Label: Biopharming Keywords: adjuvant; molecular pharming; plant-made pharmaceuticals; PMP; post-translational modification; vaccine; virus-like particles; VLP virus-like particles; heat-labile enterotoxin; human immune-responses; mouth-disease virus; toxin-b-subunit; cd4(+) t-cells; neutralizing antibodies; transgenic plants; mucosal vaccines; cholera-toxin Abstract: Plant systems for the production of recombinant immunogens have the potential to overcome obstacles currently impeding the delivery of vaccines to poorer, more remote populations by localizing production and reducing associated costs. The nature of the future plant-derived vaccine candidates will have an important impact on the extent to which universal access to vaccines can be achieved using these technologies.

In this article, we examine approaches taken to design immunogens, expression systems and delivery strategies that are medically feasible and immunologically effective while retaining key benefits of a plant production platform. We identify three 'target areas' in which plant-made immunogens may offer particular advantages over conventional production systems.

Notes: Times Cited: 1 Cited Reference Count: 120 URL: <Go to ISI>://000281104800006 Author Address: St Georges Univ London, London SW17 0RE, England. UKingdom

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Paulauskas Algimantas, Milda Jodinskiene, Jana Radzijevskaja, Eugenija Kupcinskiene, Danius Lygis, Ozeraitiene Danute, Skuodiene Regina, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Modelling of minimal distances from GM oilseed rape in Lithuania.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 75-84.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: HeTo Dispersion Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate distances required for oilseed rape to prevent outcrosses between different cultivars and also between neighboring weeds of Brassicaceae. Evaluation of possible outcrosses of traditional cultivars growing in close proximity is a good model to estimate the probability of gene flow from GM plants. Modelling was made by field experiments, combining them with molecular analysis and pollen study. Five cultivars (‗Maskot‗, ‗Sw Savan‗, ‗Heros‗, ‗Ural‗, ‗Landmark‗) of spring oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) were grown in experimental plots in Lithuania. The number of weeds was registered in plots established parallel to the different cultivars. Plastid SSR primers MF1, MF2, MF3, MF4 were used for the molecular experiments. Amplification was successful with all used primers; two SSR loci used in our study were polymorphic after amplification with primers MF2 and MF7. Results of oilseed rape genetic diversity showed a significant genetic variation among individuals and different cultivars. Estimations were done concerning dispersion of pollens of oilseed rape by bees. The amount (as mass proportion, estimated in %) of oilseed rape pollens was 66 and 92 % in two bee hives placed near B. napus cultivars at the beginning of the study period (July 12) and decreased to 24 and 49 % until July 28 in the two hives, respectively. Examined cultivars significantly differed in respect to the concentration of N, Ca, Mg, and S on the pollen surface. Our preliminary data suggest the possibility to use pollen surface element analyses for the identification of specific cultivars.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pecinka A, Rosa M, Schikora A, Berlinger M, Hirt H, Luschnig C, Scheid OM, Year: 2009 Title: * Transgenerational stress memory is not a general response in Arabidopsis Journal: PLoS ONE 4(4): e5202. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0005202 Issue: April Accession Number: CABI:20103247754 Label: Expression ReEn Physiol Keywords: DNA; stress; stress response; transgenic plants Capparales; deoxyribonucleic acid; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs Abstract: Adverse conditions can trigger DNA damage as well as DNA repair responses in plants. A variety of stress factors are known to stimulate homologous recombination, the most accurate repair pathway, by increasing the concentration of necessary enzymatic components and the frequency of events. This effect has been reported to last into subsequent generations not exposed to the stress. To establish a basis for a genetic analysis of this transgenerational stress memory, a broad range of treatments was tested for quantitative effects on homologous recombination in the progeny. Several Arabidopsis lines, transgenic for well-established recombination traps, were exposed to 10 different physical and chemical stress treatments, and scored for the number of somatic homologous recombination (SHR) events in the treated generation as well as in the two subsequent generations that were not treated. These numbers were related to the expression level of genes involved in homologous recombination and repair. SHR was enhanced after the majority of treatments, confirming previous data and adding new effective stress types, especially interference with chromatin.

Compounds that directly modify DNA stimulated SHR to values exceeding previously described induction rates, concomitant with an induction of genes involved in SHR. In spite of the significant stimulation in the stressed generations, the two subsequent non-treated generations only showed a low and stochastic increase in SHR that did not correlate with the degree of stimulation in the parental plants. Transcripts coding for SHR

enzymes generally returned to pre-treatment levels in the progeny. Thus, transgenerational effects on SHR frequency are not a general response to abiotic stress in Arabidopsis and may require special conditions.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 60 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103247754 Author Address: Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology (GMI), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Penna Suprasanna, TR Ganapathi Year: 2010 Title: * Engineering the plant genome: Prospects of selection systems using nonantibiotic marker genes.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 128 - 136 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12383 Label: Bioengineering Traceur Abstract: In the past 2-3 decades, great progress has been achieved in the field of plant genetic manipulation.

This progress is based on fine-tuning of gene transfer methods, selection of transformed cells, and regulation of transgene expression. Transgenic plant production requires selectable marker genes that enable the selection of transformed cells, tissue and plants. The most used are those that exhibit resistance to antibiotics or herbicides.

Although this type of selection is routinely practiced, there are perceived risks in the deployment of transgenic plants containing these markers. A number of strategies have emerged on the development of alternate selection systems referred to as positive selection and marker-free systems. Transgenes that permit plant cells to utilize new carbon sources are being employed in transformation research. Current research on marker-free transgenics is growing rapidly and its application is being tested in different plant species.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12383/ Author Address: Nuclear Agriculture And Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085 India Nuclear Agriculture And Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Peremarti Ariadna, Bassie Ludovic, Zhu Changfu, Christou Paul, Capell Teresa, Year: 2010 Title: * Molecular characterization of the Arginine decarboxylase gene family in rice.

Secondary Title: Transgenic Research 19, 5, 785-797.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Label: Physiol ReEn Secheresse Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences Abstract: Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) is a key enzyme in plants that converts arginine into putrescine, an important mediator of abiotic stress tolerance. Adc genes have been isolated from a number of dicotyledonous plants but the oat and rice Adc genes are the only representatives of monocotyledonous species described thus far. Rice has a small family of Adc genes, and OsAdc1 expression has been shown to fluctuate under drought and chilling stress. We identified and characterized a second rice Adc gene (OsAdc2) which encodes a 629amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 67 kDa. An unusual feature of the OsAdc2 gene is the presence of an intron and a short upstream open reading frame in the 5′-UTR. Sequence comparisons showed that OsAdc2 is more closely related to the oat Adc gene than to OsAdc1 or to its dicot homologs, and mRNA analysis showed that the two rice genes are also differently regulated. Whereas OsAdc1 is expressed in leaf, root and stem, OsAdc2 expression is restricted to stem tissue. Protein expression was investigated with specific antibodies against ADC1 and ADC2, corroborating the mRNA data. We discuss the expression profiles of OsAdc1 and OsAdc2 and potential functions for the two corresponding proteins.

Notes: 55 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-009-9354-0 Author Address: (1) Departament de Producció Vegetal i Ciència Forestal, ETSEA, Universitat de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain

(2) Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Peters Shaun, Aurélie Egert, Bruno Stieger, Felix Keller, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional Identification of Arabidopsis ATSIP2 (At3g57520) as an Alkaline a-Galactosidase with a Substrate Specificity for Raffinose and an Apparent Sink-Specific Expression Pattern.

Journal: Plant Cell Physiol (2010) 51 (10): 1815-1819. doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcq127 - First published online: August 24, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Alkaline a-galactosidase Phloem unloading RaffinoseSf9 insect cells Sink metabolism Abstract: Arabidopsis ATSIP2 has recently been suggested to be a raffinose synthase gene. However, it has high amino acid identity to functionally characterized alkaline a-galactosidases from Cucumis melo and Zea mays. Using the Sf9 insect cell expression system, we demonstrate that recombinant ATSIP2 is a genuine alkaline a-galactosidase with a distinct substrate specificity for raffinose, and not a raffinose synthase. A ßglucuronidase reporter construct using the ATSIP2 promoter shows that ATSIP2 is strongly expressed in sink tissues of Arabidopsis, i.e. sink leaves and non-xylem parts of the root stele, suggesting a physiological function in raffinose phloem unloading.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/10/1815.full?etoc Author Address: 1Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland 2Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pham Anh-Tung, Jeong-Dong Lee, J Grover Shannon, Kristin D Bilyeu, Year: 2010 Title: * Mutant alleles of FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B combine to produce soybeans with the high oleic acid seed oil trait.

Journal: BMC Plant Biology 2010, 10:195doi:10.1186/1471-2229-10-195 Label: Composition Nutrition Abstract: Background The alteration of fatty acid profiles in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to improve soybean oil quality is an important and evolving theme in soybean research to meet nutritional needs and industrial criteria in the modern market. Soybean oil with elevated oleic acid is desirable because this monounsaturated fatty acid improves the nutrition and oxidative stability of the oil. Commodity soybean oil typically contains 20% oleic acid and the target for high oleic acid soybean oil is approximately 80% of the oil; previous conventional plant breeding research to raise the oleic acid level to just 50-60% of the oil was hindered by the genetic complexity and environmental instability of the trait. The objective of this work was to create the high oleic acid trait in soybeans by identifying and combining mutations in two delta-twelve fatty acid desaturase genes, FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B. Results Three polymorphisms found in the FAD2-1B alleles of two soybean lines resulted in missense mutations. For each of the two soybean lines, there was one unique amino acid change within a highly conserved region of the protein. The mutant FAD2-1B alleles were associated with an increase in oleic acid levels, although the FAD21B mutant alleles alone were not capable of producing a high oleic acid phenotype. When existing FAD2-1A mutations were combined with the novel mutant FAD2-1B alleles, a high oleic acid phenotype was recovered only for those lines which were homozygous for both of the mutant alleles.

Conclusions We were able to produce conventional soybean lines with 80% oleic acid in the oil in two different ways, each requiring the contribution of only two genes. The high oleic acid soybean germplasm developed contained a desirable fatty acid profile, and it was stable in two production environments. The presumed causative sequence polymorphisms in the FAD2-1B alleles were developed into highly efficient molecular markers for tracking the

mutant alleles. The resources described here for the creation of high oleic acid soybeans provide a framework to efficiently develop soybean varieties to meet changing market demands.

Notes: From : AgriGenomicsResearch : Date Posted: Friday, September 24, 2010 http://www.agbio.net/index.aspx?ID=114022 New Soybeans Bred for Oil that's More Heart-Healthy Date Posted: Friday, September 24, 2010

By Jan Suszkiw September 16, 2010 Products made from soy oil stand to benefit from two new germplasm lines that produce high levels of oleic acid, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and university scientists.

According to molecular biologist Kristin Bilyeu with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Columbia, Mo., increasing soy oil's level of the monounsaturated fat can avoid resorting to hydrogenation.

Besides converting liquid oil into a solid, like margarine, hydrogenation helps to improve shelf life and product quality. But it also generates trans-fats, which alter the body's blood cholesterol levels, producing more of the "bad" LDL cholesterol than the "good" HDL cholesterol.

In 2008, soy oil accounted for 70 percent of all edible oils and fats consumed in America, underscoring the importance of reducing trans-fats in cooking, baking and deep-frying applications. Increasing the oil's oleic acid may offer industrial benefits, too, like improving cold-weather engine performance when using soy-based biodiesel, notes Bilyeu, with the ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of USDA. In a new issue of BMC Plant Biology, Bilyeu and colleagues Anh Pham Tung, Jeong Dong Lee and J. Grover Shannon report their identification and use of a mutant pair of alleles, or gene copies, to bolster soy's oleic-acid production.

Typically, soy oil is 13 percent palmitic acid, 4 percent stearic acid, 20 percent oleic acid, 55 percent linoleic acid, and 8 percent linolenic acid. But the new beans contain more than 80 percent oleic acid, reports Bilyeu, who collaborated with scientists at the University of Missouri and Kyungpook University in the Republic of Korea.

Other research groups have successfully used transgenic methods such as gene silencing to increase soy's oleicacid levels. But the ARS-university team used classical plant breeding instead, "endowing" their soy lines with two mutant alleles for the gene FAD2.

Normally, its orchestration of biochemical events in soybean seed favors production of linoleic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids. However, combining the two naturally occurring variant alleles (FAD2-1A and FAD21B) reversed the situation, generating more oleic acid.

Field trials in Missouri and Costa Rica indicate the soy lines' oleic-acid production can stay fairly constant across diverse growing conditions. Additional tests are planned.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/195 Author Address: 1 University of Missouri, Division of Plant Sciences, 110 Waters Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 USA 2 Division of Plant Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea 3 University of Missouri, Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri-Delta Research Center, Portageville, MO 63873 USA 4 USDA-ARS, Plant Genetics Research Unit, 110 Waters Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Philippe, Joudrier Year: 2010 Title: // "OGM: pas de quoi avoir peur!".

Journal: Le Publieur Edition Label: General Adoption Abstract: Ce livre marque un tournant dans le débat sur les OGM en apportant une contribution rigoureuse, honnête et très documentée.

Il permet à chacun de se forger une opinion juste et mesurée sur ce sujet majeur qui suscite tant de passions et que les médias traitent trop souvent avec partialité.

Après la lecture de cet ouvrage, on ne pourra plus entendre avec la même indulgence les discours de ceux qui pourfendent les OGM au nom d‘une idéologie naturaliste, ou qui invoquent le principe de précaution pour masquer leur conservatisme ou leur ignorance.

La parole de Philippe Joudrier est importante. Biologiste de premier plan, ancien président du comité d‘évaluation des OGM de l‘Agence française de sécurité sanitaire et alimentaire, il est particulièrement bien placé pour expliquer ce que sont les OGM et les enjeux alimentaires et sanitaires qui entourent leur développement. Sa démarche est celle d‘un scientifique libre et indépendant guidé par le souci de la vérité et du progrès.

URL: http://www.lepublieur.com/default.asp?, Author Address: France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pichon Chantal, Ludivine Billiet, Patrick Midoux, Year: 2010 Title: * Chemical vectors for gene delivery: uptake and intracellular trafficking.

Journal: Current Opinion in Biotechnology Volume 21, Issue 5, October 2010, Pages 640-645 Label: Bioengineering Physiol Abstract: Chemical vectors for non-viral gene delivery are based on engineered DNA nanoparticles produced with various range of macromolecules suitable to mimic some viral functions required for gene transfer. Many efforts have been undertaken these past years to identify cellular barriers that have to be passed for this issue.

Here, we summarize the current status of knowledge on the uptake mechanism of DNA nanoparticles made with polymers and liposomes, their endosomal escape, cytosolic diffusion, and nuclear import of pDNA. Studies reported these past years regarding pDNA nanoparticles endocytosis indicated that there is no clear evident relationship between the ways of entry and the transfection efficiency. By contrast, the sequestration of pDNA in intracellular vesicles and the low number of pDNA close to the nuclear envelop are identified as the major intracellular barriers. So, intensive investigations to increase the cytosolic delivery of pDNA and its migration toward nuclear pores make sense to bring the transfection efficiency closer to that of viruses.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRV-50N9C2S2&_user=4296857&_coverDate=10%2F31%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_s ort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000012518&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=4296857&md5=45b ac5eace65b00b1a737a2a91f5c367&searchtype=a Author Address: Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire CNRS UPR 4301, University of Orléans and Inserm, rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Picot E, Krusche P, Tiskin A, Carré I, Ott S. Year: 2010 Title: * Evolutionary analysis of regulatory sequences (EARS) in plants.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 165-176.

Label: Physiol Keywords: regulatory modules sequence conservation promoters transcription Arabidopsis Abstract: Summary Identification of regulatory sequences within non-coding regions of DNA is an essential step towards elucidation of gene networks. This approach constitutes a major challenge, however, as only a very small fraction of non-coding DNA is thought to contribute to gene regulation. The mapping of regulatory regions traditionally involves the laborious construction of promoter deletion series which are then fused to reporter genes and assayed in transgenic organisms. Bioinformatic methods can be used to scan sequences for matches for known regulatory motifs, however these methods are currently hampered by the relatively small amount of such motifs and by a high false-discovery rate. Here, we demonstrate a robust and highly sensitive, in silico method to identify evolutionarily conserved regions within non-coding DNA. Sequence conservation within these regions is taken as evidence for evolutionary pressure against mutations, which is suggestive of functional importance. We test this method on a small set of well characterised promoters, and show that it successfully identifies known regulatory regions. We further show that these evolutionarily conserved sequences contain clusters of transcription binding sites, often described as regulatory modules. A version of the tool optimised for the analysis of plant promoters is available online at http://wsbc.warwick.ac.uk/ears/main.php.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04314.x

Author Address: 1Systems Biology Doctoral Training Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UKingdom 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK 3Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK 4Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pierre Jacqueline, Jean-Luc Hofs Year: 2010 Title: * Astylus atromaculatus (Coleoptera: Melyridae): Abundance and Role in Pollen Dispersal in Bt and Non-Bt Cotton in South Africa.

Journal: Environmental Entomology 39(5):1523-1531. 2010 doi: 10.1603/EN09142 Label: InRe Dispersion Keywords: Bt cotton, insect population, gene flow, Astylus atromaculatus, Apis mellifera Abstract: In South Africa, modified Bt (Cryl Ac) cotton cultivars and organic ones coexist. This raises the question of the risk of dissemination of genetically modified (GM) pollen to non-GM crops by visiting insects.

We inventoried the flower-visiting insects in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields of the South African Highveld region and investigated their role in pollen dispersal. Their diversity and abundance varied slightly among sites, with Astylus atromaculatus as the predominant insect on both Bt and non-Bt cotton flowers. The other major flowervisiting species were Apis mellifera and solitary Apidae. No differences were found in the abundance of each taxum between Bt and non-Bt cotton except for Scoliidae and Nitidulidae, which were scarce overall (<0.5%) but more abundant on the non-Bt flowers in the central area of the field at one site. The pollen load on A. atromaculatus was as high as on Apis mellifera. Cage tests showed that A. atromaculatus can pollinate female cotton plants by transferring pollen from male donor plants. In the field, the flight range of this insect was generally short (25 m), but it can occasionally reach up to 200 m or even more. This study therefore highlights that A. atromaculatus, commonly regarded as a pest, could be an unexpected but efficient pollinator. Because its population density can be high, this species could mediate unwanted cotton pollen flow when distances between coexiting fields are not sufficient.

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Waller, G. D., J. O. Moffett, G. M. Loper, and M. H. Martin. 1985a. An evaluation of honey bee foraging activity and pollination efficacy for male-sterile cotton. Crop Sci. 25: 211–214. CrossRef, CSA Waller, G. D., B. E. Vaissière, J. O. Moffett, and J. H. Martin. 1985b. Comparison of carpenter bees (Xylocopa varipuncta Patton) (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) and honey bees (Apismellifera L.) (Hymenoptera:Apidae) as pollinators of male-sterile cotton in cages. J. Econ. Entomol. 78: 558–561. CSA Wan, P., Y. Zhang, K. Wu, and M. Huang. 2005. Seasonal expression profiles of insecticidal protein and control efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera for Bt cotton in the Yangtze River Valley of China. J. Econ.

Entomol. 98: 195–201. BioOne, PubMed Zhang, B.-H., X.-P. Pan, T.-L. Guo, Q.-L. Wang, and T. A. Anderson. 2005. Measuring gene flow in the cultivation of transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Mol. Biotech. 31: 11–20. CrossRef, PubMed URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/EN09142 Author Address: CIRAD, UPR Systems of Annual Crops, F-34398 Montpellier, France.

INRA, UMR 1099 Biologie des Organismes et des Populations Appliquée à la Protection des Plantes, F-35650 Le Rheu, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pitoro Raul, Walker Tom, Tschirley David, Swinton Scott, Boughton Duncan, de Marrule Higino, Year: 2009 Title: ££ Prospects for BT Cotton In Mozambique.

Journal: Michigan State University>Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics>Food Security Collaborative Working Papers Label: InRe Adoption ImpactPesticide Rendement Socioeconomic Keywords: cotton Mozambique food security Bio Technology Abstract: Mozambique‘s cotton sector is very important to the economy and to poverty reduction in the rural sector. Cotton production in Mozambique is characterized by low levels of productivity, low prices and low returns. Cotton farmers in Mozambique are often no better off than their neighbors who do not grow cotton. Not surprisingly, many cotton farmers have switched to other crops such as sesame. But the Government of Mozambique and the National Cotton Institute (INE) are committed to improving the profitability of the cotton sector and encouraging new investments by international companies. Looking at cotton production globally, the most important innovation in recent years has been the introduction of transgenic Bt cotton. Bt cotton varieties have built-in resistance to bollworm, a devastating insect pest. Cotton production in countries that have introduced Bt varieties, like India, China and the United States, has soared. Yet no country in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with the exception of South Africa, has yet introduced Bt cotton. Burkina Faso is at an advanced stage of testing.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/53461 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/53461/2/rr_5e.pdf Author Address: National Institute for Agricultural Research of Mozambique Michigan State University>Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics>Food Security USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Plett D, Safwat G, Gilliham M, Skrumsager Møller I, Roy S, et al., Year: 2010 Title: * Improved Salinity Tolerance of Rice Through Cell Type-Specific Expression of AtHKT1;1.

Journal: PLoS ONE 5(9): e12571. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012571 Label: ReEn Salinite Abstract: Previously, cell type-specific expression of AtHKT1;1, a sodium transporter, improved sodium (Na+) exclusion and salinity tolerance in Arabidopsis. In the current work, AtHKT1;1, was expressed specifically in the root cortical and epidermal cells of an Arabidopsis GAL4-GFP enhancer trap line. These transgenic plants were found to have significantly improved Na+ exclusion under conditions of salinity stress.

The feasibility of a similar biotechnological approach in crop plants was explored using a GAL4-GFP enhancer trap rice line to drive expression of AtHKT1;1 specifically in the root cortex. Compared with the background GAL4-GFP line, the rice plants expressing AtHKT1;1 had a higher fresh weight under salinity stress, which was related to a lower concentration of Na+ in the shoots. The root-to-shoot transport of 22Na+ was also decreased and was correlated with an upregulation of OsHKT1;5, the native transporter responsible for Na+

retrieval from the transpiration stream. Interestingly, in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AtHKT1;1 in the cortex and epidermis, the native AtHKT1;1 gene responsible for Na+ retrieval from the transpiration stream, was also upregulated. Extra Na+ retrieved from the xylem was stored in the outer root cells and was correlated with a significant increase in expression of the vacuolar pyrophosphatases (in Arabidopsis and rice) the activity of which would be necessary to move the additional stored Na+ into the vacuoles of these cells. This work presents an important step in the development of abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants via targeted changes in mineral transport.

Notes: From : [lettreinfopgm] Lettre 177 (20 septembre 10) CONFIRMATION d'un CONCEPT de TOLERANCE à la SALINITE chez un RIZ GM Le Centre for Plant Functional Genomics de l'Université d'Adelaïde en Australie a obtenu un riz expérimental GM doté d'une meilleure tolérance au sel. Des travaux sont en cours pour transférer la technologie au blé et à l'orge. L'approche consiste à piéger le sel dans la racine, où il est moins nuisible pour le plant de riz. Selon les auteurs, la recherche offre une chance d'accroître la production mondiale de riz, en permettant la culture plus productive de riz dans des zones à forte salinité des sols.

La publication Plett et coll. (2010) Improved Salinity Tolerance of Rice Through Cell Type-Specific Expression of AtHKT1;1.

PLoS ONE 5(9): e12571. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012571 URL: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0012571 Author Address: 1 Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia, 2 School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Poschet Gernot, Hannich Barbara, Büttner Michael, Year: 2010 Title: * Identification and Characterization of AtSTP14, a Novel Galactose Transporter from Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1571-1580.

Date: September 1, 2010 Keywords: Physiol Abstract: AtSTP14, a new Arabidopsis sugar transporter, was identified and characterized on the molecular and physiological level. Reverse transcriptaseâ€―PCR analyses and reporter plants demonstrate high AtSTP14 expression levels in the seed endosperm and in cotyledons, as well as in green leaves. Thus, unlike previously characterized monosaccharide transporters, AtSTP14 is expressed in both source and sink tissues and represents the first monosaccharide transporter in the female gametophyte. Heterologous expression in yeast revealed that AtSTP14 does not transport glucose or fructose, but is the first plant transporter specific for galactose.

Interestingly, AtSTP14 expression is regulated by factors which also induce cell wall degradation such as extended dark periods or changes in the sugar level, i.e. AtSTP14 is induced 3-fold by 24 h darkness and repressed 3-fold by 2% glucose and 2% sucrose. Two independent Atstp14 mutant lines were identified, but no effect on seed development or other differences during growth under normal conditions could be observed. A putative role for AtSTP14 in the recycling of cell wall-derived galactose during different developmental processes is discussed.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1571.abstract Author Address: Heidelberg Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Prasad HMK, Mythili JB, Tejaswini, Lalitha Anand, Rashmi HJ, Suneetha C, Year: 2009 Title: * Optimization of regeneration protocol and Agrobacterium mediated transformation in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.).

Journal: Journal of Horticultural Sciences 4, 2.

Accession Number: CABI:20103240341 Label: Bioengineering

Keywords: carnations; culture media; explants; gene transfer; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; in vitro culture; leaves; methodology; NAA; plant growth regulators; rooting; shoots; stems; thidiazuron; tissue culture; transgenic plants 1-naphthaleneacetic acid; Agrobacterium; Agrobacterium tumefaciens; bacterium; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; methods; naphthylacetic acid; plant growth substances; plant hormones Abstract: An efficient and reproducible regeneration protocol for carnation genotypes Arka Flame and IIHRS1 has been developed from leaf and stem explants. Although IIHRS-1 showed slightly higher regeneration (55%) compared to Arka Flame (49.2%), there was no significant difference in their regeneration response.

However, significant difference in regeneration potential was observed with leaf explant exhibiting higher regeneration potential (5.5 shoots/explant) as compared to (4.9) stem explant. Among various plant growth regulator combinations tested for regeneration, the best regeneration response and maximum regeneration potential was obtained in MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg/l) and TDZ (1.0 mg/l) for both the explants and genotypes used. The medium also proved suitable for inducing elongation of regenerated shoots.

Rooting of in vitro formed shootlets could be induced at greater frequency in MS medium supplemented with IAA (1.0 mg/l). Based on this protocol, transformation was carried out in genotype IIHRS-1 using leaf explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA 4404 with binary vector pROK2 containing baculovirus chitinase gene under the control of 35S promoter with npt II serving as selectable marker. There was regeneration of putative transformants at a frequency of 28.9%. However, great difficulty was encountered in rooting of shoots. Hence a few shoots regenerated on selection medium at random were tested for transgene integration. Out of the three shoots tested for npt II amplification, two shoots tested positive. The presence of transgene was confirmed through PCR amplification of npt II gene and dot blot analysis of chitinase gene.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 20 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103240341 Author Address: Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore - 560 089, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Pulla Rama Krishna, Lee Ok Ran, Zn Jun-Gyo, Kim Yu-Jin, Senthil Kalaiselvi, Yang Deok-Chun, Year: 2010 Title: * Expression and functional characterization of pathogenesis-related protein family 10 gene, PgPR10-2, from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer.

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74, 5-6, 323-329.

Date: 2010/9// Label: ReEn DisRe FuRe Keywords: Abiotic stress Pathogens Panax ginseng Ribonuclease Pathogenesis-related protein PR-10 Abstract: A full-length sequence (PgPR10-2) of the most abundant transcript from 14-year-old ginseng EST library was isolated and cloned. PgPR10-2 gene encodes 465 bp open reading frame and its deduced protein contains 155 amino acids. Genomic DNA sequence reveals it contains two exons interrupted by one intron.

Expression of PgPR10-2 gene was especially abundant in roots and its transcripts showed differentially upregulated patterns against several given pathogens and abiotic stimuli. Observed enhanced ribonuclease activity and antifungal activity from tobacco transgenic lines suggest that the possible involvement of PgPR102 in defense-related mechanism via ribonuclease activity against biotic and abiotic stresses.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPC-504BT0C1/2/9cf93ac640fa1c9a687fd8feecc8c775 Author Address: a Korean Ginseng Center for Most Valuable Products & Ginseng Genetic Resource Bank, Kyung Hee University, Suwon 449-701, South Korea b Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore 641043, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Qin Ming, Hu Bo, Liu Can, Li Ling, Luo Hong, Year: 2010 Title: * Transformation AhNCED1 gene in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Journal: Journal of Tropical and Subtropical Botany 18, 3, 277-282.

Accession Number: CABI:20103265324

Label: ReEn Bioengineering Keywords: AhNCED1 gene Expression Genetic transformation Peanut Abscisic acid Abstract: 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is the key enzyme of ABA biosynthesis in higher plant.

The expression vector 35S?AhNCED1?GUS for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was constructed. Then AhNCED1 gene was transformed into cotyledon of ‗Shanyou 523‘, which is sensitive to drought stress, by immersing into Agrobacterium tumefciens strain LBA4404 bacterial suspension solution. The induction rate of adventitious buds with kanamycin-resistant was 100%, and in which there were 48.3% and 50% positive plantlets by PCR amplification and GUS histochemical identification, respectively. The ABA contents in aboveground organs of transgenic plants were higher than that in the wild (non-transformation) plants. When the leaves of the transgenic AhNCED1 plants subjected to PEG stress for 10 h, the expressions of AhNCED1 protein and endogenous ABA content were increased, as well as superoxide level decreased.

URL: http://jtsb.scib.ac.cn/jtsb_en/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=2444 Author Address: College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Biotechnology for Plant Development; 2.Engineering Technology School, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Qiu Chengxiang, Sangha Jatinder, Song Fengshun, Zhou Zhiyun, Yin Ao, Gu Keyu, Tian Dongsheng, Yang Jianbo, Yin Zhongchao, Year: 2010 Title: * Production of marker-free transgenic rice expressing tissue-specific Bt gene.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell Reports 29, 10, 1097-1107.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0721-7714 Label: InRe Bioengineering Traceur Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Bt rice - Cry1Ab/Ac - Marker-free transformation - Cre/loxP Tissue-specific promoter - Rice leaffolder Abstract: The hybrid Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) δ-endotoxin gene Cry1Ab/Ac was used to develop a transgenic Bt rice (Oryza sativa L.) targeting lepidopteran insects of rice. Here, we show the production of a marker-free and tissue-specific expressing transgenic Bt rice line L24 using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and a chemically regulated, Cre/loxP-mediated DNA recombination system. L24 carries a single copy of marker-free T-DNA that contains the Cry1Ab/Ac gene driven by a maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) gene promoter. The marker-free T-DNA was integrated into the 3′ untranslated region of rice gene Os01g0154500 on the short arm of chromosome 1. Compared to the constitutive and non-specific expression of the P Actin1 :Cry1Ab/Ac:T Nos gene in the control Bt rice line T51-1, the P Pepc :Cry1Ab/Ac:T Nos gene was detected only in the leaf and stem tissues of L24. More importantly, compared to high levels of CRY1Ab/Ac proteins accumulated in T51-1 seeds, the CRY1Ab/Ac proteins were not detectable in L24 seeds by Western blot analysis. As demonstrated by insect bioassay, L24 provided similar level of resistance to rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) as T51-1. The marker-free transgenic line L24 can be used directly in rice breeding for insect resistance to lepidopteran insects where absence of Bt toxin protein in the seed is highly desirable.

Notes: 23 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00299-010-0893-x Author Address: (1) Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore (2) Rice Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China (3) Present address: Department of Environmental Sciences, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, P.O. Box 550, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Que Qiudeng, Mary-Dell M. Chilton, Cheryl M. de Fontes, Chengkun He, Michael Nuccio, Tong Zhu, Yuexuan Wu, Jeng S. Chen and Liang Shi Year: 2010

Title: * Trait stacking in transgenic crops: Challenges and opportunities.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: Bioengineering Review Abstract: In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the planting of transgenic crops with stacked traits.

Most of these products have been formed by conventional breeding, i.e. the crossing of transgenic plant (event) containing individual transgenes with other event(s) containing single or double transgenic traits. Many biotech companies are developing stacked trait products with increasing numbers of insect and herbicide tolerance genes for controlling a broad range of insect pests and weeds. There has also been an increase in development of technologies for molecular stacking of multiple traits in a single transgene locus. In this review we look at the status of stacked trait products, crop trait stacking technologies and the technical challenges we are facing.

We also review recent progress in developing technology for assembling large transgene arrays in vitro (molecular stacks), their delivery to crop plants and issues they pose for transgene expression.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13439/ Author Address: Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., 3054 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 277092257, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rabbi IY, Parzies HK, Kiambi D, Haussmann BIG, Folkertsma R, Geiger HH, Year: 2010 Title: * Experimental studies on pollen-mediated gene flow in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench using male-sterile bait plants.

Journal: Plant Breeding Article first published online: 24 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: Dispersion Keywords: sorghum pollen dispersal gene flow flowering characteristics Abstract: Information on the potential of pollen mediated gene flow (PMGF) in sorghum is required for ensuring varietal purity and to mitigate risk transgenic gene flow. Replicated trials were conducted in Kenya using a local landrace, ‘Ochuti’ as pollen donor surrounded by male-sterile pollen baits. Frequency of PMGF decreased with the increase of distance from pollen sources and was significantly influenced by wind direction and speed. Anther dehiscence correlated with increase in vapour pressure deficit in the morning. A negative exponential regression model with logarithmic transformation of PMGF and square-root transformation of distance from source field best fitted the data. Up to 50% of female florets on a male sterile (MS) plant were pollinated at 1 m from pollen source and declined to 14% at 10 m. The maximum distance of PMGF using the PMGF model, based on a threshold of one seed per MS plant, was 203 m when data above the 95th percentile is considered. However, in the presence of self-produced pollen of male-fertile target plants, the possibility of long-distance cross-pollination may be very low.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2010.01775.x Author Address: 1University of Hohenheim, Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science, and Population Genetics, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany, 2International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), c/o International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709 (00100) Nairobi 3International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT-Eastern and Southern Africa), PO Box 39063-00623, Nairobi, Kenya 4ICRISAT Box 320, Bamako, Mali 5Present address: DeRuiter Seeds Benelux, P.O. Box 1050, 2660 BB Bergschenhoek, The Netherlands XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Raman Papri Sri Year: 2010 Title: ££ India takes to new flood-tolerant rice.

Journal: SciDev Net http://www.scidev.net/fr/news/l-inde-adopte-un-nouveau-riz-r-sistant-auxinondations.html Label: ReEn Inondation Abstract: 30 septembre 2010 | EN A rice farmer in the Philippines

Imelda Abano [CHENNAI] A new flood-resistant rice variety developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines is proving to be popular in the flood-prone areas of India and Bangladesh.

In India, since release in August 2009, more than 100,000 farmers have received seeds of the ‗Swarna-sub1‘ variety and it is now being grown over 12 million hectares, the IRRI said in a press note this month (14 September). Rice covers 44 million hectares in India.

IRRI scientists helped modify the popular Indian rice Swarna by introducing a gene sub1 (for submergence) that helps it survive in flood waters. They are now working with India‘s agriculture ministry to introduce it in all flood-prone areas and improve the country‘s food security. ‗‘The new Swarna-sub1 is 99 per cent similar to Swarna genomically (genetically). It can tolerate complete submergence for 14 to 17 days whereas Swarna cannot withstand submergence for more than four to five days,‘‘ IRRI scientist Umesh Shankar Singh told SciDev.Net. The scientists used a crop improvement technique called ‗marker assisted selection‘ in which a marker — usually a physical or chemical trait in a plant — is used to help locate and isolate a gene of interest, such as a gene for higher yield, stress tolerance or pest resistance. ‗‘Swarna was the first rice variety where IRRI transferred the sub 1 gene using marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding,‘‘ Singh said. "We are hoping that Swarna-sub1 would entirely replace Swarna and spread to other flood-prone areas all over the country.‘‘ While it takes six to eight generations for a desired trait to prove stable, MAS breeding cuts short the process to three to four generations by allowing the breeder to observe a marker or unique genetic sequence linked to the trait. ‗‘In India almost 12 million hectares of rainfed lowland rice area is flood prone and out of this about six million hectares are submerged almost every year,‘‘ said Singh. ‗‘IRRI is planning to put the sub 1 gene in all rice varieties as they may face flooding in one or other area particularly when cultivated during the wet season.‘‘ Indian scientists are also testing other flood-tolerant varieties in states where farmers do not prefer the original Swarna variety. ―Swarna is not a popular variety in Tamil Nadu,‖ Thangamuthu Jeyaraj, director of the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute in Aduthurai, said.

URL: Link to the IRRI press release: http://beta.irri.org/news/ Author Address: India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rangasamy N, Elumalai K Year: 2009 Title: * Market Opportunities and Challenges for Agri-Biotech Products in India.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Research Review>Volume 22, Conference Number, 2009, 471-481.

Label: InRe Socioeconomic Abstract: Agricultural biotech is the emerging scientific area which is useful to breed more nutritious, highyielding and less resource input-demanding crops. Agri biotech is the third largest contributor to Indian biotech industry during 2006-07 with a turnover of US$ 225 million, accounting for almost 11 per cent of the total biotech revenues. The agri-biotech industry has recorded Rs 8.65 billion of revenues in Indian domestic markets but the export revenues are abysmally small with Rs 0.49 billion in 2006-07. Recently, India has the fourth largest area (7.6 million hectares) under genetically modified (GM) crops. Almost entire area is occupied

by Bt cotton. The market size of India‘s Bt cotton seeds is estimated to be over US$ 203 million. Besides, Bt cotton, more than 20 biotech crops are under development by both public and private sectors in the country. In addition to that bio-fertilizers, bio-fuels and bio-pesticides are contributing to the growth of Indian agri-biotech market. The Indian government is supporting the agri-biotech industry through a regulatory framework, policies and fiscal incentives. The presence of skilled human resource pool, favourable intellectual property rights (IPRs) climate, increasing investment from government and private sectors provide impetus to the growth of agri-biotech sector in India. However, since the introduction of Bt Cotton for commercial cultivation, several controversies and agitations have emerged. Risks and benefits associated with biotech crops should be duly disseminated to the farming community. The government should strengthen the regulatory system for GM crops to address the food safety problems, environmental effect and genetic drift should be monitored.

Controversies like farmers suicides due to failure of Bt cotton, cattle and goat deaths on grazing Bt cotton fields, should be clarified through scientific research. Public and private sectors should fully utilize the market

opportunities provided by the crop biotechnology sector to progress Indian agriculture towards productivity and quality to sustain production for future generations.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/57742 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/57742/2/17-N-Rangasamy.pdf Author Address: aNational Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur - 302 033, Rajasthan India bInstitute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Nagarabhavi, Bangalore - 560 072, Karnataka XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rao N Chandrasekhara, Dev S Mahendra Year: 2009 Title: * Socio-economic Impact of Transgenic Cotton.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Research Review>Volume 22, Conference Number, 2009 , 461 - 470.

Label: InRe Rendement Socioeconomic ImpactPesticide Abstract: The study has reported the impact of Bt cotton cultivation on cost of pesticides, cost of production and profitability across social categories, size-groups of farmers and different agro-climatic zones. The share of farmers in the additional gains from the adoption of biotechnology has also been worked out. The study has shown that Bt cotton technology is superior to the conventional cotton hybrids in terms of both yield and net returns. The Bt farmers from all size categories, agro-climatic zones and social groups are benefited from its cultivation compared to non-Bt farmers from the same categories. The study has inferred that this technology is scale neutral and smallholder cultivators are also benefited from it. It has advocated that the private sector can also play a crucial role in commercial crops like cotton and the gains from their efforts are obtained mainly for farmers. And therefore, creating enabling environment to encourage private sector investments is crucial in harnessing the biotechnology.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/57741 Author Address: aCentre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad - 500 016, Andhra Pradesh, India bCommission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rauschen Stefan, Frank Schaarschmidt, Achim Gathmann, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Occurrence and field densities of Coccinellidae in the maize herb layer: Implications for environmental risk assessment.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 85-90.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: One aspect of the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of genetically modified plants is the potential ecological impact on the receiving environment. Plants with genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that produce proteins with entomotoxic properties need to be assessed for their potential effects on non-target organisms (NTO), especially beneficials. One important group of NTO are the ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), as they serve important biological control functions. Their exposure to the Cry proteins from Bt-plants depends on their consumption of exposed prey and plant materials such as pollen. Bt-plants expressing Cry3 proteins directed against the Western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) especially pose a potential hazard to beneficial Coleoptera. To assess the suitability of higher tier test systems (i.e. semi-field and field experiments) within the ERA, we analysed data from two 3-year, field-scale experiments with Bt-maize varieties containing the transformation events MON810 and MON88017. We present data on the densities of Coccinellidae in maize and calculated confidence intervals (CI) suitable for a test of equivalence between the Bt-maize varieties and their respective near-isogenic lines.

We also report the results of a Monte Carlo simulation study assessing the probability that 90% CI are included in pre-specified margins of irrelevant change of mean abundances. The results show the limits of addressing questions regarding the non-target impact of Bt-maize on Coccinellidae in field experiments, given their low densities and the large natural variability.

Author Address: Department of Plant Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Raveendar S, Ignacimuthu S Year: 2010 Title: * Improved Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation in Cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.

Journal: Asian Journal of Plant Sciences Year: 2010 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 5 | Page No.: 256-263.

Label: Bioengineering Abstract: Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 carrying binary vector pCAMBIA1305.1, with a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hpt) and a ß-glucuronidase (GUS) gene interrupted with an intron, was used for transformation of Vigna unguiculata cotyledonary node explants. High concentration of acetosyringone (200 µM) in the Agrobacterium culture and co-cultivation medium with 1 g L-1 L-cysteine, 250 mg L-1 Na-thiosulphate and 150 mg L-1 dithiothretiol (DTT) proved to be indispensable for successful transformation. Three days old cotyledonary nodes were used for transformation studies. Binary vector pCAMBIA 1305.1 proved to be very efficient for transformation. Stable transformation with 1.61% efficiency was achieved using optimized conditions. Transformed green shoots were rooted on medium containing hygromycin. Transformed shoots tested positive for hpt gene by polymerase chain reaction. GUS activity was detected in cotyledonary nodes and leaves of the putative transformants. Southern analysis of putative transformants showed the integration of hpt into the plant genome.

URL: http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ajps.2010.256.263# Author Address: India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ravelonandro M, Scorza R Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Honeysweet: a hope for stone-fruit growers.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: ViRe Abstract: Prunus species are among the important domesticated fruit crops and they have been spread worldwide. Plum pox virus (PPV), one of the most damaging pathogens of stone fruit trees has, since it identifi cation in the early 1900‘s, also been spreading world-wide and the pace of its movement has accelerated. Plum pox or sharka disease has become endemic in extensive areas of stone fruit production including Central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and the Balkans. Limited areas of infection are found in Western Europe and more recently outbreaks have been reported in countries such as the USA, Canada and many others. Efforts to combat PPV started 93 years ago, but due to the paucity of natural resistance few tolerant cultivars have been produced. Using transgenic technology, we identifi ed the C5 plum clone named ‗Honeysweet‘ which is highly resistant to PPV infection. Greenhouse experiments (Ravelonandro et al. 1997, Scorza et al. 2001), phytopathological and molecular studies (Hily et al. 2004, Hily et al., 2005, Kundu et al. 2008) and field tests have confi rmed the stability (Hily et al. 2004) and the durability (Malinowski et al. 2006) of PPV resistance in this variety. No PPV strain has broken the genetically engineered resistance. Refl ecting upon the 10 years of fi eld- (Malinowski et al. 2006, Capote et al. 2007) and laboratory research conducted on ‗Honeysweet‘ we have found it to be : i) an important tool to better understand the gene silencing (si-miRNA) resistance mechanism (Hily et al., 2005, Kundu et al. 2008); ii) an important demonstration of the successful deployment of biotechnology against a quarantine pest and iii) a safe (Fuchs et al. 2007) and useful strategy for avoiding the use of pesticides to control natural aphid vectors of PPV. The deregulation of ‗Honeysweet‘ in the USA by USDA/APHIS (Federal Register Doc. E7-13649, July 12 2007) corroborates the utility of these fi ndings. ‗Honeysweet‘ is useful to plant pathologists particularly for studying the key-factors involved in virus resistance in plants, and for fruit tree breeders and growers as an important genetic resource for PPV resistance.

References

Ravelonandro, M., Scorza, R., Bachelier, J.C., Labonne, G., Levy, L., Damsteegt, V., Callahan, A.M., and Dunez, J. 1997. Resistance of transgenic Prunus domestica to plum pox virus infection. Plant Dis. 81:1231â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1235.

Scorza, R., Callahan, A., Levy, L., Damsteegt, V., Webb, K., and Ravelonandro, M. 2001. Post-transcriptional gene silencing in plum pox virus resistant transgenic European plum containing the plum pox potyvirus coat protein gene. Transgenic Res. 10:201â&#x20AC;&#x201C;209.

Hily, J.-M., Scorza, R., Malinowski, T., Zawadzka, B., and Ravelonandro, M. 2004. Stability of gene silencingbased resistance to Plum pox virus in transgenic plum (Prunus domestica L.) under fi eld conditions. Transgenic Res. 13(5):427-436.

Hily JM, Scorza R, Webb K, and Ravelonandro M (2005) Accumulation of the long class of siRNA is associated with resistance to plum pox virus in a transgenic woody perennial plum tree. Mol Plant-Microbe Interact 18: 794-799 Malinowski T., Cambra M., Capote N., Zawadzka B., Gorris M.T., Scorza R., Ravelonandro M., 2006. Field trials of plum clones transformed with the Plum pox virus coat pro tein (PPV-CP) gene. Plant Disease 90: 1012-1018.

Capote N., Perez-Panades J., Monzo C., Carbonell E., Urbaneja A., Scorza R., Ravelonandro M. and Cambra M. ( in press, 2007) Assessment of the diversity and dynamics of Plum pox virus and aphid population in transgenic European plum under mediterranean conditions. Transgenic research (in press).

Fuchs, M., Cambra, M., Capote, N., Jelkmann, W., Laval, V., Martelli, G.P., Minafra, A., Petrovic, N., Pfeiffer, P., Pompe-Novak, M., Ravelonandro, M., Saldarelli, P., Stussi-Garaud, C., Vigne, E. and Zagrai, I. 2007. Safety assessment of transgenic plums and grapevines expressing viral coat protein genes: New insights into real environmental impact of perennial plant engineered for virus resistance. Journal of Plant Pathology, 89:5-12.

Kundu J.K., Briard P., Hily J-M., Ravelonandro M., Scorza R. 2008. Role of the 25-26nt siRNA in the resistance of transgenic Prunus domestica graft inoculated with plum pox virus.Virus genes, 36: 215-220.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 INRA-Bordeaux, France, 2 USDA-ARS Kearneysville, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Raybould A, Vlachos D Year: 2010 Title: * Non-target organism effects tests on Vip3A and their application to the ecological risk assessment for cultivation of MIR162 maize..

Journal: Transgenic Res. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print] Label: InRe Resistance ImpactBiol RavageurSecond Keywords: Ecological risk assessment - Hypothesis testing - Hazard quotient - Vegetative insecticidal protein Bt crops Abstract: Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provide economic, environmental and health benefits by maintaining or increasing crop yields with fewer applications of insecticide. To sustain these benefits, it is important to delay the evolution of insect resistance to the proteins, and to ensure that the proteins do not harm non-target organisms, particularly those that may control secondary pests that would otherwise flourish because of reduced insecticide applications. Vip3A is a Bt vegetative insecticidal protein that is active against lepidopterous pests. It has a different mode of action from other proteins for control of Lepidoptera in current Bt crops, and when combined with these proteins, it should help to delay the evolution of pest resistance to Bt crops. This paper presents data on the effects of Vip3A on nontarget organisms, and an ecological risk assessment of MIR162 maize, which expresses Vip3Aa20. Laboratory studies indicate few adverse effects of Vip3A to non-target organisms: 11 of 12 species tested showed no adverse effects when exposed to high concentrations of Vip3A relative to estimated exposures resulting from

cultivation of MIR162 maize. Daphnia magna exposed to Vip3Aa20 were unaffected in terms of survival or fecundity, but grew slightly more slowly than unexposed controls. The data indicate that cultivation of MIR162 maize poses negligible risk to non-target organisms, and that crops producing Vip3A are unlikely to adversely affect biological control organisms such that benefits from reduced insecticide applications are lost.

Notes: 55 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/h76276g55705t602/ Author Address: Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG22 4JN, UK, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Reddy KN, Ding W, Zablotowicz RM, Thomson SJ, Huang Y, Krutz LJ, Year: 2010 Title: * Biological responses to glyphosate drift from aerial application in non-glyphosate-resistant corn.

Journal: Pest Management Science 66, 10, 1148-1154.

Label: HeTo ImpactBiol ImpactPesticide Keywords: aerial application drift injury glyphosate off-target shikimate spray deposition Abstract: Abstract BACKGROUND: Glyphosate drift from aerial application onto susceptible crops is inevitable, yet the biological responses to glyphosate drift in crops are not well characterized. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of glyphosate drift from a single aerial application (18.3 m swath, 866 g AE ha∑1) on corn injury, chlorophyll content, shikimate level, plant height and shoot dry weight in nonglyphosate-resistant (non-GR) corn. RESULTS: One week after application (WAA), corn was killed at 3 m from the edge of the spray swath, with injury decreasing to 18% at 35.4 m downwind. Chlorophyll content decreased from 78% at 6 m to 22% at 15.8 m, and it was unaffected beyond 25.6 m at 1 WAA. Shikimate accumulation in corn decreased from 349% at 0 m to 93% at 15.8 m, and shikimate levels were unaffected beyond 25.6 m downwind. Plant height and shoot dry weight decreased gradually with increasing distance. At a distance of 35.4 m, corn height was reduced by 14% and shoot dry weight by 10% at 3 WAA. CONCLUSIONS: Corn injury and other biological responses point to the same conclusion, that is, injury from glyphosate aerial drift is highest at the edge of the spray swath and decreases gradually with distance. The LD50 (the lethal distance that drift must travel to cause a 50% reduction in biological response) ranged from 12 to 26 m among the biological parameters when wind speed was 11.2 km h∑1 and using a complement of CP09 spray nozzles on spray aircraft. Published 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.1996 Author Address: 1USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Crop Production Systems Research Unit, Stoneville, Mississippi, USA 2Northeast Agricultural University, Agronomy College, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rehout V, Hanusova L, Kadlec J, Citek J, Hosnedlova B, Year: 2008 Title: * Detection of DNA fragments from roundup ready soya and Bt maize in organs of broilers.

Journal: Journal of Agrobiology 25, 1.

Accession Number: CABI:20103271385 Label: Detection Devenir Sante Keywords: broilers; detection; DNA; genes; kidneys; lectins; liver; maize; organs; poultry; soyabeans; tissue distribution; transgenic plants bacterium; chickens; corn; deoxyribonucleic acid; domesticated birds; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; soybeans Abstract: Possible transfers of DNA fragments from genetically modified Roundup Ready soybean, containing transgene for tolerance against herbicides with glyphosate, and Bt maize MON810, with transgene for insecticide protein Cry 1A(b), from fodder into selected organs of broilers ROSS 308 were studied. Three feeding experiments were performed. Twenty samples of kidney and twenty samples of liver were randomly selected from 120 collected samples. Analyses were divided into two parts. First, we were looking for control genes of Roundup Ready soybean (lectin) and Bt maize (HMG gene). Eighteen samples of liver were positive for soybean control gene - lectin. Any sample of kidney was not positive for lectin fragments. Detection of HMG gene was negative in both organs. The other part was focused on detection of transgenes in liver and kidney samples. Fragments of soybean transgene were identified in 3 samples of liver. Fragments of Bt maize

transgene were not detected in livers. None positive detection of any transgene was in samples of kidney. These results demonstrated possible transfer of DNA fragments from fodder into organs of broilers.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 10 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103271385 Author Address: Jihoceska univerzita v Ceskych Budejovicich, Zemedelska fakulta, katedra genetiky, slechteni a vyzivy zvirat, Czech Republic.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Reiting R Year: 2010 Title: * Real-time PCR methods for the detection of DNA constructs with the nptII gene for the detection of genetically modified plants in food, feed and seed.

Journal: Journal Fur Verbraucherschutz Und Lebensmittelsicherheit-Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety 5, 3-4, 377-390.

Accession Number: WOS:000281392600009 Label: Traceur Detection Keywords: PCR; Detection of DNA constructs; Genetically modified plants; nptII; Food; Feed; Seed Abstract: For routine analysis of the most different food and feed matrices for genetical modification screening methods have increasingly been applied during the past years as the first step of detection. Screening for frequently used regulation elements and recombinant DNA-constructs by the use of real-time PCR is the state of the art. By combining several screening methods, the number of lines of genetically modified plants existing in one sample can be delimited. Apart from the genetically modified plants authorized in the EC, for which reference material and detection methods have to be made available by the placer on the market, there has been an increase of unauthorized GMO on the European market recently, for which event specific detection methods are not available as a rule. It does therefore have to be the target of routine controls by the laboratories charged with surveillance to be able to detect as much as possible of genetically modified plants with the aid of just a few screening PCR methods. Three different construct specific real-time PCR methods are presented in this study. They amplify the junction sequence from the 35S-promoter or the nos-promoter to the nptII gene.

Furthermore, a gene specific real-time PCR method for the detection of DNA sequences of the nos-promoter from Agrobacterium tumefaciens is presented.

Notes: Times Cited: 0 URL: http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=EndNote&UT=00 0281392600009&SID=Z185OnfIj8naiiFDfBp&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=FullRecord&customersID=Res earchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images%2Fwok_failed_auth.html Author Address: Hess Landeslabor, Druseltalstr 67, D-34131 Kassel, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ren Fei, Chen Qi-Jun, Xie Min Li Li-Juan, Wu Wei-Hua, Chen Jia, Wang Xue-Chen, Year: 2010 Title: * Engineering the K+ uptake regulatory pathway by MultiRound Gateway.

Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology 167, 16, 1412-1417.

Date: 2010/11/1/ Label: Physiol Keywords: CBL pathway Genetic engineering K+ nutrition Multigene transformation MultiRound Gateway Abstract: In a previous study, we described improved versions of MultiRound Gateway vectors. Here, we engineered a calcineurin B-like (CBL) pathway for potassium (K+) nutrition to demonstrate their effectiveness.

Using the two improved entry vectors pL12R34H-Ap and pL34R12-Cm, and through 2-4 rounds of Gateway recombination reactions, we generated five pMDC99-derived binary vectors [pK21 (CIPK23 + CBL1), pK29 (CIPK23 + CBL9), pK31 (CIPK23 + CBL1 + AKT1), pK39 (CIPK23 + CBL9 + AKT1), and pK4 (CIPK23 + CBL1 + AKT1 + CBL9)], in which all four genes have the same pSuper promoter and tNos terminator. pK31, pK39 and pK4 were transformed into Arabidopsis. PCR analysis confirmed that all transgenes usually co-existed in the K31, K39 or K4 transgenic plants, and qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the

transgenes were expressed at reasonably high levels. The eight overexpression lines, except K31-1, displayed significantly tolerant phenotypes to low-K+ and low-K+ combined with low-Ca2+ compared to the wild type.

Significant differences between the K31, K39 and K4 lines were not observed. These results indicate that the improved MultiRound Gateway vectors efficiently assembled multiple transgenes, which were stably inherited and expressed in transformed plants, even with the same promoter and terminator.

Notes: 24 Ref. URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B7GJ7-50S2D3M1/2/261c00cd4a1bd3c14853fd380a6a9514 Author Address: State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ren X-J, W-D Huang, W-Z Li, D-Q Yu, Year: 2010 Title: * Tobacco transcription factor WRKY4 is a modulator of leaf development and disease resistance.

Journal: Biologia Plantarum Volume 54, Number 4, 684-690, DOI: 10.1007/s10535-010-0121-0 Label: Physiol ViRe Keywords: antiviral defense - leaf morphogenesis - Nicotiana tabacum L. - salicylic acid Abstract: The role of tobacco transcription factor WRKY4 in leaf development and biotic stress tolerance was studied using RNAi suppressed transgenic plants. The leaves were more numerous and wider in NtWRKY4 RNAi suppressed transgenic lines compared to the vector control, while the levels of miRNA166 and miRNA396 were reduced in suppressed lines. NtWRKY4 expression was markedly induced in response to salicylic acid (SA), but not to abiotic stresses. When infected by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), the leaves of the transgenic plants were more twisted and displayed a more obvious mosaic pattern compared to those of vectortransgenic plants. Less TMV viral RNA accumulated in vector-transformed plants than in transgenic plants.

The results indicate that NtWRKY4 is involved in leaf morphogenesis and antiviral defense, which is seldom seen in WRKY family members.

Notes: 35 Ref. URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/h75072mnp5566487/ Author Address: College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, P.R. China Xishuangbanna Tropical botanical garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, P.R. China Institute of Tobacco Agricultural Research, Yunnan Tobacco Science Academy, Yuxi 653100, Yunnan, P.R. China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ren XX, Zhang X, Li YY, Wang ZH, Year: 2010 Title: * The chitinase gene (Bbchit1) from Beauveria bassiana enhances resistance to Cytospora chrysosperma in Populus tomentosa Carr.

Journal: Biotechnology Letters 32, 9, 1317-1324.

Date: Sep Accession Number: ISI:000280892800020 Label: Bioengineering FuRe Keywords: Allergen; Epitope; Immunological characterization; Site-directed mutagenesis; Tartary buckwheat, tartary buckwheat; immunological characterization; allergenic protein; expression; cloning; superfamily Abstract: The Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.) is susceptible to infection by plant diseases which severely affect its growth and substantially decrease its economic value. A chitinase gene (Bbchit1) from Beauveria bassiana was introduced into Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.) by Agrobacteriummediated transformation. The T-DNA of plant transformation vector contained the beta-glucuronidase reporter gene (GUS) under the control of CaMV 35S promoter and the neomycin phosphotransferase selection marker

gene (NPTII) driven by the nos promoter. GUS activity was detected in most of the kanamycin-resistant plants tested. Stable integration of transgenes in the plant genome was confirmed using PCR. RT-PCR analysis showed that the Bbchit1 gene was transcribed in the transformed plants. When evaluated for resistance to poplar fungal pathogens with an in vitro assay, crude extracts from leaves and shoots of transgenic lines were inhibitory against the pathogenic fungus Cytospora chrysosperma (Pers.) Fr. Similarly, Bbchit1 overexpression enhanced disease resistance to C. chrysosperma in the transformed poplar plants, indicating that is gene is potentially useful to protect the trees against fungal diseases.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 15 URL: <Go to ISI>://000280892800020 Author Address: Shanxi Univ, Key Lab Chem Biol & Mol Engn, Minist Educ, Inst Biotechnol, Taiyuan 030006, Peoples R China.

Shanxi Univ, Res Ctr Environm Sci & Engn, Taiyuan 030006, Peoples R China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Robert Stéphanie; Kleine-Vehn, Jürgen; Barbez, Elke; Sauer, Michael; Paciorek, Tomasz; Baster, Pawel; Vanneste, Steffen; Zhang, Jing; Simon, Sibu; Covanová, Milada; Hayashi, Kenichiro; Dhonukshe, Pankaj; Yang, Zhenbiao; Bednarek, Sebastian Y.; Jones, Alan M.; Luschnig, Christian; Aniento, Fernando; Zazímalová, Eva; Friml, Jirí Year: 2010 Title: * ABP1 Mediates Auxin Inhibition of Clathrin-Dependent Endocytosis in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Cell 143, 1, 111-121.

Date: 2010/10/1/ Label: Physiol Abstract: Summary Spatial distribution of the plant hormone auxin regulates multiple aspects of plant development. These self-regulating auxin gradients are established by the action of PIN auxin transporters, whose activity is regulated by their constitutive cycling between the plasma membrane and endosomes. Here, we show that auxin signaling by the auxin receptor AUXIN-BINDING PROTEIN 1 (ABP1) inhibits the clathrin-mediated internalization of PIN proteins. ABP1 acts as a positive factor in clathrin recruitment to the plasma membrane, thereby promoting endocytosis. Auxin binding to ABP1 interferes with this action and leads to the inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our study demonstrates that ABP1 mediates a nontranscriptional auxin signaling that regulates the evolutionarily conserved process of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and suggests that this signaling may be essential for the developmentally important feedback of auxin on its own transport.

Notes: 75 Ref. URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WSN-514HKDKH/2/e31756519fdef35a36ab6e83155025ec Author Address: 1 Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium 2 Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium 3 Institute of Experimental Botany, ASCR, 165 02 Praha 6, Czech Republic 4 Department of Biochemistry, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan 5 Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands 6 Department of Botany and Plant Sciences and Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA 7 Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1544, USA 8 Departments of Biology and Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 9 Institute for Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, BOKU, 1190 Wien, Austria XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rojas Cristian Antonio, Adrianna Silva Hemerly and Paulo Cavalcanti Gomes Ferreira Year: 2010 Title: * Genetically modified crops for biomass increase. Genes and strategies.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 137 - 142 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12615.

Label: Composition AgronomicTrait

Abstract: Genetically modified crops (GMCs) have been developed to accelerate the creation of new varieties with improved characteristics such as disease resistance, stress tolerance and higher quality composition. But agriculture, without minimize its role in food, feed and fiber source, has become important for the energy matrix of many countries. GMCs are also attractive systems that could fulfill the requirements for these new necessities. Increased of crop yields in an environmental friendly system is a new goal for plant biology research in the twenty-first century. In particular, biomass yield improvement is needed to render the use of biofuels economically feasible. In this context, research directed toward increasing biomass production has attracted much attention and a considerable effort is being made to reach new goals. Nonetheless, in some cases differentiated strategies are needed, as biomass improvement requires approaches other than those employed with traditional crops. This review summarizes the various approaches applied so far to modulate plant growth applying molecular biology-based strategies and increase biomass production, and it highlights several outstanding issues about the developmental constraints that must be addressed.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12615/ Author Address: Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, CCS, Cidade Universitária – Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Romeis J, Li Y, Meissle M, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Assessing the impact of Bt maize pollen on adult green lacewings.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: The use of insect-resistant, genetically modifi ed maize and cotton varieties that express cry genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has grown steadily worldwide since their introduction in 1996, reaching over 42 million ha in 2007. Although the deployment of Bt crops can largely reduce the need for conventional insecticides with benefi ts to the environment and human health, concerns about potential effects on non-target organisms have been raised due to the high and consistent expression of Bt toxin in most plant parts throughout the growth period. The assessment of such effects is thus part of the environmental risk assessment that is conducted prior to commercialization of any novel transgenic variety. Natural enemies of pest arthropods are of particular interest as they provide an important ecological function and thus contribute to a sustainable agro-ecosystem (Romeis et al., 2008a). When assessing the risk to non-target arthropods, both the exposure to the plant-expressed insecticidal protein and the hazard of being exposed need to be considered (Romeis et al., 2008b). The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), is considered as an important natural predator of insect pests due to its voracious larval feeding capacity. The predatory larval stages feed preferentially on aphids but may consume a wide range of softbodied arthropods. However in Bt maize, exposure of the larvae to the Bt toxins is considered to be low as aphids contain no or only trace amounts of the toxins due to the fact that they feed on the phloem sap which does not contain Cry proteins (Dutton et al., 2002). Nevertheless, previous studies on Bt maize effects on C. carnea have focused on the predatory larval stages (Romeis et al., 2006).

Adults of C. carnea are prevalent pollen-consumers in maize as shown in fi eld and laboratory experiments. The adults are therefore exposed to insecticidal proteins contained in the pollen from certain Bt maize events, including Event Bt176 and MON 88017 that are known to contain considerable amounts of Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1, respectively. Even though Event Bt176 is not grown commercially anymore it can still serve as an excellent model since it contains substantially higher amounts of Cry1Ab when compared to the currently grown varieties that are based on MON 810 or Bt11. To quantify the exposure to Cry proteins contained in Bt maize pollen we have collected adult C. carnea in maize fi elds. This study revealed that all adults collected in fl owering maize fi elds had their gut full with maize pollen. We have subsequently addressed the question on how much of the Cry protein the adults are exposed to when feeding exclusively on Bt maize pollen. To achieve this, we looked into the digestion physiology of lacewings. Microscopic observations revealed that the fi rst signs of maize pollen digestion were visible in the adult‘s midgut, where most pollen grains were partly digested. ELISA measurements were conducted to quantify the Bt toxin content of individual pollen grains in

fresh pollen and feces excreted by lacewings. Results showed that 61%-79% of the Cry toxin was digested during the gut passage, depending on the expressed toxin and maize variety.

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of Bt maize pollen and purifi ed Cry proteins on C. carnea. The results from these laboratory studies have recently been published by Li et al. (2008). To assess the hazard of Bt maize pollen feeding, adult C. carnea were fed with pollen from Bt maize varieties (Event Bt176 or MON 88017) or from their corresponding non-transformed maize varieties together with sucrose solution as an energy source. Over a period of four weeks, different C. carnea life-table parameters (survival, preoviposition period, fecundity, fertility and dry weight) were recorded. The results revealed no negative effects on adult C. carnea. To confi rm that adult lacewings are not sensitive to Cry1Ab or Cry3Bb1, insects were fed with an elevated dose (approximately ten times higher that in the Bt maize pollen) of the two purifi ed Cry proteins incorporated into artifi cial diet. Again no effects on any life-table parameter were detected. In both feeding assays, stability and bioactivity of Cry proteins in the food sources as well as the uptake by C. carnea were confi rmed.

The results show that adults of C. carnea are not affected by Bt maize pollen and are not sensitive to Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 at concentrations exceeding the levels expressed in pollen. Consequently, Bt maize pollen consumption will pose a negligible risk to adult C. carnea. This includes the currently grown Coleopteraresistant Bt maize event MON 863 and Lepidoptera-resistant varieties that are based on the transformation events MON 810 and Bt11 which contain substantially less Cry1Ab toxin in the pollen when compared to the Event Bt176-based variety used in this study. Furthermore, the information derived from our study will be applicable to the risk assessment of other crops and maize varieties expressing the same Cry proteins.

References Dutton A, Klein H, Romeis J, Bigler F (2002) Uptake of Bt-toxin by herbivores feeding on transgenic maize and consequences for the predator Chrysoperla carnea. Ecological Entomology 27, 441-447.

Li Y, Meissle M, Romeis J (2008) Consumption of Bt maize pollen expressing Cry1Ab or Cry3Bb1 does not harm adult green lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). PLoS ONE 3(8): e2909. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002909 http://www.plosone. org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0002909 Romeis J, Meissle M, Bigler F (2006) Transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and biological control. Nature Biotechnology 24, 63-71.

Romeis J, Van Driesche RG, Barratt BIP, Bigler F (2008a) Insect-resistant transgenic crops and biological control. In: Romeis J, Shelton AM, Kennedy GG (eds.) Integration of Insect-Resistant Genetically Modifi ed Crops within IPM Programs. Springer, The Netherlands, pp. 87-117.

Romeis J, Bartsch D, Bigler F, Candolfi MP, Gielkens MMC, Hartley SE, Hellmich RL, Huesing JE, Jepson PC, Layton R, Quemada H, Raybould A, Rose RI, Schiemann J, Sears MK, Shelton AM, Sweet J, Vaituzis Z, Wolt JD (2008b) Assessment of risk of insectresistant transgenic crops to nontarget arthropods. Nature Biotechnology 26, 203-208.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Switzerland XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Roudart Laurence, Pinson Virginie Year: 2010 Title: £ Terres cultivables non cultivées : des disponibilités suffisantes pour la sécurité alimentaire durable de l‘humanité.

Journal: Ministère de l‘Alimentation, de l‘Agriculture et de la Pêche - Secrétariat Général - Service de la statistique et de la prospective - Centre d‘études et de prospective - Analyse N° 18 - Mai 2010 Label: SocioEconomic Abstract: À la demande du ministère de l‘Alimentation, de l‘Agriculture et de la Pêche, une étude a été réalisée en 2009 par Laurence Roudart (Université Libre de Bruxelles), à partir d‘informations rassemblées par Virginie Pinson, sur les disponibilités actuelles et futures en terres cultivables. L‘analyse et la comparaison de trois bases de données indiquent que les superficies de terres utilisables en culture pluviale (sans besoin d‘irriguer) et non encore cultivées sont très étendues à l‘échelle du monde, en particulier en Amérique du Sud et en Afrique subsaharienne. En revanche, cette ressource apparaît rare, voire épuisée, au Moyen-Orient et en Asie. Le réchauffement climatique entraînerait probablement un accroissement, modeste, des superficies cultivables du

monde, mais une diminution dans les pays en développement, notamment en Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est où cette ressource est déjà rare. Les superficies cultivables du monde apparaissent très supérieures aux superficies nécessaires pour garantir la sécurité alimentaire de l‘humanité.

Cette conclusion reste vraie même en adoptant l‘hypothèse d‘une croissance relativement faible des rendements, selon un scénario de « révolution doublement verte durable », même en excluant de la mise en culture toutes les forêts et toutes les zones actuellement protégées, et même en tenant compte des effets plausibles du réchauffement climatique. Mais, la valorisation durable des ressources en terres cultivables requiert des politiques publiques appropriées de prix agricoles, d‘accès à la terre et de recherchedéveloppement orientées vers les besoins et les possibilités des producteurs pauvres.

URL: http://agriculture.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/_Analyse_18_Terres_cultivables.pdf Author Address: France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Roy Devparna Year: 2010 Title: * Of Choices and Dilemmas: Bt Cotton and Self-Identified Organic Cotton Farmers in Gujarat.

Journal: The Asian Biotechnology and Development Review Vol. 12 No. 1 March 2010 ISSN: 0972-7566 Label: InRe Adoption IPM ImpactBiol Keywords: Bt cotton, cotton, farmers, Gujarat, India, organic, transgenic, genetic engineering, seeds Abstract: Many proponents of organic farming, including well-known activists and NGOs, are vehemently opposed to the introduction of genetic engineering in agriculture and skeptical that biotechnology firms could in any way advance ―chemical free‖ agriculture. But what do organic farmers themselves think of transgenic or genetically engineered seeds? The author interviewed thirty self-identified organic farmers in Gujarat state of India in 2004 and again in 2009. This article examines the responses of these self-identified organic farmers to Bt cotton, a non-food product of genetic engineering. Nearly half of these farmers consider Bt cotton to be compatible with their version of organic farming, and several of them adopted Bt cotton during the growing season 2003-04 and many continued that in 2009. This article attempts to understand why some of these organic farmers consider Bt cotton to be part and parcel of organic farming, why other farmers in this sample disagree with them, and why many of the farmers (irrespective of their beliefs about whether Bt cotton is part of organic farming or not) chose to adopt Bt cotton.

URL: http://www.ris.org.in/article3_v12n1.html Author Address: Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ruane John, Sonnino A, Agostini A, Year: 2010 Title: * Bioenergy and the potential contribution of agricultural biotechnologies in developing countries.

Journal: Biomass & Bioenergy Volume: 34 Issue: 10 Pages: 1427-1439 Published: OCT 2010.

Accession Number: WOS:000281101700001 Label: Bioengineering Bifuel Review Keywords: Bioenergy; Biotechnology; Developing countries Abstract: We provide an overview of the current status of bioenergy development, focusing on first- and second-generation liquid biofuels, considering drivers of growth and risks that have raised concerns over recent years. We also describe the main areas where biotechnologies are being, or can be, applied for production of first- and second-generation biofuels as well as microalgal biodiesel and biogas. Greatest attention is paid to second-generation biofuels in the review because of the large expectations they have created and because of the significant role that biotechnology applications are likely to play in their development. We close with some specific considerations regarding applying biotechnologies for bioenergy development in developing countries.

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

URL: http://apps.isiknowledge.com/InboundService.do?product=WOS&action=retrieve&SrcApp=EndNote&UT=00 0281101700001&SID=Z185OnfIj8naiiFDfBp&SrcAuth=ResearchSoft&mode=FullRecord&customersID=Res earchSoft&DestFail=http%3A%2F%2Faccess.isiproducts.com%2Fcustom_images%2Fwok_failed_auth.html

Author Address: 1. UN Food & Agr Org FAO, FAO Working Grp Biotechnol, I-00153 Rome, Italy 2. UN Food & Agr Org FAO, FAO Off Knowledge Exchange Res & Extens, I-00153 Rome, Italy 3. UN Food & Agr Org FAO, FAO Investment Ctr, I-00153 Rome, Italy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Rull Valentí Year: 2010 Title: * Who needs a greener revolution?

Journal: EMBO reports VOL 11 | NO 9 | 2010 Label: Socioeconomic Abstract: Full text : Achieving food security for the future pits production increase against growth control How do we feed the nine billion people who are projected to inhabit the Earth by 2050? The issue is one of serious concern (Ash et al, 2010; Butler, 2010), as an increase in food production of up to 40% will be needed to cope with the growing population. In response, many scientists, politicians and economists have proposed a second ‗green revolution‘. Their call references the first green revolution of the mid-twentieth century, which allowed many developing countries to drastically increase their food production. According to proponents of a new ‗global greener revolution‘ (GGR ), it will require an extensive transformation of agriculture to increase production and improve quality in an equitable and sustainable manner without compromising the environment (Godfray et al, 2010). Science and technology will be fundamental to achieving the goals of enhancing crop efficiency and food quality, as well as developing new protein sources (Beddington, 2010).

At a glance, such a philanthropic proposal might seem the right thing to do, but further analysis reveals that a GGR is not as charitable as it first appears; in fact, it could lead to undesired and even disastrous consequences.

This essay is therefore intended as a warning to scientists to think critically before signing up to a GRR : consider carefully the political, social and economic forces that would benefit from such a revolution and the potential long-term consequences for the environment and mankind.

In an article for the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Sir John Beddington, the UK Government‘s chief scientific adviser and professor of applied population biology at Imperial College London, lists the four main challenges for humanity in the twenty-first century as follows: to feed nine billion people in a sustainable way; to cope with increasing demands for clean water; to generate more energy; and to do all of this while mitigating and adapting to climate change (Beddington, 2010). Science will play a crucial role in this endeavour, provided the necessary investments are being made.

The kinds of advances in science that the world requires are far reaching and various. Plant science will need to improve existing crops by breeding or genetic modification to increase photosynthetic efficiency, reduce the need for fertilizers, and develop new methods of pest, disease and weed control. Agricultural science and farmers need to develop sustainable livestock farming that reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, notably methane. Fisheries and aquaculture—high priorities for future food security—will require scientific knowledge and technological innovations to avoid over-fishing, to increase productivity and to deal with climate change and ocean acidification. Engineers will need to develop tools such as global positioning system-based fertilizing or watering systems and remote sensors to optimize the use of resources in agriculture. Nanotechnologies, genomics and electronics can be useful for improving disease diagnostics, the delivery of pesticides, fertilizers and water, or for monitoring and managing soil quality. Finally, science will also play a role in changing our diet to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products and to develop alternative protein sources (The Royal Society, 2009; Beddington, 2010; Godfray et al, 2010).

Together, these goals aim to achieve so-called sustainable intensification: producing more food from a given area while reducing the environmental impact (Godfray et al, 2010). This is a considerable challenge, resting on the hope that ‗greener‘ innovations—mostly based on molecular biology and genetic manipulations of plants and farm animals—will be environmentally safer, although this is not a straightforward path in many cases.

Scale matters in this endeavour, in terms of both space and time. Concerning space, the amount of land and sea surface needed to produce food for nine billion people will obviously be much larger than at present, any scientific progress notwithstanding. As such, given time, the whole planet could turn into one giant farm for producing food and biofuels, with little or no wilderness left. For defenders of the ownership approach (Bruce, 2008), for whom the Earth is ours to be exploited at our convenience, this vision might not be disturbing; nevertheless, the consequences would be catastrophic, not least because this approach gives no consideration to a sustainable future beyond this century. It is important to bear in mind that the GGR is proposed as a means to

cope with human population growth during the next 40 years only. This might seem a long-term view from today‘s perspective (Godfray et al, 2010), but it barely considers even the next two generations. A true longterm view needs to embrace a far more extended timeframe and consider our great-grandchildren and the world they might live in.

If a GGR were a resounding success, most humans living beyond 2050 would be fed and healthy, but they would inherit a planetary farm with little wilderness and biodiversity. This, together with the possibility of notably extending life expectancy (Lucke et al, 2010) and the conviction that the next GGR will be always possible—as it has been in the past—will probably exacerbate population growth rates and the demand for another even-greener revolution. In fact, the human population could reach around 14 billion people by 2100 at current growth rates (FAOAO, 2006) and the number might be even higher if the proposed GGR succeeds.

As the Earth‘s carrying capacity is finite (Hueting, 2010; Pelletier, 2010), a GGR would lead to vanishing wilderness, resource exhaustion and, eventually, societal collapse. According to the latest estimates, we are already beyond the Earth‘s carrying capacity and we would need around 1.2 Earths to support just the current population growth rate (WWF, 2008). In addition to resource exhaustion, another substantial problem of continued growth is the management of the waste generated by humankind, which at present is estimated to be around 30–40% of the food produced (Godfray et al, 2010). This mountain of refuse is likely to increase by orders of magnitude in the coming decades (Pelletier, 2010). Therefore, a GGR might be useful, at best, to cope with the near-term requirements of hungry humanity—the next two generations or so—but it is unsustainable in the medium to long term. Still, some solution is needed, as current and prognosticated starvation is ethically unacceptable and might lead to social conflict and war.

In this context, the issue of equity or intra-generational social justice—despite the fact that it is mentioned as a premise in almost all proposals on food security—is rarely addressed. Almost everyone agrees that wealth and health should be equitably distributed throughout the world, but there are no firm proposals on how to achieve this goal and little progress has been made. It is a political problem that requires a political solution, but international organizations—notably the United Nations (UN ) and its subordinate bodies—have not been able to tackle it, and there is little hope that they will in the current political climate.

The inequality prevalent in the world serves the economic interest of the richest nations through the nearubiquitous capitalist model, which equates development with increasing wealth, measured as the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country. Increasing globalization—with the recent demise of the socialist model—has promoted the export of the capitalist model to almost every country. As a result, and through the influence of organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, capitalism has become the dominant economic model. Other issues such as international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights are subject to the political and economic interests of the richest economies. Social and environmental policies remain subordinate to capitalist concerns at both the local and regional scale (Pelletier, 2010). The inequality thus created is the cause of starvation and malnutrition in developing countries. Before 2005, more than 850 million people were undernourished. This number then increased by 75 million in only 2 years, owing mainly to the rise of wheat and maize prices for market reasons (Beddington, 2010). Today, hunger is not only a problem of overpopulation, but to a great extent, also of intra-generational injustice. This means that fighting starvation is a matter not only of growing more food, but also of creating social equity, which requires economic and political action.

Future population growth and the corresponding demand for more food therefore support the current capitalistic model, which is based on economic growth and unequal wealth distribution. A GGR would be subject to this growth model; in other words, capitalism, not humanity, needs a GGR . Scientists should be aware of this and consider whether a GGR is really the best option from both a professional and personal point of view, as science should serve humanity and Earth, not any particular social, religious, ideological, political or economic system (Rull, 2010).

Those who prefer a more sustainable path for future development might consider demand reduction—an option to avoid future food scarcity that is rarely considered (Westing, 2010). For their part, economists and politicians should also develop and implement alternative economic models that aim for a sustainable future for both humans and nature. The alternative—trying to reconcile economic growth, social justice and environmental safety—is akin to putting a square peg into a round hole (Lawn, 2010). In his 2008 book, The Bridge at the Edge of the World, the environmental advocate James Speth laments that modern capitalism is already out of control and that ―growth is the enemy of environment. Economy and environmentremain in collision‖ (Speth, 2009).

There are alternative economic models that recognize ecological limits to human development and emphasize social equity. The first of these proposes a steady-state economy: one that has stopped growing in terms of GDP, but continues to improve quality of life and is maintained by an ecologically sustainable rate of resource throughput and a constant human population (Kerschner, 2010; Lawn, 2010). The second is a sustainable degrowth model that has been defined as ―an equitable down-scaling of production and consumption that increases human well-being and enhances ecological conditions at the local and global level, in the short and long term‖ (Schneider et al, 2010). The paradigm is that human progress without economic growth is possible; it has been shown repeatedly that GDP per capita does not correlate with overall happiness above a certain level of satisfying people‘s basic needs (Layard, 2010). According to these proposals, rich nations would need to start the transition to a steady-state economy through the reduction of GDP or de-growth within the next 5 years, and poor nations could take 20–40 years to make the transition in order to ensure a sustainable future. As many poor nations have the highest population growth rates, a first step should be to implement suitable controls to stabilize their populations with support from rich countries.

The defenders of de-growth emphasize that this process is not the same as recession or depression—there should be no social or quality of life deterioration—nor does it promote a return to a fictitious pre-industrial pastoral past. GDP reduction involves mainly components that require large-scale, resource-intensive production and socio-political and lifestyle changes (Schneider et al, 2010). Steady-state and de-growth models are based on the principle of ecological economics, which emphasizes the importance of the interactions between the environment and the economy, and of biophysical laws and constrains to human development (Costanza et al, 1997; Victor, 2010). Ecological economics is based on simple premises: the laws of thermodynamics, which state that the amount of energy in a closed system is constant and that any transformation degrades usable energy into entropy. All economic activities therefore deplete the available stock of usable energy and produce entropic waste; a closed system such as the Earth has a limited capacity to supply energy and material resources and to absorb the associated entropic waste (Pelletier, 2010).

Among the different meanings of sustainability, ecological economics defends a so-called strong sustainability (Munda, 1997). This is in contrast to weak sustainability, which assumes an abundance of natural resources and that technological progress can increase the productivity of natural capital faster than it is being depleted. Weak sustainability could be considered a moderate version of the planetary ownership view (Bruce, 2008). By contrast, strong sustainability argues that natural capital—which provides raw materials for production and consumption, assimilates the resulting waste products, and provides amenity services and basic life-support functions on which human life depends—is largely non-substitutable (Neumayer, 2003; Dietz & Neumayer, 2007). The idea behind strong sustainability is to strike a balance between nature intervention and conservation—that is, the stewardship approach described by Bruce (2008). Despite its concern for nature, the idea of strong sustainability is still anthropocentric, as the primary objective is human survival and welfare.

Therefore, strong sustainability could be viewed simply as a wiser form of planetary ownership than weak sustainability.

Although steady-state and de-growth are interesting and promising proposals to meet the problem of food security, there are some concerns; namely, the considerable changes required of socio-political organizations and lifestyles, the adherence to an intrinsically anthropocentric concept of sustainability, and the lack of a consolidated programme to realize these ideas.

Indeed, affluent democratic societies might be highly resistant to the necessary changes in lifestyle and consumption. A reduction of material living standards and consumption in industrialized countries would probably cause feelings of loss (Matthey, 2010). Few politicians or political parties with aspirations to government would be willing to defend such an unpopular proposal. Another obstacle in Western democratic systems is the short duration of each government, which is usually 4–5 years. Most governments are therefore reluctant to address problems that require large-scale, long-term changes. The problem is even more serious given that international organizations such as the UN , which were created specifically to meet such global challenges, remain subject to political and economic interests of the richer countries and therefore powerless to implement changes in such nations. Some have therefore proposed the creation of a new World Environmental Organization with the teeth and authority to legislate and enforce compliance (Pelletier, 2010).

The problem of acceptance might be even worse in developing nations. The promise of capitalism has created expectations of wealth and consumption in these countries that people would be asked to renounce even before they had had a chance to enjoy them. Thus, population control is not sufficient, as most humans also need more

food, better health and better living conditions. To mitigate this problem it has been proposed that developed countries should switch to a steady-state economy now, thereby leaving space for growth in the developing nations as a sign of intra-generational social justice (Kerschner, 2010). Of course, such economic growth should include effective population control in order to increment per capita income and to increase social and individual well-being. To make such growth sustainable, it would still require a GGR to increase food production and reduce the degradation of nature.

Worldwide social justice is a complex issue that is beyond the scope of this article, but some ideas are pertinent in this context. Perhaps our lack of a species consciousness is a main obstacle to attaining goals such as intragenerational justice, the eradication of hunger, sustainable development and nature conservation—all of which are apparently desired by most people. Humanity has won its battles against its competitors—other violent, omnivorous species—but has organized itself in such a way that different nations, ideologies, races, social classes and so on, compete with each as though they were ‗cultural species‘. In this context, capitalism is a successful strategy with strong selective value to increase evolutionary fitness. Some anthropologists believe that we are not yet humans, as we are still too attached to ancestral primate values such as selfishness, territoriality and violence (Carbonell & Sala, 2001). According to the same authors, the necessary species consciousness will emerge from altruism and the socialization of knowledge (Carbonell, 2007). Apart from the manifest ownership attitude of these anthropologists—whose ultimate aim is to replace the natural order with human organization of Earth—their concept of a global human species consciousness and how to attain it could be interesting for its use as a tool to address sustainable development under ecological economics principles.

The formulation of ideas to achieve steady-state and de-growth economies is still in progress, but some clues to a solution can already be seen. For example, Lawn (2010) offers some macroeconomic considerations on how governments can regulate the private sector to facilitate the transition to a steady-state economy. Another interesting proposal is to reduce the dependence on markets and to develop alternative political and economic infrastructures with different values (Latouche, 2010). Steady-state and de-growth proposals are encouraging manifestations of the interest of certain economic sectors to develop credible and viable alternatives to uncontrolled growth, but more options are needed with special emphasis on reducing or avoiding anthropocentrism, and limiting or eliminating the prevalence of the market economy (Rull, 2010). Economic crises such as the present one are excellent opportunities for questioning the dominant capitalist model (Schneider et al, 2010; Johns, 2010). Now is the time for economic creativity and political will.

In the context of GGR , scientific research and technological development are parts of the so-called sustainable intensification to produce more food. In the steady-state or de-growth models, science and technology are tools to reduce the land needed to produce a given amount of food. The key is the big picture; molecular research focused on food improvement is justified, but its contribution to either development model depends—as do most, if not all, scientific contributions—on social and political interests. In this regard, the scientific and technological developments proposed in the context of a GGR , such as crop improvement and protection, sustainable livestock farming, fishing and aquaculture improvement, mechanization, engineering, nanotechnology and diet changes, should be encouraged anyway, as these can contribute greatly to more efficient and hopefully safer food production practices in the future.

In summary, while global capitalism needs a GGR to continue along its unsustainable path, there are alternative models of human development that accept and address the biophysical constraints on economic and population growth on Earth. Some steady-state and de-growth alternatives have been proposed, based on the emerging discipline of ecological economics, but these would require a political and societal revolution, and a reassessment of the role of the market economy and true nature conservation. However, the basic principles of ecological economics seem potentially useful if we are to avoid a succession of GGR s that exhaust the Earth‘s resources. The acceptance of those principles could represent a first step towards a better world.

It is beyond all doubt that scientists defending a GGR have good intentions. But this should be done in a different scenario than the utopia of unlimited growth. Otherwise, politicians, stakeholders and the public in general might get a wrong idea of what is considered right from a scientific point of view and, what is worse, they might lose confidence in science and its practitioners.

This essay has been written under the auspices of projects CGL 07069/BOS, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and BIOCON 08.031, funded by the BBVA Foundation.

REFERENC ES Ash C, Jasny BR, Malakoff DA, Sugden AM (2010) Feeding the future. Science 329: 97 Beddington J (2010) Food security. Contributions from science to a new greener revlution. Phil Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 365: 61.71 Bruce D (2008) How sustainable are we? EMBO Rep 9 (Suppl): S37.S40

Butler D (2010) What it will take to feed the world. Nature 464: 969 Carbonell E (2007) El Naixement dâ&#x20AC;˘funa Nova Consciencia. Barcelona, Spain: Ara Llibres Carbonell E, Sala R (2001) Encara No Som Humans. Barcelona, Spain: Editorial Empuries Costanza R, Cumberland J, Daly H, Goodland R, Norgaard R (1997) An Introduction to Ecological Economics. Boca Raton, FL, USA: St Lucie Dietz S, Neumayer E (2007) Weak and strong sustainability in the SEEA: concepts and measurement. Ecol Econ 61: 617.626 FAOAO (2006) World Agriculture Towards 2030/2050. Prospects for Food, Nutrition, Agriculture and Major Commodity Groups. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Godfray JCJ et al (2010) Food security: the challenge of feeding 9 billion people. Science 327: 812.818 Hueting R (2010) Why environmental sustainability can most probably not be attained with growth production.

J Clean Prod 18: 525.530 Johns D (2010) Adapting human societies to conservation. Cons Biol 24: 641.643 Kerschner C (2010) Economic de-growth vs. steady-state economy. J Clean Prod 18: 544.551 Latouche S (2010) Degrowth. J Clean Prod 18: 519.522 Lawn P (2010) Facilitating the transition to a steady-state economy: some macroeconomic fundamentals. Ecol Econ 69: 931.936 Layard R (2010) Measuring subjective well-being. Science 327: 534.535 Lucke JC, Herbert D, Partridge B, Hall WD (2010) Anticipating the use of life extension technologies. EMBO Rep 11: 334.338 Matthey A (2010) Less is more: the influence of aspirations and priming on well-being. J Clean Prod 18: 567.570 Munda G (1997) Environmental economics, ecological economics, and the concept of sustainable development.

Environ Values 6: 213.233 Neumayer E (2003) Weak Versus Strong Sustainability: Exploring the Limits of Two Opposing Paradigms (2nd edn). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Pelletier N (2010) Of laws and limits: an ecological economic perspective on redressing the failure of contemporary global environmental governance. Glob Environ Change 20: 220.228 Rull V (2010) The candid approach. EMBO Rep 11: 14.17 Schneider F, Kallis G, Martinez-Alier J (2010) Crisis or opportuniy? Economic degrowth for social equity and ecological sustainability. Introduction to this special issue. J Clean Prod 18: 511.518 Speth JG (2009) The Bridge at the Edge of the World. Capitalsim, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability. New Haven, CT , USA: Yale University Press The Royal Society (2009) Reaping the Benefits: Science and the Sustainable Intensification of Global Agriculture. London, UK: The Royal Society Victor PAPA (2010) Ecological economics and economic growth. Ann NY Acad Sci 1185: 237.245 Westing AH (2010) Food security: population controls. Science 328: 169 WWF (2008) Living Planet Report. Gland, Switzerland: WWF Notes: From : AgBioView jeu. 16/09/2010 16:22 Who Needs a Greener Revolution?

- Valent Rull, EMBO reports, vol. 11, No 9, 2010; European Molecular Biology Organization. Download full commentary at http://www.secondaryagriculture.org/data/GGR.pdf (Thanks to Dr. Desh Pal Verma of OSU) 'Achieving food security for the future pits production increase against growth control' How do we feed the ninebillion people who are projected to inhabit the Earth by 2050? The issue is one of serious concern (Ash etal, 2010; Butler, 2010), as an increase in food production of up to 40% will be needed to cope with the growing population. response, many scientists, politicians and economists have proposed a second green revolution. Their call references the first green revolution of the mid-twentieth century, which allowed many developing countries to drastically increase their food production.

The kinds of advances in science that the world requires are far reaching and various. Plant science will need to improve existing crops by breeding or genetic modification to increase photosynthetic efficiency, reduce the need for fertilizers, and develop new methods of pest, disease and weed control. Agricultural science and farmers need to develop sustainable livestock farming that reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, notably methane. Fisheries and aquaculturehigh priorities for future food securitywill require scientific knowledge and

technological innovations to avoid over-fishing, to increase productivity and to deal with climate change and ocean acidification.

Engineers will need to develop tools such as global positioning system-based fertilizing or watering systems and remote sensors to optimize the use of resources in agriculture. Nanotechnologies, genomics and electronics can be useful for improving disease diagnostics, the delivery of pesticides, fertilizers and water, or for monitoring and managing soil quality. Finally, science will also play a role in changing our diet to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products and to develop alternative protein sources (Royal Society, 2009; Beddington, 2010; Godfray etal, 2010).

Together, these goals aim to achieve so-called sustainable intensification: producing more food from a given area while reducing the environmental impact (Godfray etal, 2010). This is a considerable challenge, resting on the hope that greener innovationsmostly based on molecular biology and genetic manipulations of plants and farm animalswill be environmentally safer, although this is not a straightforward path in many cases. <cut>.

Read on at http://www.secondaryagriculture.org/data/GGR.pdf Valent Rull is at the Botanical Institute of Barcelona (CSIC-ICUB), Barcelona, Spain.

URL: http://www.secondaryagriculture.org/data/GGR.pdf Author Address: Botanical Institute of Barcelona (CSIC-ICUB), Barcelona, Spain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ruther B Year: 2009 Title: 造 Risk management of unintended GMO contamination in the supply chain of maize and processed maize products.

Journal: European Association of Agricultural Economists>113th Seminar, September 3-6, 2009, Chania, Crete, Greece Label: Adoption Conso Keywords: Maize Chain Genetically modified Organism Risk Management Abstract: Production and processing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in line with the European food safety and labelling regulations lead to an elevated risk of unintentional GMO contamination in food producing and processing companies. For these companies GMO contamination can lead to extensive losses such as decreased product value, recall expenses or decreased brand equity. The question that occurs in many food producing and processing companies is how to manage the risk of GMO contamination most effectively. The objective of this paper is to show how food companies manage the risk of GMO contamination. Because of the complexity of the German food sector the analysis focuses on one supply chain namely: the production, processing and trading of maize and maize products. Within this supply chain an assessment of potential losses and safety measures was conducted in a two-step analysis. At first personal interviews with executives or quality managers of companies along the whole supply chain were carried out. Then the results of these interviews were analyzed and used to create the framework for a second session of formalized online interviews within companies of the maize chain. The results of the survey in maize producing, processing and trading, companies show the risk of potential losses that can occur in case of GMO contamination. Additionally the results show the safety measures that can effectively reduce the risk of GMO contamination.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/58128 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/58128/2/Ruther.pdf Author Address: Institute of Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ryan P, Raman H, Gupta S, Sasaki T, Yamamoto Y, Delhaize E, Year: 2010 Title: * Multiple origins of aluminium resistance in hexaploid wheat are derived from Aegilops tauschii and from more recent cis mutations to TaALMT1.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: ReEn Metaux Keywords: Evolution aluminum resistance tolerance Triticum aestivum Aegilops tauschii acid soil

Abstract: Acid soils limit plant production worldwide because their high concentrations of soluble aluminium cations (Al3+) inhibit root growth. Major food crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have evolved mechanisms to resist Al3+ toxicity thus enabling their wider distribution. The origins of Al3+ resistance in wheat are perplexing because all progenitors of this hexaploid species are reportedly sensitive to Al3+ stress.

The large genotypic variation for Al3+ resistance in wheat is largely controlled by the expression of an anion channel, TaALMT1, which releases malate anions from the root apices. A current hypothesis proposes that the malate anions protect this sensitive growing zone by binding with Al3+ in the apoplasm. We investigated the evolution of this trait in wheat and demonstrated that it has multiple independent origins which enhance Al3+ resistance by increasing TaALMT1 expression. One origin appears to be derived directly from the D-genome donor Aegilops tauschii while others have arisen more recently from a series of cis mutations that have generated tandemly-repeated elements in the TaALMT1 promoter. We generated transgenic plants to directly compare these promoter alleles and demonstrate that the tandemly-repeated elements act to enhance gene expression. This study provides an example from higher eukaryotes which links perfect tandem repeats with transcriptional regulation and phenotypic change in the context of evolutionary adaptation to a major abiotic stress.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04338.x Author Address: 1- CSIRO Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia 2- E.H. Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Industry and Investment NSW, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia 3- Institute for Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Chuo 2-20-1, Kurashiki, Okayama 7100046, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ryan PR, Tyerman SD, Sasaki T, Furuichi T, Yamamoto Y, Zhang WH, Delhaize E, Year: 2010 Title: * The identification of aluminium-resistance genes provides opportunities for enhancing crop production on acid soils.

Journal: J Exp Bot. 2010 Sep 16. [Epub ahead of print] Label: ReEn Acidite Abstract: Acid soils restrict plant production around the world. One of the major limitations to plant growth on acid soils is the prevalence of soluble aluminium (Al(3+)) ions which can inhibit root growth at micromolar concentrations. Species that show a natural resistance to Al(3+) toxicity perform better on acid soils. Our understanding of the physiology of Al(3+) resistance in important crop plants has increased greatly over the past 20 years, largely due to the application of genetics and molecular biology. Fourteen genes from seven different species are known to contribute to Al(3+) tolerance and resistance and several additional candidates have been identified. Some of these genes account for genotypic variation within species and others do not. One mechanism of resistance which has now been identified in a range of species relies on the efflux of organic anions such as malate and citrate from roots. The genes controlling this trait are members of the ALMT and MATE families which encode membrane proteins that facilitate organic anion efflux across the plasma membrane. Identification of these and other resistance genes provides opportunities for enhancing the Al(3+) resistance of plants by marker-assisted breeding and through biotechnology. Most attempts to enhance Al(3+) resistance in plants with genetic engineering have targeted genes that are induced by Al(3+) stress or that are likely to increase organic anion efflux. In the latter case, studies have either enhanced organic anion synthesis or increased organic anion transport across the plasma membrane. Recent developments in this area are summarized and the structure-function of the TaALMT1 protein from wheat is discussed.

Author Address: CSIRO Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sadashivappa Prakash, Qaim Matin Year: 2009 Title: 造 Effects of Bt Cotton in India During the First Five Years of Adoption.

Journal: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China Label: InRe Adoption Survey ImpactPesticide Rendement Socioeconomic

Keywords: Biotechnology, Bt cotton, genetically modified crops, farm survey, India, seed markets, technology adoption, willingness to pay (WTP) Abstract: While previous research has analyzed the impacts of Bt cotton in India, most available studies are based on one or two years of data only. We analyze the technology‘s performance over the first five years of adoption, using panel data with three rounds of observations. On average, Bt adopting farmers realize pesticide reductions of about 40%, and yield advantages of 30-40%. Profit gains are in a magnitude of US $60 per acre.

These benefits have been sustainable over time. Farmers‘ satisfaction is reflected in a high willingness to pay for Bt seeds. Nonetheless, in 2006 Indian state governments decided to establish price caps at levels much lower than what companies had charged before. This intervention has further increased farmers‘ profits, but the impact on aggregate Bt adoption was relatively small. Price controls might have negative long-term implications, as they can severely hamper private sector incentives to invest in new technologies.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/49947 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/49947/2/Effects%20of%20Bt%20Cotton%20in%20India%20During%2 0the%20First%20Five%20Years%20of%20Adoption.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sako Kaori, Junji Yamaguchi Year: 2010 Title: * How does the plant proteasome control leaf size?

Journal: Plant Signaling & Behavior Volume 5, Issue 9 September 2010 Pages 1119 - 1120 Label: Physiol Abstract: The ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway plays a central role in the degradation of short-lived regulatory proteins to control many cellular events. The Arabidopsis genome contains two genes, AtRPT2a and AtRPT2b, which encode paralog molecules of the RPT2 subunit of 19S proteasome. We demonstrated that mutation of the AtRPT2a gene causes a specific phenotype of enlarged leaves due to increased cell size in correlation with expanded endoreduplication. This phenotype was also observed in the knockout mutant of AtRPT5a, which encodes one of the paralogs of the RPT5 subunit. Taken together, this suggests that a cell sizespecific proteasome consisting of AtRPT2a and AtRPT5a is involved in controlling cell size during leaf development.

Sonoda Y, Sako K, Maki Y, Yamamoto H, Ikeda A, Yamaguchi J. Regulation of leaf organ size by the Arabidopsis RPT2a 19S proteasome subunit. Plant J 2009 60: 68-78; PMID: 19500299; DOI: 10.1111/j.1365313X.2009.03932.x Author Address: Graduate School of Life Science and Division of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Santos Amaya O, Delgado Restrepo O, Arguelles J, Aguilera Garramuno E, Year: 2009 Title: ?? Evaluation of Spodoptera complex behavior with the introduction of transgenic cotton in Tolima, Colombia Journal: Revista Corpoica - Ciencia y Tecnologia Agropecuarias 10, 1.

Accession Number: CABI:20103250139 Label: InRe Efficacite ImpactBiol Keywords: animal behaviour; cotton; developmental stages; flowers; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; insect pests; leaves; plant pests; reproduction; transgenic plants animal behavior; behavior; genetic manipulation; genetically engineered plants; genetically modified plants; GMOs; growth phase; pest insects Abstract: In this study a record and an evaluation of the Spodoptera larvae complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of commercial transgenic cotton (Cry1Ac) planted in the central area of Tolima, Colombia were registered.

During three plant developmental stages: vegetative, reproductive and maturity, 83 commercial plots with areas

ranging from 1 to 10 hectares, were evaluated. Spodoptera complex (Spodoptera frugiperda, S. ornithogalli y S. sunia) activity was evaluated in 315 ha, sampling seven plants per hectare, including refuges (12,6 ha), taking into account three different larvae sizes, small <0.5 cm, medium >0.5 and <1.5 cm and large >1.5 cm, as well as their location in the plant (leaf, flower and structure). There were statistically significant relationships between the larvae incidence (percentage of cotton plants with Spodoptera larvae present) and the different cotton genetic materials, with a significant higher larvae incidence in the transgenic plants (11,98% SE 4,03) than in conventional plants (9,13% SE 3.08) (0,0021*). This tendency was also observed among Spodoptera complex species, both genetic materials and the three plant developmental stages. S. frugiperda prevailed in flowers and capsules, S. ornithogalli in leaves and flowers; and S. sunia in leaves. This pattern was observed in both genetic materials with statistical significance (0.0001*). Larvae of all sizes were recorded in plants of both genetic materials; although there was no statistically significative dependency. Finally, there were small, medium and large S. frugiperda larvae in flowers and capsules, structures where the Bt toxin expression is the lowest in the plant.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 35 ref.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103250139 Author Address: Universidad Nacional, Bogota, Colombia.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sarojam Rajani, Sappl Pia G, Goldshmidt Alexander, Efroni Idan, Floyd Sandra K, Eshed Yuval, Bowman John L, Year: 2010 Title: * Differentiating Arabidopsis Shoots from Leaves by Combined YABBY Activities.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2113-2130.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: In seed plants, leaves are born on radial shoots, but unlike shoots, they are determinate dorsiventral organs made of flat lamina. YABBY genes are found only in seed plants and in all cases studied are expressed primarily in lateral organs and in a polar manner. Despite their simple expression, Arabidopsis thaliana plants lacking all YABBY gene activities have a wide range of morphological defects in all lateral organs as well as the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Here, we show that leaves lacking all YABBY activities are initiated as dorsiventral appendages but fail to properly activate lamina programs. In particular, the activation of most CINCINNATA-class TCP genes does not commence, SAM-specific programs are reactivated, and a marginal leaf domain is not established. Altered distribution of auxin signaling and the auxin efflux carrier PIN1, highly reduced venation, initiation of multiple cotyledons, and gradual loss of the SAM accompany these defects. We suggest that YABBY functions were recruited to mold modified shoot systems into flat plant appendages by translating organ polarity into lamina-specific programs that include marginal auxin flow and activation of a maturation schedule directing determinate growth.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2113 Author Address: a Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616 USA b School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia c Department of Plant Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Schatlowski Nicole, Stahl Yvonne, Hohenstatt Mareike L., Goodrich Justin, Schubert Daniel, Year: 2010 Title: * The CURLY LEAF Interacting Protein BLISTER Controls Expression of Polycomb-Group Target Genes and Cellular Differentiation of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2291-2305.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: Polycomb-group (Pc-G) proteins are important regulators of many developmental processes in plants and animals and repress gene expression by imparting histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Here, we present the identification of the novel, plant-specific Arabidopsis thaliana protein BLISTER (BLI), which interacts with the Pc-G histone methyltransferase CURLY LEAF (CLF). We map the interaction of BLI with

CLF to a predicted coiled-coil domain in BLI that shares similarity with STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE OF CHROMOSOMES proteins. BLI colocalizes with CLF in the nucleus, shows an overlapping expression pattern with CLF throughout plant development that is strongest in dividing cells, and represses a subset of Pc-G target genes. Loss of BLI results in a pleiotropic developmental mutant phenotype, indicating that BLI prevents premature differentiation. Furthermore, bli mutants exhibit severe epidermal defects, including loss of cell adhesion, outgrowth of cells, and increased cotyledon cell size. As these phenotypes have not been observed in Pc-G mutants, we propose that BLI has functions related to Pc-G proteins but can also act independently in Arabidopsis development.

Notes: Pc-G proteins are key regulators of plant cell fate and development. This study examines the Pc-G interacting protein BLISTER, which has Pc-G related and unrelated functions and might link Pc-G proteins to specific developmental processes.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2291 Author Address: a Institute of Genetics, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany b Institute of Molecular Plant Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Schloter M, Radl V, Weinert N, Smalla K, Meinicke R, Berg G, Neumann G, Dong X, Mohler V, Wenzel G, Munch JC, Year: 2008 Title: 造 Impact of transgenic potato lines on microbial functions in the rhizosphere.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: ImpactBiol Abstract: Different transgenic potato lines have been constructed in the last two decades. Their properties range from increased resistance against plant pathogens, to modifi ed product quality mainly interesting for food industry. Furthermore selected transgenic potato lines have become increasingly important as renewable resources throughout the world for production of textiles, paper and other synthetic materials.

It has been considered for a long time that simple modifi cations in the genome of plants based on antisense technology do not affect the overall plant metabolism and only expression of the target gene is changed. This technology has been used successfully for example to develop potato lines that are rich in amylopectin or zeaxanthin. However recent results using microarray technology have shown that also these modifi cations in the genome of plants lead to multiple variations in expression profi ling and thus modulate the plant phenotype more signifi cant than suggested before. Obviously mainly expression of genes involved in stress response or pathogene defence is changed in addition to the wanted modifi cation. Mainly for potatoes, these results have stimulated research about the consequences of these modifi cations on ecosystem health, as it cannot be excluded that an increased level of secondary metabolites inhibits microbial activity in the rhizosphere and in the litter layer.

Without doubt most transgenic lines will cause shifts in microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere and litter layer. But how can these differences be assessed in the frame of cultivar specifi c effects of nontransgenic plants, shifts in microbial community structure and function during the vegetation period and fi nally site specifi c effects including soil type, weather conditions, pesticide and fertilizer application?

The presentation will try to give answers to these questions. As an example results will be presented from fi eld studies using transgenic potato lines with modifi ed biosynthetic properties. Over a three-years investigation period, fi eld experiments were conducted on two different sites comparing not only the transgenic clones with the corresponding parental variety, but also with fi ve additional commercial potato varieties to assess the range of variability within different cultivars. We targeted selected functional groups of microbes in the rhizosphere as well as during litter degradation, involved in nutrient cycling and biocontrol. As many methods to describe microbial community structure and function in soil are highly biased, we used a polyphasic approach based on cultivation dependent, as well as molecular, isolation independent techniques to overcome this problem. Results were related to the plantnutritional status and possible physiological alterations resulting in changed pattern of exsudation in the rhizosphere, as well as the production of secondary metabolites in the plant.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf

Author Address: 1)Helmholtz Center, Germany 2)Julius Kühn Institute, JKI, Germany; 3)Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Technical University, Austria; 4)Institute of Plant Nutrition, Hohenheim University, Germany; 5)Chair of Plant Breeding, Technical University, Germany; 6)Chair of Soil Ecology , Technical University, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Scudellari Megan Year: 2010 Title: + Botanical Biopharming.

Journal: TheScientist Volume 24 | Issue 9 | Page 69 Date: 2010-09-01.

Label: Biopharming Review Abstract: Full text : 'Green-thumbed biotechs say they can use plants to make drugs faster, cheaper, and better than top pharmaceutical companies.'

In 2001, ProdiGene was a poster child for the plant biotechnology industry. A privately owned biotech in College Station, Texas, ProdiGene was the first to successfully commercialize a product made from a transgenic plant-a protein called trypsin produced in corn kernels and sold to the pharmaceutical industry for mammalian cell culturing. They also had more than 18 other plant-made products in development, including vaccines for traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis B, and AIDS. That spring, the MIT Technology Review voted ProdiGene's oral vaccine patent one of the "five patents that will transform business and technology."

But a year later, things began to spiral downhill. In September 2002, the US Department of Agriculture ordered ProdiGene to destroy 155 acres (63 hectares) of corn in Iowa that may have cross-pollinated with a nearby test site of ProdiGene's transgenic corn. Then in October, the USDA seized 500,000 bushels of soybeans contaminated by ProdiGene's corn in Nebraska. In the end, ProdiGene was slapped with over $2 million in fines and clean-up fees by the government. "That was the end of ProdiGene," says Zivko Nikolov, former vice president of bioprocessing at the company.

It wasn't the end for all plant biotechnology companies, however. Since the first human-like enzyme was produced from transgenic tobacco in 1992 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, the biotech industry has seen a wave of companies try their hand at "biopharming"-plant-based pharmaceutical production. These companies challenge the status quo of biomanufacturing, purporting that plant-based technology has the potential to produce complex biomolecules cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional pharmaceutical facilities.

Rather than grow human or animal cells on expensive, nutrient-rich media, for example, biopharming derives its manufacturing energy from the sun. Genes can be inserted into the cells of plants such as corn, tobacco, and alfalfa, and the plant does the hard work transcribing and folding the protein, using only the Earth's abundant raw materials-water, carbon dioxide, and soil. Plants can also be grown in large fields, offering a much greater volume of product than a constricted, multimillion dollar manufacturing plant.

But with major obstacles remaining-such as the introduction of the first plant-made human pharmaceutical product to the market-the handful of plant biotechs in existence today remain a bit uneasy. "Until we actually get one of these over the goal line, you can never say you are out of troubled waters," says Joseph Boothe, VP of research and development at SemBioSys, a plant biotech based in Canada.

Still, these companies are convinced the model is a good one, and having learned from the failures of the 60 or so plant biotechs that have flourished, then floundered, they are working hard to push their products to the market. With new, alternative crops and techniques, and the first product on the cusp of FDA approval, it may be the beginning of a new era for plant biotech. "There are no major bottlenecks now. We have to just go and do it," says Nikolov. "This is just about the time we're going to see the first successes from plant biotech."

Under the sun The early, great hope of plant biotechnology was that transgenic corn and soybeans could be used to grow inexpensive biopharmaceuticals in vast quantities over thousands of acres. The crops had already been engineered for other purposes, such as pest and herbicide resistance, so the genetics of each plant were well known. Yet as ProdiGene‘s early tribulations demonstrated, one of the biggest risks of field growing is the contamination of nearby food crops. But with virtually unlimited space and free energy, a few companies hold out hope to grow under the sun. ―Growing on an agricultural scale, we can get high-capacity production and low-cost economics because we‘re able to harness natural solar power to grow the material,‖ says Boothe.

One solution to ProdiGene‘s cross-contamination problem is to simply use different crops. Ventria Bioscience, based in Junction City, Kan., grows transgenic rice designed to produce recombinant human lactoferrin and lysozyme—proteins found in human breast milk that have a variety of applications in medicine—and currently sells the products to the pharmaceutical industry. Because rice is self-pollinating with pollen grains that lose their viability 5 minutes after shedding from the plant, plants grown far enough away from other agricultural fields are unlikely to contaminate other crops.

SemBioSys, based in Calgary, Canada, turned to a different self-pollinating plant—safflower, a thistle-like spiny plant with small, bright flowers. Sometimes cultivated for the vegetable oil in its seeds, safflower is not a popular food or industrial crop in the United States, so SemBioSys is able to tightly isolate their fields. The company genetically engineers the plants to produce medically relevant proteins on oilbodies within the seeds of the plant. The oilbodies, which are lighter than water, are then separated from the rest of the seed proteins by simple centrifugation, reducing the time and cost of downstream processing. ―This is just about the time we’re going to see the first successes from plant biotech.‖ —Zivko Nikolov, former vice president of bioprocessing at ProdiGene With the high-volume potential of safflower—the company can produce over one kilogram of insulin per acre of safflower production, says Boothe—SemBioSys filled its pipeline with high-demand drugs whose availability is currently limited by the costs and capacity constraints of traditional manufacturing. The company has completed a Phase I/II trial on their lead product, insulin, one of the largest-volume pharmaceutical protein products on the market. They are also developing Apo AIMilano, a novel protein for the treatment of atherosclerosis. While needed by fewer patients than insulin, Apo AIMilano is required in very high doses, making its total demand ―potentially even exceeding the volumes required for insulin,‖ says Boothe.

Quick and dirty Most plant biotechs, however, have moved indoors, either to greenhouses or facilities with artificial light.

Within confined spaces, without the promise of mass production over thousands of acres, these biotechs are instead carving themselves specialized niches in the pharmaceutical market. Medicago and Bayer Innovation GmbH, for example, are looking for speed, using the rapid-growth plants to develop products that are needed quickly and with short notice, such as vaccines.

Founded in 1999, Quebec, Canada-based Medicago is developing flu vaccines in the leaves of tobacco plants.

During last year‘s potential flu pandemic, the pharmaceutical industry ―came along with vaccines that were too little and too late,‖ says Andy Sheldon, the company‘s president and CEO. ―Technology is now needed that can respond to these problems [quickly],‖ he adds. In the company‘s facilities, 5-week-old tobacco plants are exposed to a vacuum process that forces bacteria containing genetic material from a pandemic virus into the plant cells. The plants are then placed back in a greenhouse, and 5 days later, there is a ―massive expression‖ of viral proteins, says Sheldon, in the form of virus-like particles (VLPs)—the protein shells of the virus that lack the infectious genetic material. The VLPs are then harvested, purified, and made into a vaccine. The company is currently beginning a Phase II trial for an H5N1 pandemic flu vaccine, and also has a seasonal vaccine in development.

Biolex Therapeutics, a North Carolina State University spin-off founded in 1997, has defined their niche in hard-to-make proteins. This company‘s workhorse is lemna, also known as duckweed—a tiny, aquatic clonal plant that doubles its biomass every 36 hours—and is skilled at making proteins that mammalian cells struggle, and often fail, to produce. In facilities that look remarkably like a traditional biomanufacturing site, the company grows duckweed under artificial light in 1-by-2–meter bags of growth media and has produced over 40 proteins, including cytokines, vaccines, antibodies, and biosimilars. ―We have not found a protein we haven‘t been able to make appropriately,‖ says the president and CEO of Biolex, Jan Turek. ―But in the end, as a privately funded company, we want to make sure we‘re focusing on making ones with value for the pipeline.‖ Those valuable proteins, Biolex has determined, are controlled release interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C (currently preparing for a Phase III trial), an antibody for non-Hodgkins B-cell lymphoma, and a human recombinant plasmin to dissolve blood clots—an enzyme pharma companies have struggled to produce for over 20 years, says Turek. ―Traditional expression systems are just not able to make it,‖ he says, but with the duckweed system, Biolex can produce it at commercial levels.

Waiting for approval Despite the speed, diversity, and low cost of their systems, biopharming companies are still waiting to be invited to the pharma lunch table. ―Even though the pharmaceutical and biotech industries are on the cutting edge of technology, at the same time they can be somewhat conservative in terms of adopting these [plant manufacturing] technologies themselves,‖ says Boothe. ―It can be a bit of a challenge for us to communicate what we can do with our systems.‖ But even one example of a plant-made drug on the market will make all the

difference, the biotech executives agree. ―I‘d be very pleased to see anything produced from plants on the market as soon as possible,‖ says Nikolov.

That first may soon come from Protalix, a biotech based in Israel that produces proteins from carrot cell cultures in disposable plastic bioreactors. The company‘s lead product is recombinant glucocerebrosidase, a treatment for Gaucher disease—a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down fatty substances. In June 2009, Genzyme temporarily halted production of their modified glucocerebrosidase, Cerezyme, produced in mammalian cell cultures, due to viral contamination. The drug is one of the most expensive biologics on the market, costing a reported $250,000 a year, and generally taken for life.

Fearing no other ready supply of the drug, the FDA granted orphan drug status and fast-tracked Protalix‘s?drug in August 2009. Three months later, Protalix granted Pfizer Inc. the rights to develop and commercialize the treatment in a $115 million deal and filed a New Drug Application with the FDA. Their decision is expected next month. ―It ought to move fast,‖ says Maurice Moloney, founder of SemBioSys and current director and CEO of Rothamsted Research in the United Kingdom. The Protalix-Pfizer partnership is a prime example of what needs to happen for plant biotechs to get their drugs on the market, he adds. ―None of the plant-based companies are big enough to do it on their own.‖ URL: http://www.the-scientist.com/article/display/57657/#ixzz10QjIpJpc XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shadab Nizam; Kunal, Singh; Verma, P. K. Year: 2010 Title: * Expression of the fluorescent proteins DsRed and EGFP to visualize early events of colonization of the chickpea blight fungus Ascochyta rabiei.

Journal: Current Genetics 2010 Aug;56(4):391-9. Epub 2010 May 12.

Accession Number: CABI:20103256181 Label: FuRe Keywords: appressoria; chickpeas; developmental stages; fluorescent proteins; fungal spores; gene expression; genes; genetic engineering; genetic transformation; genetically engineered microorganisms; genomics; green fluorescent protein; mycelium; pathogenicity; plant pathogenic fungi; plant pathogens; reporter genes; virulence fungus; genetic manipulation; genetically modified microorganisms; GMOs; growth phase; phytopathogenic fungi; phytopathogens; plant-pathogenic fungi; reporter gene; transgenic microorganisms Abstract: Ascochyta blight caused by the ascomycete fungus Ascochyta rabiei, is a major biotic constraint of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), resulting in disastrous crop losses worldwide. To study early stages of development and pathogenic mechanisms of the fungus, two binary vectors for the constitutive expression of the red fluorescent protein (DsRed-Express) and the green fluorescent protein (EGFP1) were constructed.

Furthermore, we have developed an improved and highly reproducible Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol for A. rabiei. Transformation events were confirmed through Southern hybridizations that suggest single-copy integration of reporter genes in majority of the transformants. High level expression of both DsRed and EGFP proteins was obtained both in spores and in mycelia as detected by fluorescence microscopy. Intense fluorescence was used as a highly efficient vital marker to visualize early developmental changes of the fungus. The formation of infection structures like appressoria and germ tubes were observed both in vitro and in planta. This work will be useful to develop methodologies for understanding the mechanisms of Ascochyta-chickpea interaction and functional genomics of A. rabiei towards the isolation of virulence genes.

Notes: Cited Reference Count: 37 ref.

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20461519 Author Address: National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shahriari M, Keshavaiah C, Scheuring D, Sabovljevic A, Pimpl P, Häusler RE, Hulskamp M, Schellmann S, Year: 2010 Title: * The AAA-type ATPase AtSKD1 contributes to vacuolar maintenance of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 71-85.

Label: Physiol Keywords: VPS4 endosomal sorting complexes required for transport Arabidopsis vacuole SKD1 MVB Abstract: Summary The vacuole is the most prominent organelle of plant cells. Despite its importance for many physiological and developmental aspects of plant life, little is known about its biogenesis and maintenance. Here we show that Arabidopsis plants expressing a dominant-negative version of the AAA (ATPase associated with various cellular activities) ATPase AtSKD1 (SUPPRESSOR OF K+ TRANSPORT GROWTH DEFECT1) under the control of the trichome-specific GLABRA2 (GL2) promoter exhibit normal vacuolar development in early stages of trichome development. Shortly after its formation, however, the large central vacuole is fragmented and finally disappears completely. Secretion assays with amylase fused to the vacuolar sorting signal of Sporamin show that dominant-negative AtSKD1 inhibits vacuolar trafficking of the reporter that is instead secreted. In addition, trichomes expressing dominant-negative AtSKD1 frequently contain multiple nuclei. Our results suggest that AtSKD1 contributes to vacuolar protein trafficking and thereby to the maintenance of the large central vacuole of plant cells, and might play a role in cell-cycle regulation.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04310.x Author Address: 1Biozentrum Köln, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Street 47 b, 50674 Cologne, Germany 2Heidelberg Institute for Plant Science, Abteilung Zellbiologie, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shane Hennigh D, Al-Khatib Kassim, Tuinstra Mitchell R, Year: 2010 Title: * Postemergence Weed Control in Acetolactate Synthase-Resistant Grain Sorghum.

Journal: Weed Technology 24, 3, 219-225.

Date: 2010/09/15 Label: HeTo Efficacite Resistance Abstract: Postemergence herbicides to control grass weeds in grain sorghum are limited. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) –inhibiting herbicides are very effective at controlling many grass species in many crops; unfortunately, use of ALS-inhibiting herbicides is not an option in conventional grain sorghum because of its susceptibility to these herbicides. With the development of ALS-resistant grain sorghum, several POST ALS-inhibiting herbicides can be used to control weeds in grain sorghum. Field experiments were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the efficacy of tank mixtures of nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron applied alone or in combination with bromoxynil, carfentrazone–ethyl, halosulfuron + dicamba, prosulfuron, 2,4-D, or metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D. In addition, these treatments were applied with and without atrazine. Nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron controlled barnyardgrass, green foxtail, and giant foxtail 99, 86, and 91% 6 wk after treatment (WAT), respectively. A decrease in annual grass control was observed when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with some broadleaf herbicides, although the differences were not always significant. In addition, nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron controlled velvetleaf and ivyleaf moringglory 64 and 78% 6 WAT, respectively. Control of velvetleaf was improved when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with all broadleaf herbicides included in this study with the exception of atrazine, bromoxynil, and prosulfuron + atrazine. Control of ivyleaf morningglory was improved when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with all of the herbicides included in this study with the exception of metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D. Weed populations and biomass were lower when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron were applied with various broadleaf herbicides than when it was applied alone. Grain sorghum yield was greater in all herbicide treatments than in the weedy check, with the highest grain yield from nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + prosulfuron. This research showed that postemergence application of nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron effectively controls grass weeds, including barnyardgrass, green foxtail, and giant foxtail. The research also showed that velvetleaf and ivyleaf morningglory control was more effective when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron were applied with other broadleaf herbicides.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-09-00014.1 Author Address: Graduate Research Assistant, Professor, and Professor, Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506. USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shedbalkar Utkarsha, Adki Vinayak, Jadhav Jyoti, Bapat Vishwas, Year: 2010

Title: * Opuntia and Other Cacti: Applications and Biotechnological Insights.

Secondary Title: Tropical Plant Biology 3, 3, 136-150.

Publisher: Springer New York Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1935-9756 Label: Bioengineering Nutrition ReEn Secheresse Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Biochemical analysis - Cactus - Food products - Genetic engineering - Medicines - Phytoremediation - Tissue culture Abstract: The cactus family is unusual among tropical plants. Cacti, known for their minimum water requirement, have been grown extensively in arid lands, for food, feeds and medicinal and therapeutic uses.Several food products have cacti as a main ingredient. Cacti biochemical analysis substantiate the high nutritive value of this plant family. Tissue cultures, including micropropagation, callus, and cell suspension cultures have been established for numerous cacti species. Genetic engineering has opened opportunities for gene isolation and integration of genes from other sources for cacti improvement. Cacti might be a store house of stress tolerant genes for other crops. Since cacti can be cultivated easily with minimum agriculture inputs, they hold great potential for cultivation and farming on degraded lands and for at least partial remediation of degraded lands. The present review outlines some of the older and more recent research on the properties and applications for Opuntia and other cacti especially as they might apply towards agricultural sustainability.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12042-010-9055-0 Author Address: India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shen X, Yuan B, Liu H, Li X, Xu C, Wang S, Year: 2010 Title: * Opposite functions of a rice mitogen-activated protein kinase during the process of resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 86-99.

Label: BaRe Physiol Keywords: MAP kinase Oryza sativa disease resistance Xanthomonas oryzae bacterial blight bacterial streak Abstract: Summary The pathogen-induced plant defense signaling network consists of multiple components, although only some of them are characterized. Most of the known components function either as activators or repressors in hostâ€―pathogen interactions. Here we report that a mitogen-activated protein kinase, OsMPK6, functions both as an activator and a repressor in rice resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal organism of bacterial blight disease. Activation of OsMPK6 resulted in the formation of lesion mimics and local resistance to Xoo, accompanied by the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), and the induced expression of SA- and JA-signaling genes. Nuclear localization of OsMPK6 was essential for local resistance, suggesting that modulating the expression of defense-responsive genes through transcription regulators may be the primary mechanism of OsMPK6-mediated local resistance. The knock-out of OsMPK6 resulted in enhanced Xoo resistance, increased accumulation of SA and enhanced resistance to X. oryzae pv. oryzicola, the causal organism of bacterial streak disease, in systemic tissues. Xoo infection induced the expression of PR1a, the marker gene of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), in systemic health tissues of OsMPK6-knock-out plants. These results suggest that OsMPK6 negatively regulates SAR. Thus OsMPK6 is a two-faced player in the riceâ€―Xoo interaction.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04306.x Author Address: National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shkryl Y, Veremeichik G, Bulgakov V, Gorpenchenko T, Aminin D;, Zhuravlev Y, Year: 2010 Title: * Decreased ROS level and activation of antioxidant gene expression in Agrobacterium rhizogenes pRiA4-transformed calli of Rubia cordifolia.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1023-1032.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: ReEn Oxydatif Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Rubia cordifolia - Agrobacterium rhizogenes - Ascorbate peroxidase - Catalase - Superoxide dismutase - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) Abstract: Microbeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;plant interactions often lead to a decrease in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of plant cells, which allows pathogen survival through the suppression of plant immune responses. In the present investigation, we tested whether transformation of Rubia cordifolia cells by Agrobacterium rhizogenes had a similar effect. We isolated partial cDNA sequences of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase genes (RcApx1, RcApx2, RcApx3, RcCAT1, RcCAT2, RcCSD1, RcCSD2 and RcCSD3) from plant tissues, as well as pRiA4-transformed and normal calli of Rubia cordifolia, and studied their expression by realtime PCR. Transcription profiling revealed that ascorbate peroxidase (RcApx1) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (RcCSD1) were the most abundant transcripts present in both plant tissues and non-transformed calli.

Catalase genes were weakly expressed in these samples. The pRiA4-transformed calli showed enhanced expression of several genes encoding ROS-detoxifying enzymes. Confocal microscopy imaging revealed decreased ROS level in pRiA4-transformed calli compared to the control. These results demonstrate that A. rhizogenes, like other plant pathogens, uses a strategy aimed at decreasing ROS levels in host cells through the general upregulation of its antioxidant genes.

Notes: 37 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1237-3 Author Address: (1) Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 159 Stoletija Street, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia (2) Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 159 Stoletija Street, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shoseyov Oded, Hagit Amitai, Yehudit Posen, Amit Yaari, Shani Shilo, Sigal Roth, Or Dgany, Tamar Tal, Noa Lapidot, Year: 2010 Title: * Large-scale Molecular Farming of Recombinant Human Collagen in Transgenic Tobacco.

Journal: ISB News Report September 2010 Label: Biopharming Abstract: Historically, collagen products used for pharmaceutical or biotechnological applications have been extracted from animal or cadaver sources. However, use of such materials can provoke immune responses and involves risk of contamination with pathogens. Because protein synthesis pathways are highly conserved between plant and eukaryote systems, the plant can often effectively support expression of complex eukaryotic proteins. The decline of traditional tobacco agriculture followed by the search for novel farming opportunities has prompted the harnessing of tobacco plant production capacity toward meeting the growing demand for biologics.

Full text : For figure(s) see the pdf Collagen and gelatin in medicine, drug delivery, and cosmetics Through provision of unmatched structural integrity together with cell and substrate anchorage ports, collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix represent macromolecules critical to embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and continual physical support of vertebrates and other multicellular organisms1. Type I collagen, the prototype of fibrillar collagens, is the most ubiquitous collagen species in bone and tendon, and is found in significant quantities in skin, aorta, and lung, where variations in fiber diameter, orientation, and packing density dictate the mechanical properties of each tissue. Its primary role in skin structure and support is clearly highlighted upon loss of skin elasticity and strength as a consequence of age-related collagen degradation or crosslinking. Additionally, throughout the multi-stage wound healing process, collagen and collagen-derived fragments provide indispensable support for cell aggregation and adhesion, clot formation, fibroblast recruitment, and adequate scar tissue generation. Biocompatible collagen-based wound dressings or tissue substitutes contribute local haemostatic and chemotactic stimuli, while supplying a structural support upon which neotissue can be formed at enhanced rates. In addition, the highly absorptive character of such products accommodates the high exudate volume characteristic of injured tissue, providing a dry wound bed.

The gelatinous form of collagen, comprised of a mixture of irreversibly denatured collagen chains, features characteristics suitable for applications in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, photographic, cosmetic, paper manufacturing, and printing disciplines. Gelatins are used as binding, microencapsulation, and coating agents for pharmaceutical or health supplement preparations, and owing to their unique breakdown, can also be used to ensure slow release of active ingredients. In addition, their emulsifying effect can easily be manipulated by concentration and temperature. Gelatin sponges and films are marketed as water-insoluble, absorbable medical supplies tailored to control bleeding and offer scaffolding support during early tissue regeneration processes.

Expanding appreciation for the advantageous potential of collagen and its byproducts in technologies designed to restore dental, orthopedic, and cosmetic impairments is evident when considering the number of applications being introduced to the market.

Multiple post-translational modifications of collagen: a challenge to recombinant protein expression systems The type I collagen heterotrimer is composed of two alpha 1 and one alpha 2 chains, constructed from repeating Gly-X-Y triplets, where X and Y can represent any amino acid but are typically proline and hydroxyproline2.

The polypeptide chains assemble to form a procollagen molecule within the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) assisted by the globular C-terminal extension propeptides, forming a trimeric molecule. The complex then folds in a C-to-N direction to yield a triple helix.

Procollagen biosynthesis involves a number of co- and post-translational modifications, including proline and lysine hydroxylation, glycosylation, and disulfide bond formation, all essential for the assembly and physiological stability of the final triple helix conformation. The enzymes responsible for these modifications act in a coordinated fashion to ensure appropriate folding and assembly of a correctly aligned and thermally stable triple-helical molecule.

Stability of collagenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s triple-helical structure in mammals requires prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H) activity to form hydroxyproline residues within the collagen chains. Although plants are capable of synthesizing hydroxyproline-containing proteins, plant-derived prolyl hydroxylase exhibits relatively loose substrate sequence specificity in comparison to mammalian P4H3. Coexpression of collagen and mammalian-derived prolyl-hydroxylase in insect4, yeast5,6 and plant7 cells supports the formation of stable, hydroxylated collagen.

Further posttranslational modifications of collagens involve the lysyl hydroxylase, galactosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase enzymes, which sequentially modify lysyl residues to hydroxylysyl, galactosylhydroxylysyl, and glucosylgalactosyl hydroxylysyl, respectively. These lysyl carbohydrate structures are unique to collagen and have been implicated in the control of fibril diameter8. The human Lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3) enzyme can consecutively catalyze all three modification steps required for hydroxylysine-linked carbohydrate formation9. In contrast, amino acid analysis of tobacco-expressed human collagen7 demonstrated hydroxylysine content is less than 2% of that found in bovine collagen, suggesting that endogenic plant lysyl hydroxylase is unable to sufficiently hydroxylate collagen lysines.

Expression of Type I collagen in transgenic systems Historically, collagen products used for pharmaceutical or biotechnological applications have been extracted from animal or cadaver sources. However, use of such materials can provoke immune responses and involves risk of contamination with pathogens. Alternatively, bacterial and yeast expression systems are inexpensive and appropriate for certain proteins, yet often lack modifying enzymes and molecules required by complex proteins to reach full maturity. The complex biosynthesis of collagen, involving a relatively large number of enzymes managing its expression and maturation, imposes considerable demands on expression systems. As P4H is essential to protein stability, the ideal model must express mammalian variants of the enzyme in compartments that will ensure collagen-enzyme interactions.

The absence of enzymes and co-factors necessary for proline and lysine hydroxylation in traditional microbial expression systems, as well as lack of disulfide bridge formation in microbial cytoplasm, make them unfit for expression of functional collagen.

Using a yeast-based fermentation system, FibroGen Inc. has developed recombinant human collagen type III and gelatins applied toward a gamut of pharmaceutical and medical device applications. In parallel, mammalian cell lines have been proven effective in induction of procollagen expression and secretion, yet require mass culturing volumes, costly nutrient supplementation, and extensive time-to-product periods, while under constant threat of sample contamination by host pathogens. High yields of fully mature collagen are secreted in the milk of transgenic animals bearing mammary gland-targeting genomic collagen- and P4H-encoding inserts.

However, the extensive development costs of such models limit significant progress of this expression system.

Because protein synthesis pathways are highly conserved between plant and eukaryote systems, the plant can often effectively support expression of complex eukaryotic proteins.

Molecular farming in transgenic plants: a new industry

The recent biotechnology boom has the potential to introduce a wealth of pharmaceutical products and devices to the healthcare market. However, the costly infrastructure and limited production capacity associated with expression of recombinant molecules via microbial fermentation or mammalian cell expression systems hinder realization of the majority of these potential products. The advent of plant-made-pharmaceuticals involving genetic manipulations, programming plants to express molecules of therapeutic value, has introduced a feasible alternative to conventional, fermentation-based expression models. Plant engineering offers cost-effective, safe, manipulable, and easily scalable protein yields harvestable after culture periods significantly shorter than in other expression systems.

While biopharming has sparked much debate over concerns relating to food chain contamination, gene flow, and quality control guidelines regarding fungal toxins and pesticides, tight regulatory supervision has led to significant promotion of this discipline, which is critical to researchers, patients, and farmers. The absence of human and animal pathogens in plants offers an added feature to the use of such systems. The risk-benefit ratios are further enhanced when considering the tobacco plant as a model for production of biologics at commercialscale levels. As a non-food crop with a large leaf mass and prematurity stage harvesting, both concerns of food supply contamination and of gene flow can be avoided. The decline of traditional tobacco agriculture followed by the search for novel farming opportunities has prompted the harnessing of tobacco plant production capacity toward meeting the growing demand for biologics.

Both plant nuclei and chloroplasts are exploited for high-yield expression of proteins, biopharmaceuticals, antibodies, and vaccines that demonstrate structural and posttranslational specifications closely resembling those of their natural counterparts. However, lack of specific enzymatic support often leads to plant-derived recombinant molecules void of modifications critical to their half-life and activity. Subcellular targeting of recombinant protein expression represents an additional factor influencing the maturity and yield of biologically relevant products expressed in the plant11.

Collplant Ltd. reported the integration of a matrix of distinct plant features toward development of a high output system for expression of hydroxylated, heterotrimeric, recombinant human procollagen type I (rhPCOL1).

Through a series of crossbreedings, a tobacco line was engineered to coexpress vacuole-targeted human procollagen alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains together with human posttranslational modifying enzymes P4H alpha, P4H beta, and LH3. The final product, expressed in a compartment free of homologous plant enzymes or potential P4H inhibitors, proved viable and active12. The purified and processed heterotrimeric recombinant human collagen (Collage rhTM) product is thermally stable, demonstrates fibril-forming capacities, and supports the attachment and expansion of various primary human cells normally involved in tissue repair processes (Fig. 1).

Conclusions Novel biopharming ventures feature a multitude of revolutionary prospects. Increased awareness of the plantbased protein expression system, farmer education, and appropriate regulatory policies and measures will boost full exploitation of these highly manipulable and cost-effective natural bioreactors. More specifically, affirmative actions taken to facilitate such agricultural and technological opportunities can reverse the unfavorable public image of tobacco. Such measures will stimulate exploitation of the tremendous protein production advantages innate to the tobacco plant and will reestablish its credibility as a legitimate crop with the potential of benefiting mankind.

References 1. Kolacna I, et al. Biochemical and biophysical aspects of collagen nanostructure in the extracellular matrix.

Physiol Res. 56 (Suppl 1) S51-60 (2007).

2. Canty EG, & Kadler KE. Procollagen trafficking, processing and fibrillogenesis. J Cell Sci 118, 1341-53 (2005).

3. Ruggiero F, et al. Triple helix assembly and processing of human collagen produced in transgenic tobacco plants. FEBS Lett 469, 132-6 (2000).

4. Myllyharju J, et al. Expression of wild-type and modified proรก chains of [รก1(I)2รก2(I)] collagen heterotrimers and [รก1(I)]3 homotrimers but not [รก2(I)]3 homotrimers. J Biol Chem 272, 21824-30 (1997).

5. Pakkanen O. et al. Assembly of stable human Type I and III collagen molecules from hydroxylated recombinant chains in yeast Pichia pastoris. J Biol Chem 278, 32478-83 (2003).

6. Toman PD, et al. Production of recombinant human Type I procollagen trimers using a four-gene expression system in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biol Chem 275, 23303-9 (2000).

7. Merle C., et al. Hydroxylated human homotrimeric collagen I in Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression and in transgenic tobacco plant. FEBS Lett 515, 114-8 (2002).

8. Notbohm H., et al. Recombinant human Type II collagens with low and high levels of hydroxylysine and its glycosylated forms show marked differences in fibrillogenesis in vitro. J Biol Chem 274, 8988-92 (1999).

9. Wang C., et al. The third activity for lysyl hydroxylase 3: galactosylation of hydroxylysyl residues in collagen in vitro. Matrix Biol, 21, 559-56 (2002).

10. Bulleid NJ, John DCA, & Kadler KE. Recombinant expression systems for the production of collagen.

Biochem Soc Trans, 28, 350-3 (2000).

11. Ma JK, Drake PMW, & Christou P. Genetic modification: The production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins in plants. Nat Rev Genet 4, 794-805 (2003).

12. Stein H., et al. Production of bioactive post-translationally modified, heterotrimeric, human recombinant Type I collagen in transgenic tobacco. Biomacromol 10, 2640-5 (2009).

URL: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2010/Sep/Large-scale-Molecular-Farming-Transgenic-Tobacco.pdf Author Address: 1 CollPlant Ltd,3 Sapir St., Weizmann Science Park, P.O.B 4132, Ness-Ziona 74140, Israel 2 The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Science and Genetics and the Minerva Otto Warburg Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environment - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shrestha Hari K, Hwu Kae-Kang, Chang Men-Chi, Year: 2010 Title: * Advances in detection of genetically engineered crops by multiplex polymerase chain reaction methods.

Journal: Trends in Food Science & Technology 21, 9, 442-454.

Date: 2010/9// Label: Detection Abstract: In the past, several multiplex PCR (mPCR) methods have been developed and validated for precise and accurate monitoring, tracing and regulation of genetically Engineered (GE) food, feed and seed. However, a complete and updated review of mPCR is still lacking. Recently, mPCR methods have been coupled with different qualitative and/or quantitative methods, such as real-time PCR, micro-array, multiplex ligase chain reaction, biosensors, and microfluidic device to raise the detection limit of accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility. In this paper, we provide thorough information and discussion of mPCR methods including their development, application and challenges for GE crops analysis.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VHY-50F3PH11/2/775d5da94a4b7ce67646871d12c865a2 Author Address: Department of Agronomy, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan, RO China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Shukurov R, Voblikova V, Nikonorova A, Egorov Ts, Grishin E, Babakov A, Year: 2010 Title: * Increase of resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to phytopathogenic fungi expressing hevein-like peptides from weed plant Stellaria media.

Secondary Title: Russian Agricultural Sciences 36, 4, 265-267.

Publisher: Allerton Press, Inc. distributed exclusively by Springer Science+Business Media LLC Date: 2010-08-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1068-3674 Label: FuRe Efficacite Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - chickweed - hevein-like peptide - Arabidopsis thaliana mouse-ear cress - resistance to phytopathogenic fungi Abstract: Abstract It is shown that constitutive hyperexpression of new hevein-like peptides from the weed plant chickweed (Stellaria media)in mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants leads to a substantial increase of their resistance to phytopathogenic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Thus, common chickweed

peptides can play a definite role in protecting this weed plant and be useful as a new genetic tool for producing plants resistant to fungal diseases.

Notes: Original Russian Text © R.R. Shukurov, V.D. Voblikova, A.K. Nikonorova, Ts.A. Egorov, E.V. Grishin, A.V. Babakov, 2010, published in Doklady Rossiiskoi Akademii Sel‘skokhozyaistvennykh Nauk, 2010, No. 4, pp. 24–26.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3103/S1068367410040117 Author Address: Russia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Singer Stacy, Cox Kerik, Liu Zongrang, Year: 2010 Title: * Both the constitutive Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S and tissue-specific AGAMOUS enhancers activate transcription autonomously in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Secondary Title: Plant Molecular Biology 74, 3, 293-305.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-4412 Label: Bioengineering Expression ImpactBiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences Abstract: The expression of eukaryotic genes from their cognate promoters is often regulated by the action of transcriptional enhancer elements that function in an orientation-independent manner either locally or at a distance within a genome. This interactive nature often provokes unexpected interference within transgenes in plants, as reflected by misexpression of the introduced gene and undesired phenotypes in transgenic lines. To gain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying enhancer/promoter interactions in a plant system, we analyzed the activation of a glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene by enhancers contained within the AGAMOUS second intron (AGI) and the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, respectively, in the presence and absence of a target promoter. Our results indicate that both the AGI and 35S enhancers, which differ significantly in their species of origin and in the pattern of expression that they induce, have the capacity to activate the expression of a nearby gene through the promoter-independent initiation of autonomous transcriptional events. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the 35S enhancer utilizes a mechanism resembling animal- and yeast-derived scanning or facilitated tracking models of long-distance enhancer action in its activation of a remote target promoter.

Notes: 61 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11103-010-9673-9 Author Address: (1) USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 2217 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA (2) Present address: Department of Plant Pathology, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY 14456, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Singh Natwar, Mishra Avinash, Joshi Mukul, Jha Bhavanath, Year: 2010 Title: * Microprojectile bombardment mediated genetic transformation of embryo axes and plant regeneration in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.).

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103, 1, 1-6.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Biolistic - Cumin - Regeneration - Southern - Transformation Transgenic Abstract: Pre-cultured cumin embryos were bombarded under 27 inches Hg vacuum, 25 mm distance from rupture disc to macrocarrier, 10 mm macrocarrier flight distance using 1100 psi rupture disc and 9Â cm microprojectile travel distance. An average of 110 embryos was used per shot and 91% embryos showed

transient GUS expression after 24 h. Shoot tips and roots of T0 plantlets exhibited GUS expression done after 3 months of bombardment. Transformation was confirmed with PCR amplification of 0.96 and 1.3 kb band of hptII and gus genes respectively from T0 transgenics and southern blot analysis using PCR amplified DIG labeled hptII gene as probe. It is the first successful attempt of transformation of cumin plant through direct gene transfer using particle gene gun and adequately exhibiting the possibility of stable transformation in cumin.

Notes: Ref 17 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9746-0 Author Address: Discipline of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Skevas Theodoros, Pedro Fevereiro, Justus Wesseler, Year: 2010 Title: * Coexistence regulations and agriculture production: A case study of five Bt maize producers in Portugal Journal: Ecological Economics Volume 69, Issue 12, 15 October 2010, Pages 2402-2408 doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2010.07.007 Label: InRe Dispersion Reglement Socioeconomic Keywords: GM maize; Coexistence; Ex-ante costs; Ex-post liability costs; Cooperative; Portugal Abstract: In 1998, Genetically Modified (GM) maize entered European Agriculture. After the publication of the European Commission's guidelines on coexistence in 2003, Portugal developed ex-ante regulatory and expost tort liability rules on the coexistence of GM and non-GM maize crops. There is an on-going debate on the extent to which the coexistence policies affect adoption. In this study we measure the costs and benefits of planting GM maize as a member of a cooperative. All group members achieved a higher gross margin by planting GM maize rather than non-GM maize on their farms. Group members did not face any ex-post liability costs and had zero ex-ante regulatory costs as they could easily internalize the ex-ante coexistence regulations.

The results show that coexistence regulations such as informing neighbors or keeping minimum distances do not necessarily lead to increased production costs provided they are flexible enough.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VDY-50PR7FV1&_user=4296857&_coverDate=10%2F15%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_s ort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000012518&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=4296857&md5=80c c20c53820aca4c1789061a554ed97&searchtype=a http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6VDY-50PR7FV-11&_cdi=5995&_user=4296857&_pii=S0921800910002739&_origin=search&_coverDate=10%2F15%2F2010 &_sk=999309987&view=c&wchp=dGLzVtzzSkzV&md5=d811ea689ee617d7465d89c40bb4cd6c&ie=/sdarticle.pdf Author Address: a Wageningen University, Environmental Economics & Natural Resources Group, Hoollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands b ITQB, Instituto de Technologia Quimica e Biologica, Plant Cell Biotechnology Lab (BCV Group) Apartado 127, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal c FCUL, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Snow A, Campbell L, Culley T, Ridley C, Year: 2008 Title: 造 Long-term fi eld studies of the evolution of crop-weed hybrids in radish: implications for invasiveness.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Dispersion

Abstract: Many cultivated plants hybridize naturally with wild and weedy relatives, but little is known about the evolutionary effects of this process on recipient populations. To examine the dynamics of introgression in a natural setting, we monitored crop-specifi c genetic markers in replicated fi eld populations of weedy Raphanus raphanistrum in Michigan, USA, for ten years. Four isolated, nontransgenic, hybrid populations were established in 1996 using a 1:1 ratio of R. raphanistrum and F1 crop-wild hybrids (R. raphanistrum x R. sativus). The sites were tilled and fertilized annually to mimic agricultural fi elds, and plants were exposed to local biotic and abiotic selective pressures. Initially, F1 hybrids had reduced fi tness relative to wild genotypes, but the populations quickly regained wild-type pollen fertility, presumably by losing a crop-specifi c reciprocal translocation. Recombination and natural selection allowed the populations to absorb two crop-specifi c allozyme markers at relatively high frequencies in all populations, even exceeding their initial frequency of 0.25 in a few cases. Frequencies of a crop-specifi c white petal color allele were much lower, but this allele also persisted in all populations. Overall, frequencies of the three crop-specifi c alleles varied considerably among locations, years, and loci. In the tenth year, plants from each hybrid population were grown in a common garden experiment along with wild genotypes. The lifetime fecundity of these advanced-generation hybrids was similar to that of the wild genotypes. This long-term study provides a unique example of how easily certain crop alleles can become established in weed populations while others remain rare or disappear. In a second study, we tested the hypothesis that crop-wild hybridization can allow weeds to be more successful. A third study was carried out simultaneously to determine whether cultivated radish could generate feral populations.

We established replicated populations of wild, hybrid, and â&#x20AC;&#x2022;volunteerâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; cultivated radishes in Michigan and let them evolve for three growing seasons, starting in 2002. Three of the fi ve volunteer populations died out. The two remaining populations became contaminated with wild genes and evolved traits that were similar to cropwild hybrids (Campbell and Snow, in prep.). Although we did not fi nd evidence for ferality in the absence of hybridization with R. raphanistrum, further studies involving more populations and locations might detect ferality. Results from the wild and hybrid populations were reported in Campbell et al. (2006) and are summarized briefl y here. The initial frequency of crop alleles in these hybrid populations was 0.50 (twice the level in our introgression study above) because all plants were F1 hybrids. Frequencies of white-fl owered plants declined slightly, unlike our previous study, and then remained relatively constant. We suspect that the sharp drop in white fl owered plants in our earlier study was due to the fact that many hybrid plants fl owered very late or not at all, and the white petal allele is linked to delayed reproduction (Campbell, 2007). In 2005, advanced-generation seedlings were grown in common garden experiments in Michigan and California.

Hybrid-derived plants had slightly lower fecundity than wild plants in Michigan, but exhibited ~270% greater lifetime fecundity and ~22% greater survival than wild plants in California. These results support that hypothesis that crop-wild hybridization may create genotypes with the potential to displace parental taxa in new environments, which is consistent with other studies of hybrid-derived wild radish populations in California (C. E. Ridley et al., in prep.). In summary, our fi eld studies of evolving crop-wild hybrids show that conventional crop alleles can increase the fi tness of their wild relatives in some cases. Further research is needed to confi rm the common assumption that enhanced fi tness results in greater invasiveness.

References Campbell, L. G. 2007. Rapid evolution in a crop-weed complex (Raphanus spp.). Doctoral dissertation. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Campbell L. G., and A. A. Snow. 2007. Competition alters life-history traits and increases the relative fecundity of crop-wild hybrids (Raphanus spp.). New Phytologist 173:648-660.

Campbell, L. G., A. A. Snow, and C. E. Ridley. 2006. Weed evolution after crop gene introgression: greater survival and fecundity of hybrids in a new environment. Ecology Letters 9:1198-1209.

Snow, A. A., and L. G. Campbell. 2005. Can feral radishes become weeds? Pp. 193-208 In: J. Gressel (Ed.).

Crop ferality and volunteerism. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, Boca Raton, FL. ISBN 0-84932895-0.

Snow, A. A., K. L. Uthus, and T. M. Culley. 2001. Fitness of hybrids between cultivated radish and weedy Raphanus raphanistrum: implications for rapid evolution in weeds. Ecological Applications 11:934-943.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 Ohio State University, USA, 2 Rice University, USA, 3 University of Cincinnati, USA, 4 University of California, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Son Ora, Hur Yoon-Sun, Kim Yun-Kyung, Lee Hyun-Jung, Kim Sunghan, Kim Mi-Ran, Nam Kyoung Hee, Lee Myung-Sok, Kim Bu-Yong, Park Jongbum, Park Jungan, Lee Suk-Chan, Hanada Atsushi, Yamaguchi Shinjiro, Lee In-Jung, Kim Seoung-Ki, Yun Dae-Jin, Sรถderman Eva, Cheon Choong-Ill, Year: 2010 Title: * ATHB12, an ABA-Inducible Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper (HD-Zip) Protein of Arabidopsis, Negatively Regulates the Growth of the Inflorescence Stem by Decreasing the Expression of a Gibberellin 20Oxidase Gene.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1537-1547.

Date: September 1, 2010 Keywords: Physiol Abstract: Arabidopsis thaliana homeobox 12 (ATHB12) is rapidly induced by ABA and water stress. A TDNA insertion mutant of ATHB12 with a reduced level of ATHB12 expression in stems had longer inflorescence stems and reduced sensitivity to ABA during germination. A high level of transcripts of gibberellin 20-oxidase 1 (GA20ox1), a key enzyme in the synthesis of gibberellins, was detected in athb12 stems, while transgenic lines overexpressing ATHB12 (A12OX) had a reduced level of GA20ox1 in stems.

Consistent with these data, ABA treatment of wild-type plants resulted in decreased GA20ox1 expression whereas ABA treatment of the athb12 mutant gave rise to slightly decreased GA20ox1 expression. Retarded stem growth in 3-week-old A12OX plants was rescued by exogenous GA9, but not by GA12, and less GA9 was detected in A12OX stems than in wild-type stems. These data imply that ATHB12 decreases GA20ox1 expression in stems. On the other hand, the stems of A12OX plants grew rapidly after the first 3 weeks, so that they were almost as high as wild-type plants at about 5 weeks after germination. We also found changes in the stems of transgenic plants overexpressing ATHB12, such as alterations of expression GA20ox and GA3ox genes, and of GA4 levels, which appear to result from feedback regulation. Repression of GA20ox1 by ATHB12 was confirmed by transfection of leaf protoplasts. ABA-treated protoplasts also showed increased ATHB12 expression and reduced GA20ox1 expression. These findings all suggest that ATHB12 negatively regulates the expression of a GA 20-oxidase gene in inflorescence stems.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1537.abstract Author Address: 1Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Korea 2Department of Statistics, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Korea 3Department of Life Science, Silla University, Busan 617-736, Korea 4Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-736, Korea 5RIKEN Plant Science Center, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045 Japan 6Division of Plant Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea 7Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea 8Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Program) and Environmental Biotechnology National Core Research Center, Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea 9Department of Uppsala School of Engineering, University of Uppsala, Box 536, SE-75121, Uppsala, Sweden XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Song Won-Yong, Choi Kwan Sam, Kim Do Young, Geisler Markus, Park Jiyoung, Vincenzetti Vincent, Schellenberg Maja, Kim Sun Ha, Lim Yong Pyo, Noh Eun Woon, Lee Youngsook, Martinoia Enrico, Year: 2010 Title: * Arabidopsis PCR2 Is a Zinc Exporter Involved in Both Zinc Extrusion and Long-Distance Zinc Transport.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2237-2252.

Date: July 1, 2010 Abstract: Plants strictly regulate the uptake and distribution of Zn, which is essential for plant growth and development. Here, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana PCR2 is essential for Zn redistribution and Zn detoxification. The pcr2 loss-of-function mutant was compromised in growth, both in Zn-excessive and deficient conditions. The roots of pcr2 accumulated more Zn than did control plants, whereas the roots of plants overexpressing PCR2 contained less Zn, indicating that PCR2 removes Zn from the roots. Consistent with a role for PCR2 as a Zn-efflux transporter, PCR2 reduced the intracellular concentration of Zn when expressed in yeast cells. PCR2 is located mainly in epidermal cells and in the xylem of young roots, while it is expressed in epidermal cells in fully developed roots. Zn accumulated in the epidermis of the roots of pcr2 grown under Zn-

limiting conditions, whereas it was found in the stele of wild-type roots. The transport pathway mediated by PCR2 does not seem to overlap with that mediated by the described Zn translocators (HMA2 and HMA4) since the growth of pcr2 hma4 double and pcr2 hma2 hma4 triple loss-of-function mutants was more severely inhibited than the individual single knockout mutants, both under conditions of excess or deficient Zn. We propose that PCR2 functions as a Zn transporter essential for maintaining an optimal Zn level in Arabidopsis.

Notes: This work shows that PCR2 is a membrane protein implicated in two processes, namely, the detoxification of zinc in the presence of high concentrations of zinc and the transfer of zinc from the root to the shoot. This dual role is likely made possible by PCR2‘s expression pattern that differs in different parts of the root.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2237 Author Address: a Institut für Pflanzenbiologie, Universität Zürich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland b POSTECH-UZH Cooperative Laboratory, Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea c Division of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea d Department of Horticulture, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Korea e Korea Forest Research Institute, Suwon 441-350, Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Song Yu; Chen, Ligang; Zhang, Liping; Yu, Diqiu Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of OsWRKY72 gene interferes in the abscisic acid signal and auxin transport pathway of Arabidopsis.

Secondary Title: Journal of Biosciences 35, 3, 459-471.

Publisher: Springer India, in co-publication with Indian Academy of Sciences Date: 2010-09-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0250-5991 Accession Number: DO - 10.1007/s12038-010-0051-1 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Abscisic acid signal - Arabidopsis - auxin transport pathway OsWRKY72 gene Abstract: Through activating specific transcriptional programmes, plants can launch resistance mechanisms to stressful environments and acquire a new equilibrium between development and defence. To screen the rice WRKY transcription factor which functions in abiotic stress tolerance and modulates the abscisic acid (ABA) response, we generated a whole array of 35S-OsWRKY transgenic Arabidopsis. In this study, we report that 35S-OsWRKY72 transgenic Arabidopsis, whose seed germination was retarded under normal conditions, emerged more sensitive to mannitol, NaCl, ABA stresses and sugar starvation than vector plants. Meanwhile, 35S-OsWRKY72 transgenic Arabidopsis displayed early flowering, reduced apical dominance, lost high temperature-induced hypocotyl elongation response, and enhanced gravitropism response, which were similar to the auxin-related gene mutants aux1, axr1 and bud1. Further, semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression patterns of three auxin-related genes AUX1, AXR1 and BUD1 were significantly altered in rosette leaves and inflorescences of 35S-OsWRKY72 plants compared with control Arabidopsis, and two ABA-related genes ABA2 and ABI4 were induced in 35S-OsWRKY72 seedlings. In addition, northern blot analysis indicated that, in rice, OsWRKY72 was inducible by polyethylene glycol (PEG), NaCl, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), ABA and 42°C, similar to its orthologue AtWRKY75 in Arabidopsis, implying that these two WRKY genes might be required for multiple physiological processes in their plants. Together, these results suggest that OsWRKY72 interferes in the signal cross-talk between the ABA signal and auxin transport pathway in transgenic Arabidopsis.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12038-010-0051-1 Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Song Zhongbang, Orita Izumi, Yin Fei, Yurimoto Hiroya, Kato Nobuo, Sakai Yasuyoshi, Izui Katsura, Li Kunzhi, Chen Limei,

Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of an HPS/PHI fusion enzyme from Mycobacterium gastri in chloroplasts of geranium enhances its ability to assimilate and phytoremediate formaldehyde.

Secondary Title: Biotechnology Letters 32, 10, 1541-1548.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0141-5492 Label: Physiol ReEn Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Formaldehyde assimilation pathway - Geranium - Photosynthesis Phytoremediation - Transgenic plant Abstract: 3-Hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (HPS) and 6-phosphate-3-hexuloisomerase (PHI) are two key enzymes in the formaldehyde (HCHO) assimilation pathway in methylotrophs. The HPS/PHI fusion protein, encoded by the chimeric gene of hps and phi from Mycobacterium gastri MB19, possesses both HPS and PHI activities in an Escherichia coli transformant. Overexpression of the fusion protein in chloroplasts of geranium (Pelargonium sp. Frensham) created a photosynthetic HCHO assimilation pathway according to 13C-NMR analysis. The transgenic plants exhibited an enhanced ability in HCHO-uptake and [14C]HCHO-assimilation.

Moreover, the transgenic plants showed greater HCHO-resistance and stronger capacity in purification of the HCHO-polluted air. Therefore, the use of the single chimeric gene may not only greatly simplify the transformation procedure but also improve the efficiency of phytoremediating HCHO in ornamental plants.

Notes: 20 Ref URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10529-010-0324-7 Author Address: (1) Biotechnology Research Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Bailong Campus, Bailongsi, Bailong Road, Kunming, 650224, China (2) Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan (3) School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kinokawa Wakayama, 649-6493, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Spielman David J, Frank Hartwich, Klaus von Grebmer, Year: 2010 Title: * Agricultural Research, Public-private Partnerships, and Risk Management: Evidence from the International Agricultural Research System.

Journal: The Asian Biotechnology and Development Review Vol. 12 No. 1 March 2010 ISSN: 0972-7566 Label: EvaluationRisque Keywords: Public-private partnership, agricultural research and development, innovation incentives, risk management, biotechnology Abstract: This article examines how public-private partnerships (PPPs) address the risks associated with agricultural research-particularly those associated with biotechnology research-conducted for the benefit of small-scale farmers in developing countries. The article specifically examines how PPPs manage and mitigate risks arising from market, institutional and systemic weaknesses that often hinder pro-poor innovation in developing-country agriculture. Data are drawn from a survey of 75 projects undertaken by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and its private sector partners. Findings indicate that while PPPs are improving how the international system manages its research agenda, they are fraught with risks for both public and private sector partners. Precautionary, legal, and financial strategies to manage risk are needed, as are effective communications strategies, platform-building strategies, and foresight into worst-case scenarios. However, evidence suggests that such strategies are not commonly used or available to the international research community and its partners, especially in the field of biotechnology research.

URL: http://www.ris.org.in/article2_v12n1.html Author Address: International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethopia.

International Food Policy Research Institute, San JosĂŠ, Costa Rica.

International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C., USA. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author: Steppuhn Anke, Gaquerel Emmanuel, Baldwin Ian, Year: 2010 Title: * The two alpha-dox genes of Nicotiana attenuata: overlapping but distinct functions in development and stress responses.

Journal: BMC Plant Biology 10, 1, 171.

Accession Number: doi:10.1186/1471-2229-10-171 Label: ReEn Physiol Abstract: BACKGROUND:Plant fatty acid alpha-dioxygenases (alpha-DOX) are oxylipin-forming enzymes induced by biotic and abiotic stresses, which also participate in developmental processes. In Nicotiana attenuata, herbivory strongly induces the expression of an alpha-dox1 gene. To determine its role, we silenced its expression using Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation with an inverted repeat construct. More than half of the transformed lines showed a severe dwarf growth phenotype that was very similar to the phenotype of tomato plants mutated at a second alpha-dox isoform. This led us to identify the corresponding alpha-dox2 gene in N. attenuata and examine the regulation of both alpha-dox genes as well as the consequences of their silencing in plant development and anti-herbivore defense.RESULTS:The transformed lines exhibiting a dwarf growth phenotype are co-silenced for both alpha-dox genes resulting in a nearly complete suppression of alphaDOX activity, which is associated with increases in ABA, JA and anthocyanin levels, all metabolic signatures of oxidative stress. The other lines, only silenced for alpha-dox1, developed similarly to wild-type plants, exhibited a 40% reduction of alpha-DOX activity resulting in a 50% reduction of its main product in planta (2HOT) and showed no signs of oxidative stress. In contrast to alpha-dox1, the expression of alpha-dox2 gene is not induced by wounding or elicitors in the oral secretions of Manduca sexta. Instead, alpha-dox2 is expressed in roots and flowers which lack alpha-dox1 expression, but both genes are equally regulated during leaf maturation. We transiently silenced alpha-dox gene copies with gene-specific constructs using virus induced gene silencing and determined the consequences for plant development and phytohormone and 2-HOT levels.

While individual silencing of alpha-dox1 or alpha-dox2 had no effects on plant growth, the co-suppression of both alpha-dox genes decreased plant growth. Plants transiently silenced for both alpha-dox genes had increased constitutive levels of JA and ABA but silencing alpha-dox1 alone resulted in lower M. sexta-induced levels of JA, 2-HOT and ABA.CONCLUSIONS:Thus, both alpha-dox isoforms function in the development of N. attenuata. In leaf maturation, the two alpha-dox genes have overlapping functions, but only alpha-dox2 is involved in root and flower development and only alpha-dox1 functions in anti-herbivore defense.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/171 Author Address: 1 Department of Molecular Ecology, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, HansKnöll-Str. 8, Jena 07745, Germany 2 Molecular Ecology Department/Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Institute for Biology/Free University of Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, Berlin 12163, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Stotzky G Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Current genetically modifi ed plants appear to have no signifi cant impact on the soil environment – will this be true for future transgenic plants?

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: InRe Devenir ImpactBiol Abstract: The effects of the larvicidal Cry proteins from various subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on microbial populations and processes in soil were studied. Studies were conducted in soil microcosms and in soil in situ with defi ned clay minerals and humic acids, pure cultures of microbes, purifi ed Cry proteins, and root exudates and biomass of Bt plants. Persistence in soil was demonstrated immunologically (e.g., ELISA, Western blots, fl ow cytometry) and by larvicidal assays. Interactions of Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt toxins) with surface-active soil particles: Effects on persistence and larvicidal activity in soil.

• Toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subspp. kurstaki (Btk; antilepidopteran), morrisoni (strain tenebrionis) (Btt; anticoleopteran), and israelensis (Bti; antidipteran) bound rapidly and tightly on clays (montmorillonite and kaolinite), humic acids, and complexes of clayhumic acid-Al hydroxypolymers; binding was pH dependent

and greatest near the isoelectric point of the proteins. The bound toxins retained their structure, antigenicity, and larvicidal activity.

• Intercalation of clays by the toxins was minimal; toxins probably too large (~66 kDa).

• Biodegradation of the toxins was reduced when bound; microbial utilization of the toxins as a source of carbon was reduced significantly more than use as a source of nitrogen.

• Larvicidal activity of the toxin from Btk was detected 234 days after addition to nonsterile soils (longest time studied).

• Persistence of larvicidal activity was greater in acidic soils, probably because microbial activity was lower than in less acid soils; persistence was reduced when the pH of acidic soils was raised to ca. 7.0 with CaCO3.

• Persistence was similar under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and when soil was alternately wetted and dried or frozen and thawed, which indicated tight binding.

• Toxins from Btk, Btt, and Bti had no microbiostatic or microbicidal effect against a spectrum of bacteria (gram-positive and gramnegative), fungi (fi lamentous and yeast), and algae in pure and mixed cultures. Fate and effects in soil in microcosms and in the fi eld of Bt toxins expressed in transgenic plants.

• Cry1Ab protein was released in root exudates of Bt corn (13 hybrids representing 3 transformation events) and accumulated in nonsterile rhizosphere soil; more in soil amended (3 to 12%) with montmorillonite than with kaolinite.

• Cry1Ab protein was also released in root exudates of Bt rice, Cry3A protein was released in root exudates of Bt potato, and Cry3Bb1 protein was released in root exudates of Bt corn. Cry1Ac protein was not released in root exudates of Bt canola, Bt cotton, and Bt tobacco.

• Cry1Ab protein, purifi ed, in root exudates, and from biomass of Bt corn, was not taken up from soil or hydroponic culture by carrot, radish, turnip, and non-Bt corn, even though the toxin released in root exudates persisted in soil for at least 180 days and that from biomass for at least 3 years (the longest times studied).

• Vertical movement of Cry1Ab protein was slight through soil leached with water; less in soils amended with montmorillonite than with kaolinite and decreased as the concentration of added clays increased.

• Biodegradation of biomass of transgenic Bt corn, measured by CO2 evolution, was signifi cantly lower in soil and in vitro (biomass inoculated with a soil suspension) than that of near-isogenic non-Bt corn, which appeared to have been the result of a signifi cantly higher lignin content in Bt corn.

• There were no consistent statistically signifi cant differences in numbers of culturable bacteria and fungi and in activity of representative enzymes between soil amended with Bt or non-Bt corn or not amended.

• Biodegradation of biomass of Bt canola, Bt cotton, Bt potato, Bt rice, and Bt tobacco was also signifi cantly lower than that of biomass of respective near-isogenic non-Bt plants, but the lignin content of these plants, which was considerably lower than that of corn, both Bt and non-Bt, was not signifi cantly different between Bt and non-Bt biomass, although it was consistently higher in Bt biomass.

• Cry1Ab protein released in root exudates or from biomass of Bt corn had no consistent statistically signifi cant effect on numbers of earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi, nor on activity of representative enzymes involved in biodegradation of plant biomass, in soil microcosms.

• results were observed in a 4-year fi eld study with Bt corn expressing the Cry1Ab or Cry3Bb1 protein, which was degraded more rapidly and persisted for a much shorter time than the CryAb protein.

• Preliminary observations indicated that a 238-bp fragment of the cry1Ab9 gene of Btk was transferred in soil to Bacillus mycoides, probably with involvement of the inverted repeat sequence, IS231.

• Bt toxins persist, accumulate, and remain larvicidal in soil as the result of binding on clays and humic substances and, therefore, could enhance control of insect pests, enhance selection of toxin-resistant target species, and/or pose a hazard to nontarget organisms.

However, the results of these studies, as well as those of other investigators, have indicated that, in general, the Bt toxins have no signifi cant impact on the soil environment.

Molecular ―pharming‖ The same cannot be concluded for transgenic plants and animals that are engineered to produce pharmaceutical products for use primarily in human beings (e.g., vaccines, hormones, antibodies, blood substitutes, antigens, enzymes, toxins).

• These pharmaceutical products are seldom found in natural habits; hence, they are environmental ―xenobiotics‖.

• Their persistence in and effects on the environment have not been studied adequately; hence, potential hazards are not known.

• In contrast to Bt plants, the targets of these plant-produced biomolecules are human beings and other ―higher level‖ eukaryotes rather than insects, nematodes, and protozoa.

• Many of the products have therapeutic purposes, and some vaccines produced in plants are edible (oral immunotherapy), which may be important in delivery and in prevention of spoilage, especially where refrigeration is limited.

• Production of these pharmaceuticals in transgenic plants and animals is presumably more economical than production by classical chemical and microbiological methods.

• As with the Cry proteins in Bt plants, these biomolecules will probably be released to the environment in root exudates, pollen, and biomass after harvest and will probably persist and accumulate in the environment as the result of their binding on surface-active particles, which will reduce their biodegradation.

• Human serum albumin (HSA), but not Ð-glucuronidase (GUS), glycoprotein B (gB) from cytomegalovirus, and green fl uorescent protein (GFP), was released in root exudates of genetically modifi ed tobacco. HSA and GUS, but not gB and GFP, bound rapidly on clay minerals, and HSA intercalated montmorillonite but not kaolinite (a nonswelling clay). The bound proteins were not utilized for growth by the microbiota in soil, whereas the free proteins were readily utilized. The enzymatic activity of GUS was signifi cantly enhanced when bound on the clays.

• Persistence and potential effects of these biomolecules on organisms in recipient natural habitats (e.g., on microbial populations and processes in soil) must be established before the increased release of such transgenic plants and animals.

• At present, transgenic plants expressing about 1,000 pharmaceutical products are being considered for release to soil; some of these transgenic plants are already being grown on more than 300 undisclosed sites throughout the USA. • Studies of bioactive compounds released by transgenic plants and animals will also provide information about the persistence and potential environmental effects of pharmaceuticals that reach soil and waters from numerous other sources.

• A broad spectrum of drugs has already been detected in sewage sludge and effl uent, surface and ground water (even in tap water), and soils of feedlots and under landfi lls: e.g., aspirin; caffeine; nicotine; estradiol; anti-infl ammatory drugs, such as diclofenac; analgesics, such as phenazone; anticonvulsive drugs, such as carbamazepine and phenosuximide; cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as clofi bric acid; anticancer agents; psychiatric drugs, such as pentobarbital and meprobamate; antibiotics used in both animal production and human health; numerous compounds used in cosmetics.

• Although many of these compounds are released in minute amounts, they could accumulate and persist in the environment when bound on surface-active particles and could be transported through soil and water by ―colloid-facilitated transport‖. continued..

Results and Conclusions More information is needed about the fate and effects in natural habitats, especially in soil, of biomolecules produced by transgenic plants and animals, in order to address the following questions and issues: • Are the biomolecules released in root exudates, pollen, and biomass of transgenic plants?

• Do the biomolecules bind on soil (especially on surface-active components)?

• Infl uence of physicochemical and biological characteristics of soil on binding.

• Effect of binding on persistence (e.g., resistance to biodegradation) and bioactivity of the biomolecules.

• Effects of free and bound biomolecules on microbe-mediated processes and microbial community structure.

• Uptake of the biomolecules by plants and other organisms; potential effects on food webs.

• Movement of the biomolecules through soil and waters (e.g., free or by ―colloid-facilitated transport‖).

• Development of rapid and quantitative methods to follow environmental fate of the biomolecules.

• Physicochemical properties of complexes between the biomolecules and surface-active particles.

• Mechanisms involved in above phenomena.

The Cry proteins, although they persisted, accumulated, and remained larvicidal for long periods (e.g., 8 months to 3 years) in soil, as the result of their binding on clays and humic substances, they appeared to have no consistent signifi cant impact on the soil environment. Similar studies are needed for the potential effects of transgenic plants that have been genetically engineered to produce pharmaceutical compounds for use primarily in human beings.

References

Fiorito, T.M., et al (2008) Adsorption and binding of the transgenic plant proteins, human serum albumin, Ðglucuronidase, and Cry3Bb1, on montmorillonite and kaolinite: Applied Clay Science 39: 143-150.

Icoz, I. and Stotzky, G. (2008) Fate and effects of insect-resistant Bt crops in soil ecosystems. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40: 559-586.

Icoz, I., et al (2008) Microbial populations and enzyme activities in soil in situ under transgenic corn expressing Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. Journal of Environmental Quality 37: 647-662.

Sabharwal, N., et al (2007) Release of the recombinant proteins, human serum albumin, Ð-glucuronidase, glycoprotein B from human cytomegalovirus, and green fl uorescent protein, in root exudates from transgenic tobacco. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 45: 464-469.

Stotzky, G. (2004) Persistence and biological activity in soil of the insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, especially from transgenic plants. Plant and Soil 266: 77-89.

Stotzky, G. and Saxena, D. (2008) Is molecular ―pharming‖ a potential hazard to the environment?

Environmental Biodegradation Research Trends (in press).

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Dept of Biology, New York University, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Streatfield Stephen J, Jeffrey Bray, Robert T. Love, Michael E. Horn, Jeffrey R. Lane, Carol F. Drees, Erin M. Egelkrout and John A. Howard Year: 2010 Title: * Identification of maize embryo-preferred promoters suitable for high-level heterologous protein production.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 3 May/June 2010 Pages 162 - 172 DOI: 10.4161/gmcr.1.3.12816.

Label: Composition Expression Abstract: The production of heterologous proteins in plants at levels consistent with commercialization requires molecular tools to ensure high-level transgene expression. The identification of strong promoters, preferably specific to the target expression tissue, is a focus for improving foreign protein yields using transgenic cereals as a production system. Thus, there is a requirement for strong embryo preferred monocot promoters. We obtained the sequences of 500 randomly selected maize cDNA clones to determine gene expression profiles in embryo tissues at multiple stages during development. Promoters corresponding to the most abundant clones were identified and isolated. These promoters were fused to the b-glucuronidase reporter and their tissue specificity and developmental expression characteristics assessed in transgenic maize. All of the isolated promoters tested drove transgene expression predominantly in the embryo and were most active late in embryogenesis during storage protein deposition. One of the most active promoters assessed by transgene expression was associated with the globulin-1 protein. Sequence identified here extended approximately 1.6 kb distal to the previously identified extent of the globulin-1 promoter, and this additional sequence boosted expression over two-fold. The extended globulin-1 promoter sequence isolated in this study has the potential for driving transgene expression at higher levels than those previously reported for cereals. Also, the highly active embryo promoters identified here offer opportunities to express multiple foreign proteins simultaneously at high levels in embryo tissues, while avoiding concerns over gene silencing due to the repeated use of a single promoter.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/12816/ Author Address: Applied Biotechnology Institute, Building, California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo, CA USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Subramanian Arjunan, Qaim Matin Year: 2009 Title: ¤ Rural Poverty and Employment Effects of Bt Cotton in India.

Journal: Institution/Association: International Association of Agricultural Economists>2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China.

Label: InRe Socioeconomic

Keywords: biotechnology genetically modified crops poverty rural development village economy social accounting matrix impacts Abstract: The impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on the poor in developing countries is still the subject of controversy. While previous studies have examined direct productivity effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton and other GM crops, little is known about wider socioeconomic outcomes. We use a microeconomic modelling approach and comprehensive survey data from India to analyze welfare and distribution effects in a typical village economy. Bt cotton adoption increases aggregate employment with interesting gender implications. Likewise, aggregate household incomes rise, including for poor and vulnerable farmers, highlighting that Bt cotton contributes to poverty reduction and rural development.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/50555 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/50555/2/Subramanian_Qaim_IAAE2009.pdf Author Address: a University of Warwick, Coventry, UKingdom b Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sui X, He Z, Lu Y, Wang Z, Xia X, Year: 2010 Title: * Molecular mapping of a non-host resistance gene YrpstY1 in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for resistance to wheat stripe rust.

Journal: Hereditas: Article first published online: 10 SEP 2010.

Pages: no Alternate Journal: Hereditas Label: FuRe Bioengineering Abstract: Cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is considered as a non-host or inappropriate host species for wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Most barley cultivars show a broad-spectrum resistance to wheat stripe rust. To determine the genes for resistance to wheat stripe rust in barley, a cross was made between a resistant barley line Y12 and a susceptible line Y16. The two parents, F1 and 147 BC1 plants were tested at seedling stage with Chinese prevalent race CYR32 of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici by artificial inoculation in greenhouse. The results indicated that Y12 possessed one dominant resistance gene to wheat stripe rust, designated YrpstY1 provisionally. A total of 388 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to map the resistance gene in Y12 using bulked segregant analysis. A linkage map, including nine SSR loci on chromosome 7H and YrpstY1, was constructed using the BC1 population, indicating that the resistance gene YrpstY1 is located on chromosome 7H. It is potential to transfer the resistance gene into common wheat for stripe rust resistance.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5223.2010.02169.x Author Address: College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, PR China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sun Feng, Liu Peiqing, Xu Jue, Dong Hansong, Year: 2010 Title: * Mutation in RAP2.6L, a transactivator of the ERF transcription factor family, enhances Arabidopsis resistance to Pseudomonas syringae.

Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 74, 5-6, 295-302.

Date: 2010/9// Label: BaRe Keywords: RAP2.6L Transactivator Plant defense Abstract: Ethylene response factors (ERFs) constitute a transcription factor family that contains at least 65 members in Arabidopsis. However, only a few ERFs have been characterized that function in plant defense responses. In the present study, we determined if RAP2.6L, an ERF transcription factor, plays a role in Arabidopsis resistance to DC3000, a virulent strain of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato [(Okabe) Young, Dye & Wilkie]. Expression of the RAP2.6L gene was induced by DC3000 inoculation in wild-type Arabidopsis and in mutants exhibiting defects in basal defense pathways. The RAP2.6L protein localized to the nuclei of onion epidermal cells and functioned as a transcriptional activator in yeast. Genetic disruption of RAP2.6L substantially impacted Arabidopsis response to DC3000. Results showed inhibition of

bacterial multiplication, reduced severity of necrosis symptoms caused by the pathogen, and an increased defense response in the RAP2.6L-discrupted mutants compared to the wild-type plants. These changes accompanied DC3000-induced and RAP2.6L-dependent expression of several defense-related genes.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WPC-4YV82JW1/2/f0c7bc17cba17e76ff79afc4c0e15b3c Author Address: Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Pathogens and Pest Insects, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sun W, Duan M, F Li, D-F Shu, S Yang, Q-W Meng, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of tomato tAPX gene in tobacco improves tolerance to high or low temperature stress.

Secondary Title: Biologia Plantarum 54, 4, 614-620.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-12-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0006-3134 Label: ReEn Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Lycopersicum esculentum - malondialdehyde - Nicotiana tabacum - photosystem 2 - thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase - transgenic tobacco Abstract: In order to investigate the function of chloroplast ascorbate peroxidase under temperature stress, the thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase gene from tomato leaf (TtAPX) was introduced into tobacco.

Transformants were selected for their ability to grow on medium containing kanamycin. RNA gel blot analysis confirmed that TtAPX in tomato was induced by chilling or heat stress. Over-expression of TtAPX in tobacco improved seed germination under temperature stress. Two transgenic tobacco lines showed higher ascorbate peroxidase activity, accumulated less hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde than wild type plants under stress condition. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem 2 in the transgenic lines was distinctly higher than that of wild type plants under chilling and heat stresses. Results indicated that the over-expression of TtAPX enhanced tolerance to temperature stress in transgenic tobacco plants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10535-010-0111-2 Author Address: College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taiwan, 271018, P.R. China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Sun Zhao-Nan, Guo-Hua Yin, Yun-Zhi Song, Hai-Long An, Chang-Xiang Zhu and Fu-Jiang Wen, Year: 2010 Title: * Bacterially Expressed Double-Stranded RNAs against Hot-Spot Sequences of Tobacco Mosaic Virus or Potato Virus Y Genome Have Different Ability to Protect Tobacco from Viral Infection.

Secondary Title: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Volume 162, Number 7, 1901-1914, DOI: 10.1007/s12010-010-8968-2 Publisher: Humana Press Inc. Date: 2010-11-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0273-2289 Label: ViRe Expression Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Tobacco mosaic virus - Potato virus Y - RNA interference hpRNAs - Hot-spot sequences Abstract: Posttranscriptional gene silencing, also known as RNA interference, involves degradation of homologous mRNA sequences in organisms. In plants, posttranscriptional gene silencing is part of a defense mechanism against virus infection, and double-stranded RNA is the pivotal factor that induces gene silencing.

In this paper, we got seven hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) constructs against different hot-spot sequences of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or Potato virus Y (PVY) genome. After expression in Escherichia coli HT115, we extracted the seven hpRNAs for the test in tobacco against TMV or PVY infection. The data suggest that different hpRNAs against different hot-spot sequences of TMV or PVY genome had different ability to protect tobacco plants from viral infection. The resistance to TMV conferred by the hpRNA against the TMV movement protein was stronger than other TMV hpRNAs; the resistance to PVY conferred by the hpRNA

against the PVY nuclear inclusion b was better than that induced by any other PVY hpRNAs. Northern blotting of siRNA showed that the resistance was indeed an RNA-mediated virus resistance.

Notes: 43 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12010-010-8968-2 Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Suntornpithug Pasu, Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas Year: 2009 Title: * Understanding the Adoption of Cotton Biotechnologies in the US: Firm Level Evidence.

Journal: Agricultural Economics Review>Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2009 Keywords: Adoption Abstract: By most measures, adoption of first generation crop biotechnologies in the United States and elsewhere has been extremely fast. Yet, only modest research effort has been devoted to understanding why producers in different parts of the world have adopted these technologies at such rapid rates. In this paper, we analyze producer decisions on whether to adopt three separate cotton biotechnologies in the US and to what extent. We find that US cotton producers tend to choose bundles of conventional technologies, agrobiotechnologies and relevant agronomic practices out of many possible ones. Hence, their behavior is characterized by multiple simultaneous and interdependent adoption decisions. Furthermore, US cotton producers partially adopt one or more of the biotechnologies, probably, as a way of optimizing their use through ―learning by doing‖ thereby incorporating complex dynamic considerations in their decision process.

By most measures, adoption of first generation crop biotechnologies in the United States and elsewhere has been extremely fast. Yet, only modest research effort has been devoted to understanding why producers in different parts of the world have adopted these technologies at such rapid rates. In this paper, we analyze producer decisions on whether to adopt three separate cotton biotechnologies in the US and to what extent. We find that US cotton producers tend to choose bundles of conventional technologies, agrobiotechnologies and relevant agronomic practices out of many possible ones. Hence, their behavior is characterized by multiple simultaneous and interdependent adoption decisions. Furthermore, US cotton producers partially adopt one or more of the biotechnologies, probably, as a way of optimizing their use through ―learning by doing‖ thereby incorporating complex dynamic considerations in their decision process.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/58281 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/58281/2/10_1_5.pdf Author Address: Economics and Management of Agrobiotechnology Center, University of MissouriColumbia USA; Economics and Management of Agrobiotechnology Center, 200 Mumford Hall, University of MissouriColumbia, Columbia MO 65211; XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Takahashi Hideyuki, Kentaro Tamura, Junpei Takagi, Yasuko Koumoto, Ikuko Hara-Nishimura, Tomoo Shimada, Year: 2010 Title: * MAG4/Atp115 is a Golgi-Localized Tethering Factor that Mediates Efficient Anterograde Transport in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Plant Cell Physiol (2010) 51 (10): 1777-1787. doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcq137 - First published online: September 12, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Golgi complex Storage protein Tethering factor Vacuole Vesicle transport Abstract: Seed storage proteins are synthesized on rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a precursor form and then are transported to protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) where they are converted to their mature form. To understand the mechanisms by which storage proteins are transported, we screened Arabidopsis maigo mutants to identify those that abnormally accumulate storage protein precursors. Here we describe a new maigo mutant, maigo 4 (mag4), that abnormally accumulates the precursors of two major storage proteins, 12S globulin and 2S albumin, in dry seeds. Electron microscopy revealed that mag4 seed cells abnormally develop a large number of novel structures that exhibit a highly electron-dense core. Some of these structures were surrounded

by ribosomes. Immunogold analysis suggests that the electron-dense core is an aggregate of 2S albumin precursors and that 12S globulins are localized around the core. The MAG4 gene was identified as At3g27530, and the MAG4 protein has domains homologous to those found in bovine vesicular transport factor p115.

MAG4 molecules were concentrated at cis-Golgi stacks. Our findings suggest that MAG4 functions in the transport of storage protein precursors from the ER to the Golgi complex in plants. In addition, the mag4 mutant exhibits a dwarf phenotype, suggesting that MAG4 is involved in both the transport of storage proteins and in plant growth and development.

URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/10/1777.full?etoc Author Address: 1Department of Botany, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Takahashi Yuji, Takashi Soyano, Ken Kosetsu, Michiko Sasabe, Yasunori Machida, Year: 2010 Title: * HINKEL kinesin, ANP MAPKKKs and MKK6/ANQ MAPKK, which phosphorylates and activates MPK4 MAPK, constitute a pathway that is required for cytokinesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: Plant Cell Physiol (2010) 51 (10): 1766-1776. doi: 10.1093/pcp/pcq135 - First published online: August 27, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis Cytokinesis Kinesin-like protein MAP kinase cascade Phragmoplast Tobacco Abstract: Cytokinesis is regulated to ensure the precise partitioning of cytoplasm and duplicated chromosomes to daughter cells. The NACK-PQR pathway, which includes NACK1 kinesin-like protein (KLP) and a mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, plays a key role in cytokinesis in tobacco cells. Although HINKEL/AtNACK1 (HIK) KLP, ANP MAP kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) and MKK6/ ANQ MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK) have been identified independently as regulators of cytokinesis in Arabidopsis thaliana, the involvement of HIK, ANPs and MKK6/ANQ in a regulatory cascade remains to be demonstrated.

Here we provide details of the protein kinase pathway that controls cytokinesis in A. thaliana. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of six MAPKKs of A. thaliana that had been fused to green fluorescent protein revealed that only MKK6/ANQ protein was concentrated at the equatorial plane of the phragmoplast, at the site of localization of HIK. Expression of MKK6/ANQ in yeast cells replaced the growth-control function of the MAPKK encoded by yeast PBS2, provided that both ANP1 MAPKKK and HIK [or TETRASPORE/AtNACK2 (TES)] KLP were coexpressed, suggesting that ANP1 activates MKK6/ANQ in the presence of HIK (or TES).

Coexpression of HIK and ANP3 (another member of the ANP MAPKKK family) weakly activated MKK6/ANQ but that of TES and ANP3 did not. MKK6/ANQ phosphorylated MPK4 MAPK in vitro to activate the latter kinase. Thus cytokinesis in A. thaliana is controlled by a pathway that consists of ANP MAPKKKs that can be activated by HIK and MKK6/ANQ MAPKK, with MPK4 MAPK being a probable target of MKK6/ANQ. URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/10/1766.full?etoc Author Address: 1Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Chikusaku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Taneja Jyoti, Jaggi Monika, Wankhede Dhammaprakash, Sinha Alok, Year: 2010 Title: * Effect of loss of T-DNA genes on MIA biosynthetic pathway gene regulation and alkaloid accumulation in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell Reports 29, 10, 1119-1129.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0721-7714 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Agrobacterium rhizogenes - Catharanthus roseus - Hairy root culture - Monoterpenoid indole alkaloid pathway - Ri T-DNA genes

Abstract: Hairy roots are generated by integration of T-DNA in host plant genome from root inducing (Ri) plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and have been utilized for production of secondary metabolites in different plant systems. In Catharanthus roseus, hairy roots are known to show different morphologies, growth patterns, and alkaloid contents. It is also known that during transformation, there is a differential loss of a few T-DNA genes. To decipher the effect of loss of T-DNA genes on the various aspects of hairy roots, ten hairy root clones were analyzed for the presence or absence of T-DNA genes and its implications. It was found that the loss of a few ORFs drastically affects the growth and morphological patterns of hairy roots. The absence of TR-DNA from hairy roots revealed increased transcript accumulation and higher alkaloid concentrations, whereas callusing among hairy root lines led to decreased transcript and alkaloid accumulation. Significantly higher expression of MIA biosynthetic pathway genes and low abundance of regulator transcripts in hairy root clones in comparison with non-transformed control roots were also observed. This study indicates that it is not only the integration of T-DNA at certain region of host plant genome but also the presence or absence of important ORFs that affects the expression patterns of MIA biosynthetic pathway genes, regulators, and accumulation of specific alkaloids.

Notes: 58 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00299-010-0895-8 Author Address: (1) National Institute of Plant Genome Research, P. O. Box 10531, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110 067, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Tank Jennifer L, Rosi-Marshall Emma J, Royer Todd V, Whiles Matt R, Griffiths Natalie A, Frauendorf Therese C, Treering David J, Year: 2010 Title: * Occurrence of maize detritus and a transgenic insecticidal protein (Cry1Ab) within the stream network of an agricultural landscape.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published ahead of print September 27, 2010, doi:10.1073/pnas.1006925107 Accession Number: 10.1073/pnas.1006925107 Label: InRe Devenir ImpactBiol Abstract: Widespread planting of maize throughout the agricultural Midwest may result in detritus entering adjacent stream ecosystems, and 63% of the 2009 US maize crop was genetically modified to express insecticidal Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. Six months after harvest, we conducted a synoptic survey of 217 stream sites in Indiana to determine the extent of maize detritus and presence of Cry1Ab protein in the stream network. We found that 86% of stream sites contained maize leaves, cobs, husks, and/or stalks in the active stream channel. We also detected Cry1Ab protein in stream-channel maize at 13% of sites and in the water column at 23% of sites. We found that 82% of stream sites were adjacent to maize fields, and Geographical Information Systems analyses indicated that 100% of sites containing Cry1Ab-positive detritus in the active stream channel had maize planted within 500 m during the previous crop year. Maize detritus likely enters streams throughout the Corn Belt; using US Department of Agriculture land cover data, we estimate that 91% of the 256,446 km of streams/rivers in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana are located within 500 m of a maize field. Maize detritus is common in low-gradient stream channels in northwestern Indiana, and Cry1Ab proteins persist in maize leaves and can be measured in the water column even 6 mo after harvest. Hence, maize detritus, and associated Cry1Ab proteins, are widely distributed and persistent in the headwater streams of a Corn Belt landscape.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/22/1006925107.abstract Author Address: aDepartment of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556; bDepartment of Biology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL 60660; USA cSchool of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405; and dDepartment of Zoology and Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6501 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Tarutani Yoshiaki, Shiba Hiroshi, Iwano Megumi, Kakizaki Tomohiro, Suzuki Go, Watanabe Masao, Isogai Akira, Takayama Seiji, Year: 2010

Title: *Trans-acting small RNA determines dominance relationships in Brassica self-incompatibility.

Journal: Nature 466, 7309, 983-986.

Date: 2010/08/19/print Label: Physiol Keywords: Subject terms:Plant sciences Genetics Genomics Abstract: A diploid organism has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. The expression of two inherited alleles is sometimes biased by the effects known as dominant/recessive relationships, which determine the final phenotype of the organism. To explore the mechanisms underlying these relationships, we have examined the monoallelic expression of S-locus protein 11 genes (SP11), which encode the male determinants of self-incompatibility in Brassica. We previously reported that SP11 expression was monoallelic in some S heterozygotes, and that the promoter regions of recessive SP11 alleles were specifically methylated in the anther tapetum1, 2, 3. Here we show that this methylation is controlled by trans-acting small non-coding RNA (sRNA). We identified inverted genomic sequences that were similar to the recessive SP11 promoters in the flanking regions of dominant SP11 alleles. These sequences were specifically expressed in the anther tapetum and processed into 24-nucleotide sRNA, named SP11 methylation inducer (Smi). Introduction of the Smi genomic region into the recessive S homozygotes triggered the methylation of the promoter of recessive SP11 alleles and repressed their transcription. This is an example showing sRNA encoded in the flanking region of a dominant allele acts in trans to induce transcriptional silencing of the recessive allele. Our finding may provide new insights into the widespread monoallelic gene expression systems.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature09308 http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v466/n7309/abs/nature09308.html#supplementary-information Author Address: Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma 630-0192, Japan Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Japan Division of Natural Science, Osaka Kyoiku University, 4-698-1 Asahigaoka, Kashiwara, Osaka 582-8582, Japan Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Tebbe C, Moebus P, Miethling-Graff R, Baumgarte S, Martens R, Year: 2008 Title: ¤ Fate and microbiological interactions of Bt-toxins (Cry-proteins) in soil.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf.

Label: Devenir ImpactBiol InRe Abstract: Bt-toxins, i.e., Cry1Ab or Cry3Bb1, are among the most abundant recombinant proteins released into the environment by agricultural use of genetically engineered plants. Typically, the amounts of Bt-toxins detected during and after cultivation of Bt-toxin expressing plants, eg. maize, in fi eld soil are low. These low concentrations have been explained as an indication of their environmental instability and microbiological degradation. However, other experimental evidence has also demonstrated that the proteins may be adsorbed by the soil mineral or organic fraction. The importance of each of these potential sinks under fi eld conditions is still unclear and therefore it was suspected that continuous cultivation of Bt-toxin expressing crops may lead to an unintended accumulation of these proteins up to eco-toxicologically relevant concentrations.

Based on an improved extraction and purifi cation technique, Bt-toxins of the maize varieties MON810 and MON88017 were quantifi ed in our studies with the ELISA technique from soil, rhizospheres and post-harvest plant residues in context of experimental fi eld cultivations in Germany. Cry1Ab of MON810 was also quantified on ―real‖ agricultural fi elds in Eastern Germany on which this maize variety had been cultivated over several years. Concentrations of Cry1Ab during and immediately after cultivation were mostly in the range of 1 ng per g of soil while values of Cry3Bb1 were in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 ng g -1 (threshold of detection 0.01 ng g-1). Higher amounts, in the microgram per g range, were found in plant residues but these were degraded with the successive decay of the plant material during the following vegetation period. In general, soil persistence of Cry3Bb1 was lower than for Cry1Ab. However, even for the latter, accumulation of the Cry proteins in soil was never detected. Field concentrations of Cry1Ab correlated negatively with the water

holding capacity, soil organic matter and clay content, while pH values in the range between 4.6 and 6.4 had no signifi cant correlations. Thus, it can be suspected that ELISA detections of soil suspension extracted from fi elds with high organic carbon or a high proportion of clay will underestimate the actual amount of Cry1Ab present.

The structural diversity of the bacterial community inhabiting the maize rhizospheres was established by genetic profi ling of PCRamplified partial 16S rRNA genes using the single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique. Primers targeting different phylogenetic groups, e.g., the phylum Actinobacteria, the class Alphaproteobacteria, or the genus Pseudomonas, were included in addition to general primers potentially amplifying almost all bacterial 16SrRNA genes. Independent of the targeted phylogenetic group, the SSCPprofi les of the Bt-varieties were highly similar to other cultivars included in the analyses and differences between bacterial communities of genetically engineered and non engineered cultivars was never above differences seen between those nonengineered cultivars themselves. The lack of response of the rhizosphere bacteria to MON810 or MON88017 was not surprising as the amounts of Cry-proteins detected in maize rhizospheres from fi elds was always very low, thus being insuffi cient to act as a bacterial toxin or be utilized for considerable bacterial growth as a carbon source.

In order to further elucidate the fate of Cry1Ab, especially to differentiate between adsorption and degradation in soil, 14C-labelled molecules were synthesized with the help of a recombinant Escherichia coli strain. The specifi c radioactivity of the Cry1Ab synthesized was limited by the resistance of the bacterial strain to the betaradiation. We succeeded to synthesize two batches with 8.6 and 37.5 x 103 dpm per g of protein, respectively (purity > 90 %). Soil samples kept under laboratory condition were amended with concentrations of 14 and 58 g g-1, each corresponding to 10,000 dpm. This was above actual concentrations which would be expected in the fi eld, but, on the other hand, it was clearly below concentrations reported in the literature to study adsorption of Cry1Ab. The fate of 14C was differentiated by measurements of 14CO2, 14C incorporated into microbial biomass, the amount extractable with water or phosphate buffered saline (PBST), and from the nonextractable fractions, respectively. Both, degradation and adsorption processes could be detected and quantifi ed. Depending on the initial concentration and the soil properties (two soils differing in their clay content were compared) the importance of the different processes varied. Interestingly, radioactivity detected in the water or PBST extractable fraction was mainly caused by degradation products of the Cry-protein, as confi rmed by Western blotting and ELISA. Furthermore it was observed that the SSCP profi les of bacteria changed in response to the addition of Cry1Ab to soil. Probably these changes, which are currently identifi ed by DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes, were caused by bacteria utilizing Cry1Ab as a carbon and energy source for growth.

The results of our studies presented here should be helpful to develop models which will allow a prediction of Cry-protein concentrations found in soils in the context of the agricultural use of Bt-maize and possibly other Bt-modifi ed plants. None our data supports known hypotheses assuming a risk of such plants to microbiologically mediated soil functions.

URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: Institute for Biodiversity, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Tepfer M, Friscina A, Morroni M, Turturo C, Chiappetta L, Thompson J, Jacquemond M, Year: 2008 Title: 造 Evaluation of the risks that recombination in transgenic plants expressing a viral coat protein gene would lead to the emergence of novel viruses.

Journal: 10th ISBGMO - 10th International Symposium on the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms Biosafety research : Past Achievements and Future Challenge - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Cable St., Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 16 November - Friday 21 November 2008 http://www.isbr.info/sites/default/files/symposia/10th_symposium-2008.pdf Label: Transfert Abstract: The development of virus-resistant transgenic plants was one of the early success stories of plant biotechnology. In nearly all cases, resistance has been obtained by expression by the transgenic plant of part of the genome of the target virus, most often a gene coding for the viral coat protein. However, since the early 1990s, there has been concern that these plants could be the source of new viruses. This is because it is well known that viruses exchange genetic information by the means of recombination, and that recombination is an important element contributing to virus evolution and the emergence of viral diseases. But in addition,

recombination has also been described in virus-resistant transgenic plants, which in this case occurs between the mRNA of the viral transgene and the RNA of the genome of a virus related to the target virus. For this reason, our recent research has focused on the potential epidemiological impact of recombination in transgenic plants.

In order to respond to this long-standing concern, it can be restated as a formal, testable risk hypothesis as follows: recombination in transgenic plants expressing a viral coat protein gene will lead to the appearance of viruses with novel properties. The next step is to break the risk hypothesis down into a chain of events linked by cause and effect, in order to identify which step(s) in the chain can be best evaluated in order to test the risk hypothesis. This analysis of the risk hypothesis shows that the essential question is whether the population of recombinant viruses that appear in transgenic plants infected with a virus related to the virus that is the target of the resistance transgene are different from those appearing in non-transgenic plants that are infected simultaneously by the target virus and its relative.

We have developed an experimental approach making it possible to compare the populations the recombinants in these two situations: • transgenic plants expressing the coat protein and adjacent 3‘-noncoding region of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) when infected either with a very different CMV strain, or with a related viral species, Tomato aspermy virus (TAV), • non-transgenic plants infected either with both CMV strains, or with CMV and TAV. Recently, we have shown for the fi rst time that for this experimental system the populations of recombinant viruses in transgenic plants are equivalent to those that appear in non-transgenic plants (Turturo et al., 2008).

These results suggest that recombination in these transgenic plants is highly unlikely to lead to novel recombinant viruses, and thus are incompatible with the risk hypothesis. More recent unpublished results will also be presented, and the initial risk hypothesis will be evaluated in the light of all the available results.

Reference Turturo C, Friscina A, Gaubert S, Jacquemond M, Thompson JR, Tepfer M. (2008). Evaluation of the potential risks associated with recombination in transgenic plants expressing viral sequences. J. Gen. Virol. 89, 327-335 URL: http://www.isbgmo.info/assets_/isbgmo_symposium_handbook.pdf Author Address: 1 Plant Virology Group, ICGEB Biosafety Outstation, Italy.

2 Istituto di Patologia Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.

3 INRA, Station de Pathologie Végétale, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Terrile Maria, Fiol Diego, Casalongué Claudia, Year: 2010 Title: * Solanum tuberosum Aux/IAA family: new members and characterization of StIAA1 interacting proteins.

Secondary Title: Plant Growth Regulation 62, 2, 93-99.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-11-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6903 Label: Physiol Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Auxin response factor (ARF) protein - Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) protein - Auxin signaling pathway - Solanum tuberosum Abstract: Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) proteins are transcriptional repressors that regulate auxinmediated gene expression by interacting with members of the auxin response factor (ARF) family. We previously identified the first Solanum tuberosum Aux/IAA member, StIAA1, as a stress-responsive gene. In this report, we described that StIAA1 interacts with TIR1 auxin receptor suggesting a conserved participation in auxin signaling pathway. In addition, protein–protein interaction between StIAA1 and new members of S. tuberosum Aux/IAA (StIAA3 and StIAA4) and ARF (StARF1) families was demonstrated. Furthermore, thirteen other members of the S. tuberosum Aux/IAA family were identified by in silico analysis. This overall view of auxin signaling components in a Solanaceae contributes to enrich the understanding of this hormonal pathway in other plants phylogenetically distant from A. thaliana.

Notes: 31 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10725-010-9494-5

Author Address: (1) Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina (2) Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, CC 1245, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Thrall PH, Bever JD, Burdon JJ, Year: 2010 Title: * Evolutionary change in agriculture: the past, present and future.

Journal: Evolutionary Applications 3, 5-6, 405-408.

Label: InRe HeTo DiscussionPaper Review Abstract: Full text : In this special issue of Evolutionary Applications, we draw together a series of diverse studies that provide a sample of some of the ways in which evolution driven by both conscious and unconscious selection by humans has shaped the development of modern agriculture. Agriculture has been a crucible of evolutionary change ever since its inception thousands of years ago, and this change permeates agricultural endeavours at all levels of biological organisation, ranging from the individual gene through to whole communities. Agro-ecosystems thus provide one of the most cogent examples of situations where anthropogenic effects are major determinants of biotic interactions within and among species and communities, suggesting a central role for the application of evolutionary principles. This is particularly the case, given global concerns regarding food production and food security, and increasingly, the expectation that agricultural productivity gains must be achieved with greater efficiencies, and reduced environmental impact.

In the development of human society, the shift to a relatively settled way of life from a nomadic hunter-gatherer life-style was enormously profound, and made possible only by the development and adoption of early agricultural practices. In turn, this change in human life-style had major impacts on the environment of agriculture and hence the traits and characteristics of plants and animals that were favoured both consciously and unconsciously by humans. Very often traits suited to species growing without human protection/husbandry were not suitable for agriculture and were rapidly lost (e.g. seed shattering), while others were specifically favoured by the more protected environment agriculture provided, and increased in frequency (e.g. seed retention).

As agriculture developed, the environment of the field and paddock became increasingly differentiated from that of the natural environments in which plants and animals originally evolved. For plants, nutrient availability generally rose, plant density and genetic uniformity increased, and the balance in competition shifted from inter-specific considerations to intra-specific ones (particularly with the general reduction in species diversity).

Tilling and crop rotation were further agronomic practices that were introduced partly for fertility reasons but also for control of natural enemies, as rotation causes shifts in whole fungal pathogen communities. It is interesting to note that another generation of changes to tilling practices – minimum tillage – is to some extent now altering ecological and evolutionary interactions at the plant–soil interface towards a different set of fungal control issues. Similarly for animals, domestication created a more predictable environment with increased resource availability during harsh times and protection from predators, but increased threats from contagious diseases, all subtly influencing the evolutionary make-up of our livestock.

Over the last few thousand years, domestication, selection and hybridisation, both unconscious and conscious, has also led to significant changes in the appearance of plants and animals and their nutritional value. Examples are seen in virtually all plant and animal species that are farmed. In horticulture, this diversity is often highly prized in the form of different varieties that are preserved for subtle variations in flavour, texture or simply appearance (e.g. in potato, tomato, apple). In a similar way, extensive selection in farmyard fowls (chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys), and in pigs, sheep and cattle have given rise to very many distinctive breeds that differ in milk production, flesh texture and flavour, and obvious appearance, as well as in less obvious traits, such as patterns of social behaviour. Extensive agriculture has also seen similar major changes that have resulted in significant increases in yield and productivity. In plants, perhaps one of the most dramatic changes to have occurred within a species is found in the emergence of modern high-yielding hybrid maize from its close relative teosinte, and the subsequent application of a number of induced mutations and the introduction of an F1 hybrid system. Similarly dramatic changes have occurred in meat and fibre production and quality in selected beef and sheep varieties respectively.

In essence, throughout the history of agriculture, changes in agronomic and animal husbandry practices and in the crops and animals being farmed have had collateral effects that have changed the balance and intensity of different selective forces. This has been particularly apparent in plants where increasing nutrient status (particularly nitrogen) generally favours the growth and development of insect and fungal pests – the numbers of which are frequently then further exacerbated by increased plant density (this increases humidity and thus conditions for fungal spore germination; and reduces inoculum loss during transmission) and genetic uniformity of crops. As selection by humans shifted to a conscious understanding of genetics, the focus also increasingly centred on accumulating single major gene traits because these could be more readily manipulated. While human selection has been a major driving force in the types of changes outlined above, subject to the vagaries of fashion, it has often tended to be highly directional favouring more and more extreme manifestations of the traits in question. In the realm of biotic interactions involving pests and pathogens, these approaches have often precipitated the equivalent of an ‗arms race‘ between humans and these natural enemies of their crops.

Importantly, in contrast to many other evolutionary issues in agro-ecosystems, interactions between disease causing organisms and our crops and livestock are characterised by much more dynamic and unpredictable reciprocal evolutionary change. For example, during the 20th century, breeding for rust resistance in cereals through the deployment of single major genes for resistance, placed major selection pressure on relevant pathogen populations leading to the rapid emergence of new pathotypes with novel pathogenicity profiles capable of overcoming the recently deployed resistance. Indeed, this reciprocal process became so rapid and predictable that it became known as ‗man-guided evolution of the rusts‘ (Johnson 1961).

Clearly then, developments in our understanding of evolution and genetics have had unintended effects as well as having a huge impact on the process of conscious plant and animal improvement. In recent decades, technological advances, particularly in molecular biology, have further accelerated this process. Traditionally in the context of agricultural breeding, to understand relationships between domesticated species we look to the concept of the gene pool to understand the closeness of relationship between any two species and the potential for utilising and combining desirable traits. Those in the primary (landraces and immediate wild progenitors) and secondary (closely related species) gene pools, because of their sexual compatibility have been used for some time as sources of beneficial traits. However, until the dawn of the molecular revolution, access to valuable traits in the tertiary gene pool (more distantly related species) was exceptionally difficult while access to the quadranary gene pool (organisms from other kingdoms) was impossible.

As noted above, the process of domestication is one of the most obvious ways in which human-driven selection has driven evolution in agriculture. The article by Moyle and Muir (2010) provides a fascinating overview of research on tomato and its wild relatives, in particular highlighting how such studies can provide insight into the mechanisms underlying traits of functional importance (e.g. adaptation to water stress). These studies also exemplify the genetic trade-offs that constrain high yield to a narrow set of environments. O‘Neill et al. (2010) illustrates these trade-offs within a summary of the evolutionary history of Bos taurus cattle, as adaptation to stress-free temperate conditions generated breeds with little resistance to diseases common in tropical regions.

They advocate explicit consideration of genotype × environment × management interactions in future breeding efforts. Such approaches may be critical to future livestock systems which must increasingly meet the twin goals of economic and environmental sustainability. A similar story is told within the article by Van Tassel et al. (2010), which describes how man-guided adaptation of plants to crop field situations has favoured shorterlived species with unusually high allocations to sexual reproduction. Given the high environmental costs of this mode of production, these authors argue that there is a need and growing promise in the development of useful perennial plants for agriculture.

Traits that differentially affect group versus individual fitness have particular importance in agricultural production where domesticated plant and animal populations are generally grown at high densities. Aggressive behaviour in chickens and pigs, for example, can be individually advantageous, but result in reduced yield overall. Wade et al. (2010) present a theoretical framework for and evidence of successful efforts to use the principles of group selection to evolve less aggressive domesticated pigs and chickens with positive effects on farm yield. Similar conflicts between individual and group yield mediate production in cropping systems and two examples of these are presented by Denison et al. (2010) and Weiner et al. (2010) who focus on complementary aspects of competition for light in agricultural fields.

Focusing on maize as an example, Mercer and Perales (2010) explores the issue of crop genetic resources as maintained in landraces, the evolutionary potential for crop adaptation to changing climates, and some of the problems associated with ex situ conservation of crop genetic resources. Crop weeds have direct economic impacts on productivity, but are also of evolutionary interest in several contexts (e.g. herbicide resistance, shifts in weed life history, cross-species gene transfer), particularly given that they demonstrate many of the

ecological characteristics of crop species. A comparative analysis of weedy species that have evolved from domesticated plants suggests that useful insights can be gained with regard to traits that correlate with invasiveness (Ellstrand et al. 2010).

Despite the generally simpler communities represented by agro-ecosystems relative to natural plant and animal communities, strong interspecific interactions still constrain yield and influence man directed and unconscious evolution in agro-ecosystems. Principal among these interactions are the pathogens (Burdon and Thrall 2008), with the source of individual pathogen populations being a persistent question. Wang et al. (2010) integrate molecular, experimental and field studies to demonstrate that Fusarium wilt disease of cotton in Australia has most likely evolved locally from related fungal strains associated with native cotton hosts. The negative effect of pathogens and other natural enemies can be ameliorated through crop interactions with other symbionts, including endophytic fungi, though these fungi can themselves carry a yield penalty. Alternative frameworks for understanding conditions in which endophytic fungi improve yield are developed by Saunders et al. (2010) and Gundel et al. (2010). While Saunders and colleagues focus on determinants of endophyte dynamics such as order of colonisation, Gundel et al. (2010) examine patterns of plant breeding system and plant-endophyte compatibility. Plant yield is also determined by interactions with soil micro-organisms and while there is increasing recognition of the role of soil biota as drivers of ecosystem function and productivity, there is still relatively little knowledge of how agronomic management practices (e.g. crop rotation, tilling practices, fertiliser applications) might impact on soil communities. Verbruggen and Kiers (2010) address this by focussing on agronomic management practices that influence underlying evolutionary forces that determine the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in farming systems, and how management might be shifted to enhance the benefits provided by these mutualisms.

Over the past decade, research into, and the deployment of GM technologies has increased rapidly, particularly in the developing world. Concomitant decreases in the costs of developing and implementing such approaches, together with advances in our technical ability to insert or modify specific genes or gene pathways will further contribute to shifts towards the use of these approaches. GM technologies provide one of the few examples where evolutionary principles (pyramiding of genes, crop refuges) have been explicitly applied in a pre-emptive fashion to minimise risks (another is seen in the use of varietal mixtures for disease control in cereals). In this issue, we highlight this topic with two papers which focus on management strategies aimed at delaying the evolution of resistance to Bt toxins in transgenic crops such as maize and cotton. Carriere et al. (2010) provide an excellent overview of the success of these approaches over the past 15 years; they conclude that, while refuges have been generally successful, better understanding of source-sink dynamics and improved ability to manipulate resistance costs in pest species may be important avenues for future research. Downes et al. (2010) examine the specific case of Bt cotton in Australia, where it has been widely deployed, and where Bt resistance has been explicitly and successfully managed since the initial release of transgenic cotton.

The studies presented here represent only a fraction of the diversity of evolutionary issues of relevance to agroecosystems. With regard to human-driven selection of yield-associated traits in crops there are many other issues associated with changes in plant structure and architecture, genome duplication during domestication, and life history traits such as flowering time; tillering rates etc. that have practical significance. While articles in this issue highlight some research on species interactions in agriculture, overall the evolutionary potential of feedbacks across the agro-ecological interface is under-studied, particularly given likely changes in agricultural land-use (diversification, intensification, increased area under production, greater use of GM technologies).

Such feedbacks include increased pest and herbicide resistance, pathogen evolution, weediness, and more generally the consequences of durable pest control (e.g. opportunities for previously minor pathogens/pests to emerge). In at least one case (Bt resistance in crop pests), there has been explicit development of management approaches based on evolutionary principles. New opportunities for evolutionary analysis also arise from recent advances in our ability to quickly characterise patterns of soil biodiversity (e.g. next generation DNA sequencing, microarrays) at multiple spatial scales and with rigorous replication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the necessary foundation for exposing the cryptic genetic variation that underpins soil community function.

Agriculture is thus the source of diverse selective forces, and modern agriculture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its species and practices, is the outcome of a continuous process of change that has dramatically changed physically and genetically all components of agro-ecosystems. Further advances in the genetic potential of crops and livestock will continue to be dominated by conventional breeding strategies made increasingly efficient by advances in marker technologies. In addition though, the introduction of genes from other species via molecular manipulation (GM technologies) will become increasingly common but generally restricted to introducing changes that are unattainable via conventional approaches. Overall therefore, recognition and application of ecological and evolutionary principles will be an increasingly important part of the overall development and management of

agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change (new plants and animals), and the imperative for greater sustainability (shifts in land management). As such, we suggest that biologists might do well to consider agro-ecosystems as useful models for the scientific investigation of evolutionary processes.

Literature cited Burdon, J. J., and P. H. Thrall. 2008. Pathogen evolution across the agro-ecological interface: implications for management. Evolutionary Applications 1:57–65.

Carriere, Y., D. W. Crowder, and B. E. Tabashnik. 2010. Evolutionary ecology of insect adaptation to Bt crops.

Evolutionary Applications 3:561–573.

Denison, R. F., J. Fedders, and B. Harter. 2010. Individual fitness versus whole-crop photosynthesis: solar tracking tradeoffs in alfalfa. Evolutionary Applications 3:466–472.

Downes, S., R. J. Mahon, L. Rossiter, G. Kauter, T. Leven, G. Fitt, and G. Baker. 2010. Adaptive management of pest resistance by Helicoverpa species (Noctuidae) in Australia to the Cry2Ab Bt toxin in Bollgard II® cotton. Evolutionary Applications 3:574–584.

Ellstrand, N. C., S. M. Heredia, J. A. Leak-Garcia, J. M. Heraty, J. C. Burger, L. Yao, S. Nohzadeh-Malakshah et al. 2010. Crops gone wild: evolution of weeds and invasives from domesticated ancestors. Evolutionary Applications 3:494–504.

Gundel, P., M. Omacini, V. O. Sadras, and C. M. Ghersa. 2010. The interplay between the effectiveness of the grass-endophyte mutualism and the genetic variability of the host plant. Evolutionary Applications 3:538–546.

Johnson, T. 1961. Man-guided evolution in plant rusts. Science 133:357–362.

CrossRef,PubMedMercer, K., and H. R. Perales. 2010. Evolutionary response of landraces to climate change in centers of crop diversity. Evolutionary Applications 3:480–493.

Moyle, L., and C. D. Muir. 2010. Reciprocal insights into adaptation from agricultural and evolutionary studies in tomato. Evolutionary Applications 3:409–421.

O‘Neill, C. J., D. L. Swain, and H. N. Kadarmideen. 2010. Evolutionary process of Bos taurus cattle in favourable versus unfavourable environments and its implications for genetic selection. Evolutionary Applications 3:422–433.

Saunders, M., A. E. Glenn, and L. M. Kohn. 2010. Exploring the evolutionary ecology of fungal endophytes in agricultural systems: using functional traits to reveal mechanisms in community processes. Evolutionary Applications 3:525–537.

Van Tassel, D. L., L. R. DeHaan, and T. S. Cox. 2010. Missing domesticated plant forms: can artificial selection fill the gap? Evolutionary Applications 3:434–452.

Verbruggen, E., and E. T. Kiers. 2010. Evolutionary processes drive mycorrhizal functional diversity in agricultural systems. Evolutionary Applications 3:547–560.

Wade, M., P. Bijma, E. D. Ellen, and W. Muir. 2010. Group selection and social evolution in domesticated animals. Evolutionary Applications 3:453–465.

Wang, B., C. L. Brubaker, B. A. Summerell, P. H. Thrall, and J. J. Burdon. 2010. Local origin of two vegetative compatibility groups of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum in Australia. Evolutionary Applications 3:505– 524.

Weiner, J., S. B. Andersen, W. K.-M. Wille, H. W. Griepentrog, and J. M. Olsen. 2010. Evolutionary agroecology – the potential for cooperative, high density, weed-suppressing cereals. Evolutionary Applications 3:473–479.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4571.2010.00155.x Author Address: 1CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra, Australia 2Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Tisdell Clem Year: 2009 Title: ££ Agricultural Sustainability and the Introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Journal: University of Queensland>School of Economics>Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers Label: Socioeconomic ImpactBiol Rendement Keywords: Agricultural development agricultural sustainability biodiversity co-evolution economic sustainability genetically modified organisms GMOs monopolisation patents social sustainability.

Abstract: In order to cater for the predicted growth in global population and aspirations for increased living standards, the world needs to increase substantially its level of agricultural production and sustain agriculture‘s increased productivity. New technologies may enable this to occur but they also bring with them increased sustainability problems. There are many complex dimensions to achieving agricultural sustainability such as deciding on what agricultural attributes are worth sustaining and considering what trade-offs in objectives are required. These issues are discussed from a conceptual point of view. It is also shown using economic theory that market-based agriculture limits the opportunity for individual farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural techniques because of competitive economic pressures. It is argued that while modern agricultural methods and increased inter-regional trade have substantially increased agricultural supplies, they have also exacerbated the problem of sustaining agricultural production and yields and have had a disequilibrating effect on rural communities. Although genetic engineering is seen by some as a way forward for increasing agricultural production, it is shown that GMOs do not ensure sustainability of agricultural production and that they can be a source of rural disharmony and can threaten the sustainability of farming communities. Extension of intellectual property rights in new genetic material in recent times, particularly the granting of patents not only on techniques for producing GMOs but on the organisms themselves, have added to sustainability problems faced by modern agriculture.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/55335 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/55335/2/WP%20154.pdf Author Address: School of Economics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Campus, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Torreblanca Rocio, Cerezo Sergio, Palomo-Rios Elena, Mercado Jose, Pliego-Alfaro Fernando, Year: 2010 Title: * Development of a high throughput system for genetic transformation of olive (Olea europaea L.) plants.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103, 1, 61-69.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Genetic transformation - Somatic embryogenesis - Transgenic fruit trees Abstract: Olive tree, Olea europaea L., is one of the most commercially important oil crops. A reliable protocol for the genetic transformation of this species has been developed. Embryogenic calli were infected with different Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains harboring pBINUbiGUSint or pGUSINT binary plasmids. These vectors contain the nos-nptII and the uidA gene driven by the maize polyubiquitin Ubi1 and CaMV35S promoter, respectively. Inoculated explants were cocultured for 2 days, and later selected in the presence of 200 mg l-1 paromomycin. The inclusion of a 3 weeks selection period in liquid medium supplemented with 50 mg l-1 paromomycin was critical for elimination of chimaeric calli. Agrobacterium strain AGL1 containing pBINUbiGUSint plasmid yielded higher transformation frequencies than EHA105 or LBA4404. Globular somatic embryos (SE), 1–2 mm diameter, cultured in the selection medium in groups of three, were the best explant for transformation. Using this protocol, transformation frequencies in the range of 20–45%, based on the number of infected explants proliferating in the selection medium, have been obtained. More than 100 independent transgenic lines were generated, and 16 of them converted to plants. Transgenic plants were acclimated and grown in the greenhouse, being phenotypically similar to wild type plants. The uidA gene was strongly expressed in transgenic material during the in vitro regeneration phase; however, ß-glucuronidase (GUS) activity in pBINUbiGUSint transgenic plants was neither detected in shoots growing in vitro nor in acclimated plants. Transgenic leaves, however, contained high levels of NPTII protein. By contrast, plants transformed with the pGUSINT plasmid showed a strong GUS activity in leaves. The protocol here described will allow the genetic improvement of this traditional crop.

Notes: 41 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9754-0 Author Address: (1) Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea ―La Mayora‖, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain (2) Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: TRIPATHI L, MWAKA H, TRIPATHI JN, TUSHEMEREIRWE WK, Year: 2010 Title: * Expression of sweet pepper Hrap gene in banana enhances resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum.

Journal: Molecular Plant Pathology 11, 6, 721-731.

Label: BaRe Abstract: SUMMARY Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW), caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, is the most devastating disease of banana in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The pathogen's rapid spread has threatened the livelihood of millions of Africans who rely on banana fruit for food security and income. The disease is very destructive, infecting all banana varieties, including both East African Highland bananas and exotic types of banana. In the absence of natural host plant resistance among banana cultivars, the constitutive expression of the hypersensitivity response-assisting protein (Hrap) gene from sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) was evaluated for its ability to confer resistance to BXW. Transgenic lines expressing the Hrap gene under the regulation of the constitutive CaMV35S promoter were generated using embryogenic cell suspensions of two banana cultivars: ˜Sukali Ndiizi" and ˜Mpologoma". These lines were characterized by molecular analysis, and were challenged with Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum to analyse the efficacy of the Hrap gene against BXW. The majority of transgenic lines (six of eight) expressing Hrap did not show any symptoms of infection after artificial inoculation of potted plants in the screenhouse, whereas control nontransgenic plants showed severe symptoms resulting in complete wilting. This study demonstrates that the constitutive expression of the sweet pepper Hrap gene in banana results in enhanced resistance to BXW. We describe the development of transgenic banana varieties resistant to BXW, which will boost the arsenal available to fight this epidemic disease and save livelihoods in the Great Lakes region of East and Central Africa.

Notes: TY - JOUR URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00639.x Author Address: 1International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PO Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda 2National Agriculture Research Organisation, PO Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda 3Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Uematsu Hiroki, Mishra Ashok K Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Net Effect of Education on Technology Adoption by U.S. Farmers.

Journal: Southern Agricultural Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, February 6-9, 2010, Orlando, Florida p. 32.

Label: Socioeconomic Adoption Keywords: Education Technology adoption Off-farm labor supply Precision farming Genetically modified crops Simultaneous equations model Abstract: The objective of this study is to estimate the net effect of education on technology adoption for U.S. farmers. Using 2006 Agricultural Resource Management Survey data, this study develops a simultaneous equations model to integrate farmers‘ labor allocation decision with adoption of both time saving and management intensive technologies.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/56450 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/56450/2/Net%20Effect%20of%20Education%20on%20Technology%20 Adoption%20by%20U.S.%20Farmers.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness; Louisiana State University AgCenter; 211 Ag. Admin. Bldg.; Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ueno Daisei, Yamaji Naoki, Kono Izumi, Huang Chao Feng, Ando Tsuyu, Yano Masahiro, Ma Jian Feng,

Year: 2010 Title: * Gene limiting cadmium accumulation in rice.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107, 38, 16500-16505.

Date: September 21, 2010 Label: ReEn ImpactEnvironnement Phytoremediation Abstract: Intake of toxic cadmium (Cd) from rice caused Itai-itai disease in the past and it is still a threat for human health. Therefore, control of the accumulation of Cd from soil is an important food-safety issue, but the molecular mechanism for the control is unknown. Herein, we report a gene (OsHMA3) responsible for low Cd accumulation in rice that was isolated from a mapping population derived from a cross between a high and low Cd-accumulating cultivar. The gene encodes a transporter belonging to the P1B-type ATPase family, but shares low similarity with other members. Heterologous expression in yeast showed that the transporter from the lowCd cultivar is functional, but the transporter from the high-Cd cultivar had lost its function, probably because of the single amino acid mutation. The transporter is mainly expressed in the tonoplast of root cells at a similar level in both the low and high Cd-accumulating cultivars. Overexpression of the functional gene from the low Cd-accumulating cultivar selectively decreased accumulation of Cd, but not other micronutrients in the grain.

Our results indicated that OsHMA3 from the low Cd-accumulating cultivar limits translocation of Cd from the roots to the above-ground tissues by selectively sequestrating Cd into the root vacuoles.

Notes: This article contains supporting information online at www.pnas.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1073/pnas.1005396107/-/DCSupplemental.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/107/38/16500.abstract Author Address: a) Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Kurashiki 710-0046, Japan; b) Institute of Society for Techno-innovation of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Kamiyokoba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0854, Japan; c) National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: UPADHYAYA Chandrama Prakash, Akula NOOKARAJU, Mayank Anand GURURANI, Devanshi Chandel UPADHYAYA, Doo-Hwan KIM, Se-Chul CHUN, Se Won PARK, Year: 2010 Title: * An update on the progress towards the development of marker-free transgenic plants.

Journal: Botanical Studies (2010) 51: 277-292. Review Paper Label: Bioengineering Review Traceur Keywords: Bio-safety; Intra-chromosomal recombination; Marker-free; Positive selection; Selection marker gene; Site-specific recombination.

Abstract: Selection marker genes (SMGs) have been commonly used in genetic transformation of plants for efficient selection of transformed cells, tissue, or regenerated shoots. In the majority of cases, the selection is based on antibiotic or herbicide resistance. The presence of such genes within the environment or in the food supply might pose an unpredictable hazard to the ecosystem and to human health; therefore research has been initiated to develop an efficient marker-free transgenic system. Various techniques have been developed in recent years to generate marker free transgenic plants and to eliminate marker genes from transgenics. These include site-specific recombination, homologous recombination, transposition, transient co-integration of the marker gene, and a co-transformation-segregation approach, but success has been limited to only a few plant species. Transgenic technology could become more reliable with the improvement of existing marker gene removal strategies and the development of novel approaches for plant genome manipulation. This review describes the contemporary strategies deployed to generate marker-free transgenic plants and marker gene removal, the merits and shortcomings of different approaches, and possible directions for future research programmes.

URL: http://ejournal.sinica.edu.tw/bbas/content/2010/3/Bot513-01/Bot513-01.html Author Address: Department of Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143 701, Republic of Korea.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Vado Ligia, Goodwin Barry K

Year: 2010 Title: 造 Analyzing the Effects of Weather and Biotechnology Adoption on Corn Yields and Crop Insurance Performance in the U.S. Corn Belt.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado USA Collections: 2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado Label: InRe ReEn Secheresse Efficacite Rendement Abstract: Favorable weather and the adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) corn hybrids are often argued to be factors that explain recent corn yield increases and risk reduction in the U.S. Corn Belt. The focus of this analysis is to determine whether favorable weather is the main factor explaining increased and more stable yields or if biotechnology adoption is the more relevant driving force. The hypothesis that recent biotechnology advances have increased yields and reduced risks by making corn more resistant to pests, pesticides, and/or drought is tested. Fixed effects models of yields and crop insurance losses as functions of weather variables and genetically modified corn adoption rates are estimated taking into account the non-linear agronomic response of crop yields to weather. Preliminary results show that genetically modified corn adoption rates, especially insectresistant corn adoption, have had a significant and positive effect on average corn yields in the U.S. Corn Belt over the last years. Furthermore, genetically modified corn adoption has not only increased corn's tolerance to extreme heat but has also improved corn's tolerance to excessive and insufficient rainfall.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61594 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61594/2/AAEA%20Selected%20Paper%2011393.pdf Author Address: Authors (Email): Vado, Ligia (lavadose@ncsu.edu) USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Van Montagu Marc Year: 2010 Title: * Challenges and responsibilities for public sector scientists.

Journal: New Biotechnology Article in Press, Corrected Proof - doi:10.1016/j.nbt.2010.08.010 Label: Adoption Socioeconomic Review Abstract: Current agriculture faces the challenge of doubling food production to meet the food needs of a population expected to reach 9 billion by mid-century whilst maintaining soil and water quality and conserving biodiversity. These challenges are more overwhelming for the rural poor, who are the custodians of environmental resources and at the same time particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation. Solutions have to come from concerted actions by different segments of society in which public sector science plays a fundamental role. Public sector scientists are at the root of all the present generation of GM crop traits under cultivation and more will come with the new knowledge that is being generated by systems biology. To speed up innovation, molecular biologists must interact with scientists from the different fields as well as with stakeholders outside the academic world in order to create an environment capable of capturing value from public sector knowledge. I highlight here the measures that have to be taken urgently to guarantee that science and technology can tackle the problems of subsistence farmers.

Notes: Full text : The challenges Public research institutions have always been engaged in innovations and developments aimed at ameliorating human living conditions. In the field of agriculture, thanks to the dedicated plant breeding scientists, the Green Revolution could make use of improved crop varieties that allowed food production to keep pace with worldwide population growth. The success of Norman Borlaug and the CIMMYT team in producing wheat and, later, rice high yield varieties, together with innovative cultivation methods, increased the grain yield at levels that led to the notion that the world hunger could be solved. This was true in the short run, however the on-going population growth and the eagerly anticipated industrialisation of developing countries have to be taken into account in the long run. These factors besides being energy and water demanding also compete for land and will ultimately exert pressure on global food production.

The media have always considered it bon ton to make anecdotal criticism of Malthus. We often read in the news about the arrogant intellectuals who keep quoting Malthus whilst the man has been wrong for more than 200 years. Indeed, while the world population tripled during the 50 years after the second World War, agricultural production increased by a factor of 3.5. But the scenario has now changed. The yield increase

through classical breeding programs has reached a plateau and food production has to take into account the global pollution, a concept not considered in Malthus's time. We now realize that, unfortunately, Malthus's prediction of risks finally materialises. Current agriculture faces the challenge of doubling food production to meet the food needs of a population expected to reach 9 billion by mid-century whilst maintaining soil and water quality and conserving biodiversity. The task becomes particularly tough when it has to be accomplished with limited land. It is estimated that by the time the world's population passes the threshold of 8 billion people, there will only be 1.4 ha of arable land per capita [1].

These challenges are more overwhelming for the rural poor, who make up an estimated 80% of the world's 1.4 billon hungry people [2]. No segment of humanity depends more directly on environmental resources and services than the rural poor. They use soil and water for farming and fishing, forests for food, fuel and fodder, and the biodiversity of a wide range of plants and animals, both domesticated and wild. Their lives are interwoven with the surrounding environment in ways that make them both particularly valuable as custodians of environmental resources and particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation. When population pressure grows and food is scarce, hunger can drive them to plough under or overgraze fragile rangelands and forest margins, threatening the very resources upon which they depend.

The solutions Solutions have to come from concerted actions of different segments of society. It will require political will and strong commitments on the part of the nations as it will lead to a full revision of the way we perceive our society and our interaction with the environment. In this context, science and technology alone obviously does not have the power to overcome the challenges, but it is a very relevant and essential instrument of the orchestra. The range of science and technology opportunities now available can mitigate the greater constraints imposed on poor farmers. As international organisations have stated repeatedly, there is a moral imperative that technologies that are pro-poor, pro-environment and pro-economy find their way to those who need them the most.

Plant biotechnology has produced numerous breakthroughs that can contribute significantly to alleviating many of the entrenched problems of poor nations, including hunger, malnutrition, diseases and environmental degradation (for review see Farre et al.) [3]. Public sector scientists are at the root of most innovations and practical achievements. Indeed all of the present generation of GM crop traits under cultivation can be traced back to discoveries in the public sector. The recent developments in systems biology are generating an explosion of information that public sector scientists are translating into new knowledge (see Figure 1). The next step, the generation of new products out of the knowledge gained, is beyond the scope of public research institutions. In general, the private sector takes charge of the knowledge application. Here stands the gap.

Notwithstanding the scientific breakthroughs, the rate of development and commercialisation of new biotech crops is frustrating the expectation.

Figure 1. The innovation gap. Systems biology is generating an explosion of basic information from which scientists must derive tangible knowledge for the development of new products and services. A critical set of factors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; political, financial and private sector support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will determine the rate at which this new knowledge will tackle the problems of subsistence farmers. Dialogue between the different players must be initiated now.

(See pdf.)

The responsibilities Several factors have contributed to the knowledge application gap. One is the fact that the discoveries have not reached the group with expertise to generate innovation. There is a need for better communication of the knowledge generated by the fundamental research. The communication channels of molecular biologists cannot be restricted any longer to specialised journals often enigmatic to those who do not belong to the clan. A better sharing of the knowledge and the generation of demand-driven technologies will require changes in the organisational structure of universities and public research institutions. To speed up innovation, molecular biologists must interact with scientists from the different departments that are tackling the same goal, for example departments of agronomy, forestry, tropical agriculture, agricultural economy, ecology, and nutrition.

They also have to reach stakeholders outside the academic world, such as curators of seed banks, seed companies and small to medium size enterprises (SMEs). The latter are fundamental players, since they traditionally fill the application gap. Public research institutions have to be immersed into an environment fertile to generate spin-offs. This has been the strategy of the US and Europe and the results are clear. The investments in R&D accounted for 50% of the US economy growth in the last 40 years [4]. Similarly, in Europe, the experience of Flandres shows that when federal investments in universitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; R&D increase, there is a corresponding increase in private sector investments, with the flourishing of SMEs in biotechnology.

Agricultural R&D in developing countries also requires the implementation of new organisational structures to promote the public–private partnership and the emergence of SMEs. Such environment is essential for capturing value from public sector knowledge and should be encouraged through policy measures that stimulate investments. Unfortunately the recent surveys [5] show that the trend is going in the opposite direction. The investments in agricultural research have stagnated over time despite the numerous studies showing that improvements in productivity are linked to increased investment in agricultural R&D. The consequences are clear and are already there. A recent review of the world's commercial pipeline of GM crops reveals that the contribution of Latin America and Africa to current and future GM events by 2015 is insignificant. The big actor in emerging countries is China, which will contribute with about 40% of the GM events that will be commercially available by 2015 [6]. Unsurprisingly, the Chinese government is stimulating public–private partnership and the emergence of a SME and start-up culture.

Another important issue must be highlighted. Society must understand that business is as usual everywhere.

Commercial interests drive investments of the private sector in R&D both in developed and developing countries. Neglected pro-poor traits and orphan crops will remain as such if the returns of investments are not attractive. It is clear that, in this scenario, large private multinationals opt out. Private companies do not have it as their mission to accomplish the Millennium goals. But I do believe that SMEs in developing countries would invest in pro-poor GM crops because the returns can reach their expectations, provided that they can start with a rather finished product, ready to scale up. In view of the dimension of our challenge to overcome poverty, one may well say that what the private sector cannot do has to be the task of the public sector. Unfortunately this is not going to be so for now. The public sector has underinvested in R&D for smallholder crops and in biotechnology specifically. Public spending on R&D on transgenics is only a fraction of the US$ 1.5 billion spent each year by the four largest private companies [7]. The arguments are that it is not worthwhile to do research on pro-poor plant biotechnology, because the costly and unnecessary overregulation will anyway block the access to those who need it most. Society is then trapped into the loop reasoning that the technology is not worthwhile because the rich countries do not need it and it is not yet proven that it can have any humanitarian impact.

The importance of research developments to tackle the problems of subsistence farmers is acknowledged by governments and international organisations. It is now urgent to take measures to guarantee the accomplishment of this fundamental humanitarian task. I see the need for the following actions. (i) To increase funding for public sector programmes targeted to solve major constraints of poor farmers in trying to provide a sustainable, sufficient and safe supply of foods. They are many: higher productivity, enhanced nutrition, disease and insect resistance, drought tolerance, increased fertilizer use efficiency, and so on (ii) To promote and fund international cooperation to allow the knowledge transfer to developing countries scientists to develop of locally relevant crop improvement programmes. (iii) To support breeding programmes and quality seeds production in developing countries where a strong seed industry is inexistent and where the public sector is the major player. (iv) To develop mechanisms to empower developing country scientists so that they can participate in – and contribute to – the emerging global knowledge-based bio-economy. And last but not least, (v) to promote regulatory frameworks that are science-based, avoiding a costly overregulation that will halt pro-poor GM crops.

Indeed, the cumbersome and costly regulatory infrastructures constitute a major obstacle that adds to the chronic underinvestment in science and technology. Many public sector scientists cannot afford the regulatory compliance costs, which ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars [8]. The public sector scientists must be more actively involved in on-going biosafety regulation negotiations if we are to breach the present impasse that prevents many of the most promising pro-poor technologies reaching the farmers. Until recently, the public research sector has not provided scientific input in these negotiations, with the result that there is a misperception that biotechnology is only the domain of a handful of multinationals.

Critics of plant biotechnology have mounted a campaign of misinformation that warns that GM crops are the monopoly of the multinationals and will enslave the third world even more. The detractors go on saying that GM crops will lead to a loss of biodiversity and they have not been sufficiently tested. This is not the case.

Despite the claims, no adverse effects of GM crops have been reported for consumer health or the environment; on the contrary, a number of health and environmental benefits have been reported. Sadly, the result of the present ‗anti-GM‘ environment is that, currently, GM crops are one of the most over-regulated technology sectors in existence. Only the multinationals can afford to pay the costs associated with regulatory filings and bring new biotech products to market. No SME or third world country can develop and market such technology. Whilst decision making continues to ignore a science-based rationale, threats to food security and health problems will remain in the developing world, and the brain drain will continue in parts of the

industrialised world. The public sector needs an improved understanding of the impact of the emerging regulatory framework on the delivery of the public goods R&D agenda, it needs a better understanding of the consequences of the regulations on the total costs of research projects and needs to rethink research project definitions and funding criteria accordingly. Until then, regulatory policy that is poorly structured and implemented will continue to have a disastrous impact in Europe and all countries seeking to trade with Europe.

The public sector has taken steps to fight for the establishment of a regulatory framework less counterproductive in different countries. National regulations are strongly influenced by international agreements, such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). During the development of these international agreements, the public research sector, which numbers tens of thousands of researchers in several thousand research institutes in developing and developed countries, has until 2004 not been represented in an organised way. Aiming at filling this gap, public sector scientists involved in biotechnology research for the public good initiated, in 2004, a worldwide initiative – the Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI) [9]. The objective of the PRRI is to offer public researchers involved in modern biotechnology a forum through which they participate in and/or are informed about relevant international discussions such as the Meetings of the Parties of the CPB (MOPs). The goal of participation in such meetings is to inform negotiators about the objectives and progress of public research in modern biotechnology, to bring science to the negotiations, and to inform the negotiators about concerns public researchers may have.

Another mechanism public sector scientists must use to reduce the unnecessary regulatory burden that halts the innovation chain is to engage in the dialogue with society. Regulatory policy is a political issue and as such sensitive to public opinion. Public sector scientists have to create channels to share with the different stakeholders the facts and information, as well as to discuss the concerns, potential and opportunities related to this new technology. We must convey this important message to society: agriculture, be it classical or organic, is very detrimental to the environment and biodiversity. GM agriculture is our biggest opportunity of having a less environmentally damaging agriculture and still meet the food needs of an ever-growing population.

Actually biotechnology brings us as close as possible to the ideal agriculture system: a high yielding organic agriculture. Only through cooperation and mutual understanding will it be possible to capture and develop the true potential of this exciting technology to create a more livable and environmentally stable society.

References 1 FAO (2002) World Agriculture 2015–2030. World Agriculture towards 2015–2030, Summary Report. Rome: FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/Y3557E/Y3557E00.HTM).

2 FAOSTAT (2010) FAOSTAT provides time-series and cross sectional data relating to food and agriculture for some 200 countries. Rome: FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [cited 2010]; Available from: http://faostat.fao.org/default.aspx.

3 G. Farre et al., The humanitarian impact of plant biotechnology: recent breakthroughs vs bottlenecks for adoption, Current Opinion in Plant Biology 13 (2010), pp. 219–225. Article | PDF (318 K) | View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus (1) 4 NCEE (2010) National Center for Environmental Economics, Bibliography, Clinton Council of Economic Advisors report 1995. Washington, DC: EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Available from: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ee/epa/incsave.nsf/d292c81d111d7f1985256552006e145f/74c379a2ed99d2d28525663 6004fc57a!OpenDocument.

5 Beintema, N. and Stads, G.J. (2008) Measuring Agricultural Research Investments. Washington, DC: ASTI Agricultural Science & Technology Indicators. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/measuring-agriculturalresearch-investments.

6 European Commission Joint Research Centre (2010) The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) is one of the seven scientific institutes of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Brussels: European Commission; Available from: http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/.

7 World Bank (2007) World Development Report 2008. Agriculture for Development. Washington DC: World Bank.

8 J.B. Falck-Zepeda et al., Delivering Genetically Engineered Crops to Poor Farmers, Recommendations for Improved Biosafety Regulations in Developing Countries, IFPRI International Food Policy and Research Institute, Washington, DC (2009).

9 PRRI Public Research and Regulation Initiative (2010) PRRI is a worldwide initiative of public sector scientists who conduct research in modern biotechnology for the public good. Delft University of Technology: PRRI; Available from: www.pubresreg.org.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B8JG4-50W1TS4-33&_cdi=43660&_user=4296857&_pii=S1871678410005583&_origin=search&_coverDate=08%2F26%2F201 0&_sk=999999999&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtbzSkWb&md5=17b2002443f27e7ec31a02b1e8f75c80&ie=/sdarticle.pdf Author Address: Institute of Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries (IPBO), Department of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Vanholme R, Ralph J, Akiyama T, Lu F, Pazo JR, Kim H, Christensen JH, Van Reusel B, Storme V, De Rycke R, Rohde A, Morreel K, Boerjan W, Year: 2010 Title: * Engineering traditional monolignols out of lignin by concomitant F5H1-up- and COMT-downregulation in Arabidopsis.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Article first published online: 29 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Composition Nutrition Keywords: lignin cell wall benzodioxane NMR phenolic profiling mutants Abstract: Lignin engineering is a promising strategy to optimize lignocellulosic plant biomass for use as a renewable feedstock for agro-industrial applications. Current efforts focus on engineering lignin with monomers that are not normally incorporated into wild-type lignins. We report an Arabidopsis line in which the lignin is derived to a major extent from a non-traditional monomer. The combination of a caffeic acid Omethyltransferase (comt) mutation with FERULATE 5-HYDROXYLASE1 (F5H1) over-expression (C4H:F5H1) resulted in plants with a unique lignin composed of nearly 92% benzodioxane units. In addition to the biosynthesis of this peculiar lignin, the comt C4H:F5H1 plants revealed massive shifts in phenolic metabolism when compared to the wild type. The structures of 38 metabolites that accumulated in comt C4H:F51 plants were resolved by mass spectral analyses and shown to derive from 5-hydroxy-substituted phenylpropanoids. These metabolites probably originate from passive metabolism via existing biochemical routes normally used for 5-methoxylated and 5-unsubstituted phenylpropanoids and from active detoxification by hexosylation. Transcripts of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were highly up-regulated in comt C4H:F5H1 plants, indicating feedback regulation within the pathway. To investigate the role of flavonoids in the abnormal growth of comt C4H:F5H1 plants, a chalcone synthase (chs) mutation was crossed in. The resulting comt C4H:F5H1 chs plants were partially restored in growth. However, a causal connection between flavonoid deficiency and this resurrection could not be shown; rather, genetic interactions between phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis could explain the partial resurrection. These genetic interactions need to be taken into account in future cell wall engineering strategies.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04353.x Author Address: 1Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium 2Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium 3Department of Biochemistry, and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Verma AK, Upadhyay SK, Verma PC, Solomon S, Singh SB, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional analysis of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) in sugarcane (Saccharum) cultivars.

Journal: Plant Biology Article first published online: 26 AUG 2010 Pages: no Label: Composition Nutrition Physiol Keywords: Hexose sugars SPS SS sucrose transcript expression Abstract: Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS; EC 2.4.1.14) and sucrose synthase (SS; EC 2.4.1.13) are key enzymes in the synthesis and breakdown of sucrose in sugarcane. The activities of internodal SPS and SS, as well as transcript expression were determined using semi-quantitative RT-PCR at different developmental stages of high and low sucrose accumulating sugarcane cultivars. SPS activity and transcript expression was

higher in mature internodes compared with immature internodes in all the studied cultivars. However, high sugar cultivars showed increased transcript expression and enzyme activity of SPS compared to low sugar cultivars at all developmental stages. SS activity was higher in immature internodes than in mature internodes in all cultivars; SS transcript expression showed a similar pattern. Our studies demonstrate that SPS activity was positively correlated with sucrose and negatively correlated with hexose sugars. However, SS activity was negatively correlated with sucrose and positively correlated with hexose sugars. The present study opens the possibility for improvement of sugarcane cultivars by increasing expression of the respective enzymes using transgene technology.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00379.x Author Address: 1 U.P. Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, India 2 Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India 3 Indian Institute of Sugacane Research, Lucknow, India XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Vermeersch L, De Winne N, Depicker A, Year: 2010 Title: * Introns reduce transitivity proportionally to their length, suggesting silencing spreads along the premRNA. Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 4 SEP 2010 11:00AM EST | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365313X.2010.04350.x.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: RNAi transitivity intron Arabidopsis thaliana inverted repeat locus chimeric primary target Abstract: SUMMARY Endogenes rarely support transitive silencing, while most transgenes generally allow spreading of silencing to occur along the primary target. To determine whether the presence of introns might explain the difference, we investigated the influence of introns in the primary target on 3′-5′ silencing transitivity. When present in a transgene, an intron-containing endogene fragment does not prohibit the spread of silencing across this fragment, indicating that introns do not preclude silencing transitivity along endogenes.

Also a multiple intron-containing genomic gene fragment that had previously been shown not to support transitivity in an endogenous context could support transitivity when present in a transgene. Nevertheless, genomic intron-containing fragments delayed the onset and diminished the efficiency of transitive silencing of a secondary target compared to the corresponding cDNA fragments. Remarkably, transitivity was impaired proportionally with the length of the pre-mRNA and not of the mRNA. The latter result suggests that RNADEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE-based spreading of silencing progresses along the non-spliced rather than the fully processed mature mRNA. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04335.x Author Address: 1Department Plant Systems Biology, VIB, B-9052 Gent, Belgium 2Department of Plant Biotechnology and Genetics, Ghent University, B-9052 Gent, Belgium XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Viswanath Venkatesh, Strauss Steven H Year: 2010 Title: * Modifying Plant Growth the Cisgenic Way. Journal: ISB NEWS REPORT SEPTEMBER 2010 Label: Bioengineering AgronomicTrait Abstract: Full text : For figure(s) see the pdf As genomics has progressed to include a much wider variety of organisms than the few model species that were widely studied in the past, the ability to use native genomic information for transgenic modification has become widely available. In a report in Plant Biotechnology Journal on the first use of cisgenes intended to modify the growth of plants, the authors found that the transfer of entire native genes that play roles in biosynthesis or signaling of gibberellic acids (GAs), including their 5‘ and 3‘ proximal regulatory regions, impart changes in growth rate and stature in poplars1. This essay summarizes their work and evaluates its possible utility for plant breeding.

What are cisgenes and intragenes?

As transgenic technology matures and diversifies, it is useful to have terminology that reflects its growing diversity. Cisgenes are a subset of intragenes. An intragenic plant, produced by insertion of an intragene, is defined as ―a transformed plant that only contains genetic elements derived from within the sexual compatibility group‖2, but does not constrain their order, arrangement, or preclude small changes in sequence or expression. Thus, introduced point mutations, promoter/coding region swaps, and the use of RNAi, amiRNA, or antisense suppression, are all legitimate. In contrast, cisgenes are flanked by their native regulatory regions, including their introns, and thus the gene is truly a part of a conventional breeder‘s gene pool3. In intragenics (but not in cisgenics)3 in which Agrobacterium is used, plant-derived T-DNA border sequences (called PDNA) that closely resemble Agrobacterium border sequences are employed so that the claim can be made that all DNAs inserted are of compatible plant origin in sequence. In addition, selectable marker or reporter genes are not included or are removed after transfer by segregation. Recombinases can also be used for marker gene removal, but they do not fully remove all traces of gene presence (the target recombination sequence).

However, as they are similar in length to T-DNA borders, it is also likely that P-DNA-like target sequences can be identified if needed. Cisgenes as well as intragenes add to existing genetic diversity due to ―position effects‖ from their insertion; these modify the intensity and pattern of gene expression as a result of their unique chromosomal position and interaction with regulatory elements1. Thus, in both cases, genetic diversity in expression is increased compared to that of the progenitor genes.

Why the interest?

Although breeders of many types of annual crops can make dramatic changes in genetic composition in a short time period, many other kinds of plant species are very difficult to breed. Thus, making use of native genetic variation, especially where strong domestication phenotypes are sought, can be very slow and difficult. This is obviously mostly true for woody plants, which do not flower for a number of years, are intolerant of inbreeding, and are highly heterozygous (masking the expression of desired recessive alleles). But it is also true for many other types of plant species, especially when they are naturally sterile or are part of a highly desired and commercially widespread clone whose genotype needs to remain intact. Examples include potato, apple, grape, and banana4. For example, intragenesis has been applied to the development of non-browning versions of established apple varieties (such as Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith) by the silencing the polyphenol oxidase gene. These apples (named ArcticTM apples because of the color of their skin) have been developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits and tested in the field since 2004. The company has already petitioned the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for deregulation of the product in the USA5, and plans to do the same in Canada later in the year.

In addition, desired alleles, such as dominant alleles for size reduction, pest tolerance, or specific fruit or nutritional qualities, can be rare or unavailable. Introgression breeding using genetic transformation for disease resistance can benefit from the avoidance of linkage drag4, and disease resistance alleles can be more rapidly stacked to provide broader or more durable forms of resistance. Because of the lack of linkage drag, cisgenic plants are likely to be as safe as or safer than those produced with the same genes through traditional or mutation breeding4. In forest trees such as American Chestnut that have been devastated by exotic diseases, stacking several resistance alleles obtained from interspecies hybrids via conventional and marker-aided breeding, while also restoring the majority of the American Chestnut genome to promote adaptability, would be a very formidable challenge in the absence of transgenic capabilities.

There are also good social reasons to differentiate cis- and intragenes from conventional transgenes. The concept of transgenic organisms and transgenic food is troublesome for many people, which is reflected by their stringent regulation throughout the world. The public is considerably more comfortable with the idea of a cis/intragenic crop when compared with a transgenic crop6. For example, a survey in Mississippi showed that 81% would eat a cis/intragenic vegetable, as compared to only 14 – 23% for a transgenic vegetable [containing genes from non-plant sources]7. Similarly, a nationwide survey in the United States found that 52 – 77% would eat a cis/intragenic vegetable (depending on number of genes inserted and source of the gene); whereas only 17 – 25% would eat the same vegetable if it contained a gene from a microbe (bacterium/virus/fungus) or an animal8.

Modification of tree growth using cisgenesis In a proof-of-concept study in which only the growth-modifying ―active ingredient‖ genes, and not the entire TDNAs, were cisgenic, it was shown that tree growth and architecture could be significantly modified using GAassociated cisgenes1. The main goal of the study was to examine the feasibility of using cisgenes to modify gibberellic acid (GA) action and hence growth and architecture in poplar tree. Gibberellic acid is a plant hormone with a wide variety of functions in controlling plant growth and development. Five different cisgenes (GA20ox7, GA2ox2, GAI1, RGL 1_1, and RGL 1_2) were studied, along with empty vector controls and non-

transgenic controls. GA20ox is an enzyme that catalyzes the penultimate step in the biosynthetic GA pathway, and thus tends to promote cell division and elongation, whereas the other genes tend to repress or attenuate active GA actions (GA degradation by GA2ox2; the other genes were DELLA domain proteins that attenuate GA signals).

Several interesting, statistically significant results were obtained in this study. Plants transformed with GA20ox7 cisgene had a higher rate and frequency of regeneration of transgenic shoots during antibiotic selection. This suggests that this gene might be useful as a general transformation enhancer. It also dramatically promoted early height and diameter growth on transformants grown in the greenhouse; after six weeks from the date of transplantation, the average stem volume of the GA20ox7 transformed plants increased by 40% compared with the transgenic (empty vector) controls (Fig. 1). GA20ox7 gene expression was also statistically associated with the growth enhancement (Fig. 2). In as yet unpublished work, the researchers also showed that the levels of active GAs increased in the transgenic lines. The growth improvement due to the GA20ox7 gene, however, diminished over time. The authors concluded that this might have occurred due to the rapid growth and limited pot size in the greenhouse. However, it might have also resulted from a transitory effect of the cisgene, such as from stimulation of cell division but not cell enlargement. The faster growing trees had similar internode lengths to the control trees.

The GA inhibitory genes had variable effects, but generally retarded plant growth. Plants transformed with RGL 1_2 gene had a reduced rate of regeneration of transgenic shoots and a reduction in growth rate, but had longer stem fiber lengths. GA2ox2 and GAI1 transformed plants also had semi窶電warf phenotypes in the greenhouse, while RGL 1_1 plants appeared similar to wild type. RGL1_1 transformed plants, however, had reduced leaf size. In their discussion, the authors emphasized that the results were preliminary and require verification in field environments and with a greater diversity of genotypes, as would occur with normal plant breeding.

Potential uses of cisgenics Clearly, cis/intragenics can be used to modify plants similarly to conventional breeding, but in many cases appear to be able to do it faster and with more specificity. This efficiency will often enable applications that would otherwise be impractical and unaffordable because of the costs and time frames involved (e.g., when very rare recessive mutants must be sought, many alleles stacked, or difficult hybrids generated and backcrossed). For trees, the ability to speed breeding by transfer of genes among related species for resistance to pests could have very high value, given the proliferation of pest problems in planted and native forests due to climate and other anthropogenic stresses, and the growing proliferation of exotic pest species. Other possible uses include speeding growth rate for bioenergy applications; reducing stature of well-known varieties for ornamental or horticultural applications; improving abiotic stress tolerance by modifying expression of stress tolerance pathway control genes; modification of flowering and induction of sterility; and modification of the quality and nutritional value of ornamental and food products. For example, work is currently underway to produce apples with red flesh9. These apples are more pleasing to the eye than the normal apples and contain antioxidants which may provide a direct health benefit to consumers.

Can cis/intragenics avoid the regulatory thicket of transgenics?

Despite many possible uses, the realm of application of cis/intragenics, when compared to transgenics, is highly limited. For example, cisgenics clearly cannot impart new pest tolerance mechanisms, new industrial and pharmaceutical products, or new metabolic pathways to enhance plant nutrition and adaptation. Thus, cis/intragenics should not be viewed as an alternative to transgenics, but as a tool for extension of traditional breeding when dealing with difficult traits and species. It is also a tool with which the public has more comfort and thus might be used with much more freedom and lower cost than transgenics. A strong case has been made for cisgenic plants to come under a new regulatory tier with reduced regulatory oversight or to be exempted from GM regulation10. Of the current regulatory systems, to our knowledge, only Australia excludes intragenics from regulation6. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the United States had considered a lower regulatory tier for cisgenic plants in its revised regulations14, but more recent actions suggest that this proposal is no longer viable. If, instead of improved efficiency, cis/intragenics bring the enormous regulatory, political, and market obstacles of transgenics to what is in essence a modification of conventional breeding, it is unlikely to be pursued for the large majority of potential applications.

Unfortunately, some authors have indeed suggested just this6. Thus, despite their obvious benefits and high level of familiarity, unless accompanied by regulatory reform, cis/intragenics may be largely avoided rather than embraced.

References

1. Han K, Dharmawardhana P, Arias R, Ma C, Busov V, and Strauss S. Gibberellin-associated cisgenes modify growth, stature and wood properties in Populus. Plant Biotechnol J. [in press]. Online version available from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00537.x/pdf (2010).

2. Rommens C, et al. The intragenic approach as a new extension to traditional plant breeding. Trends Plant Sci 12(9): 397-403 (2007).

3. Schouten H & Jacobsen E. Cisgenesis and intragenesis, sisters in innovative plant breeding. Trends Plant Sci 13(6): 260-261; author reply 261-263 (2008).

4. Jacobsen E and Schouten HJ. Cisgenesis, a new tool for traditional plant breeding should be exempted from the regulation on genetically modified organisms in a step by step approach. Potato Res 51: 24 (2008).

5. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Petitions for nonregulated status pending. Available from http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/not_reg.html [accessed 08/11/10] 6. Russell A and Sparrow R. The case for regulating intragenic crops. J Agr Environ Ethic 21: 19 (2008).

7. Lusk J and Sullivan P. Consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods. Food Technol 56: 6 (2002).

8. Lusk J and Rozan A. Consumer acceptance of ingenic foods. Biotechnol J 1(12): 1433-1434 (2006).

9. Schouten HJ, et al. Cisgenesis is a promising approach for fast, acceptable and safe breeding of Pip Fruit.

Acta Hort. 814, 199-204, (2009).

10. Schouten HJ, Krens FA, & Jacobsen E. Do cisgenic plants warrant less stringent oversight? Nature Biotechnol 24(7), 753, (2006).

11. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture. 2007. Introduction of genetically engineered organisms: Draft programmatic environmental impact statement - July 2007. Available from http://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/pdf/complete_eis.pdf [accessed 07/15/2010].

URL: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2010/Sep/Modifying-Plant-Growth-Cisgenic-Way.pdf Author Address: Oregon State University USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Vosges Michelle Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Regulation of GMO Activities in South Africa: Experience from a Technology Developer.

Journal: Published by the Academy of Science of South Africa - P O Box 72135 - Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria, South Africa - ISBN: 978-0-9814159-7-0 July 2010.

Volume: http://www.assaf.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/PDF/ASSAf%20GMO%20African%20Agriculture%202010%20Web.pdf Label: Socioeconomic Abstract: Full text : 1 Introduction As a technology developer, one experiences various challenges as a result of the regulatory frameworks in particular countries. This also applies to the biosafety framework in operation in South Africa. These challenges are discussed below, with some recommendations.

2 Discussion Challenges are experienced at various levels: design of the legislative framework, operational procedures and authorisations granted. These levels are discussed below.

2.1 Legislative Framework A functional, practical and operational biosafety framework in a country is essential for a technology developer to invest in that country. More importantly though, protection of the technology and rights of the developer should be provided for in such legislation. The provisions of the legislation must be conducive for an application to be made and activities to be conducted in that country. Assessments should be science-based and reviews conducted in a transparent manner with clear communication on the requirements, review process and reasons for decisions taken.

In many countries a lack of knowledge, third party influences and political pressure can lead to ―overregulation‖ of the technology. This very often results in the requirements and restrictions imposed on activities being so strict that the developer is unable to meet the requirements and restrictions, which means that the developer does not invest in that particular country, thus preventing access to the technology and the eventual ―killing‖ of the technology in that country.

Biotechnology products have been used safely in many countries for many years. This implies that a country that does not have experience in the regulation of this technology can obtain not only guidance in the safety assessments of biotechnology products, but also information and data from reviews already conducted by other regulatory authorities. Although it is still a relatively new technology, the developments in this field are tremendous. From planting single events in the beginning, we are now moving towards commercialising products containing four or more traits in a single product. This, however, provides challenges to the regulators as to how they will assess these new stacked products, as the approach followed for assessments for single events would not be practical for stacked products.

2.2 Operational Procedures 2.2.1 Applications The process of applying for authorisation and the review process must be practical and reasonable. Application forms must be easy to understand with clear directions on which application is applicable to which activity. As the technology develops and experience is gained by regulators, it is obvious that application requirements and forms will change from time to time. It is, however, important that any change be communicated to the developers in a transparent and efficient way to enable a smooth transition from one set of requirements/forms to another.

Several committees and experts are involved during review of an application, requiring the need for several copies of the application to be submitted to the authorities. It is recognised that it may not always be possible and may be a challenge in some developing countries, but the replacement of hard copies with electronic copies could save time and costs for the regulators and developers.

As indicated before, this technology is moving fast and stacked products will be prominent in the future. It is therefore unavoidable that activities containing more than one transgenic product will be present in single activities such as confined field releases. It is therefore important that the regulatory process be structured in such a manner that applications that enable such activities are possible.

2.2.2 Review process Time is always of the essence for developers, hence the review process must be conducted in such a manner that any additional information/clarity required from the applicant is requested in a coordinated manner.

Requesting additional information/data from an applicant at various intervals during the review process not only frustrates the regulatory system, but also delays the time in which an application is processed.

Certain information is definitely required to enable an informed decision on the safety of a product or proposed activity. However, regulators should refrain from requesting information or data from the developer that are not relevant to the safety assessment (â&#x20AC;&#x2022;nice-to-knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; data). These requirements often result in unnecessary costs and time delays, without adding substance to the decision on safety.

The developer aims to provide enough information and data to enable a scientific safety assessment of a product. In the event that additional information or data is requested, the developer would aim to address the outstanding issues as quickly as possible, as it means that the review process can be continued sooner.

However, it is very difficult to respond with the correct information or data if the requests from the regulators are not clear. It is therefore important that the requests be clearly defined. Furthermore, in many instances, concerns could be addressed through direct communication between the individuals/committees assessing the application and the applicant. Opportunities where there could be some sort of direct communication between the review committees and the applicant could ease the review process and again reduce cost and time, without impacting negatively on the quality of the assessment or integrity of the review bodies.

Although transparency is important, it is well known that there are some institutions that would take certain actions in an attempt to present or delay an assessment or activity. It is important that the regulators should therefore manage third parties who participate in the review process through public consultation processes.

2.2.3 Authorisations Applications are submitted with the intention of conducting the activity in a particular growing season, regardless of the type of activity. The timely issue of permits/authorisations to enable execution in the planned growing season is therefore of crucial importance to developers. Activities with regulated transgenic events are normally subject to specific conditions. These conditions are not only important during the activity per se, but are used as a reference by developers when planning future activities. This is especially important during confined field trial activities, when trial sites for activities in the follow-up growing season are selected based on the ability to meet the isolation conditions that were applicable to the same activity in the previous growing season. Although permit conditions are designed on the basis of the specific conditions and product, some conditions would remain constant for similar conditions. Changing conditions, and especially isolation

conditions, a few months or weeks prior to a growing season could have serious impacts on the ability of developers to continue with authorised trials, as the trial locations may no longer meet the new isolation conditions.

Conditions should further be practical and in line with current agricultural practices. It serves no purpose to institute conditions that cannot or are very difficult to implement in the field.

As experience is gained by the regulators, permit conditions will be amended. This is very important for adapting to the different requirements applicable during different activities. There should also be a procedure in place whereby developers are able to request amendments and regulators can review proposed amendments and make decisions within a short time period, as there are normally not weeks available in which to deliberate on whether a proposed condition should be approved or not, and the amendment authorisation be granted.

3 Conclusions Legislative frameworks must be functional, practical and operational, while providing protection of the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s investment in terms of intellectual property. Application forms should be activity-specific, easily accessible and science-based.

Assessment of applications by regulators should be timely, transparent and focused on information that will assist in determining the safety of the proposed activity and product.

Concerns, decisions and reasons for decisions should be communicated in a timely fashion and be clearly stated.

Conditions should be activity-specific, based on agricultural practice and remain consistent to enable implementation, unless supported by scientific evidence that would necessitate any amendment to the conditions.

Applications should be processed within the time periods described in legislative frameworks.

Author Address: Monsanto, Johannesburg, South Africa XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wally O, Punja Z Year: 2010 Title: * Enhanced disease resistance in transgenic carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants over-expressing a rice cationic peroxidase.

Secondary Title: Planta 232, 5, 1229-1239.

Publisher: Springer Berlin / Heidelberg Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0032-0935 Label: ReEn Oxyd FuRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Peroxidase - Lignin - Hydrogen peroxide - Pathogen resistance Oxidative burst Abstract: Plant class III peroxidases are involved in numerous responses related to pathogen resistance including controlling hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and lignin formation. Peroxidases catalyze the oxidation of organic compounds using H2O2 as an oxidant. We examined the mechanisms of disease resistance in a transgenic carrot line (P23) which constitutively over-expresses the rice cationic peroxidase OsPrx114 (previously known as PO-C1) and which exhibits enhanced resistance to necrotrophic foliar pathogens.

OsPrx114 over-expression led to a slight enhancement of constitutive transcript levels of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. These transcript levels were dramatically increased in line P23 compared to controls [GUS construct under the control of 35S promoter (35S::GUS)] when tissues were treated with cell wall fragments of the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SS-walls), and to a lesser extent with 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid. There was no basal increase in basal H2O2 levels in tissues of the line P23. However, during an oxidative burst response elicited by SS-walls, H2O2 accumulation was reduced in line P23 despite, typical media alkalinization associated with oxidative burst responses was observed, suggesting that OsPrx114 was involved in rapid H2O2 consumption during the oxidative burst response. Tap roots of line P23 had increased lignin formation in the outer periderm tissues, which was further increased during challenge inoculation with Alternaria radicina. Plant susceptibility to a biotrophic pathogen, Erysiphe heraclei, was not affected. Disease resistance to necrotrophic pathogens in carrot as a result of OsPrx114 over-expression is manifested through increased PR transcript accumulation, rapid removal of H2O2 during oxidative burst response and enhanced lignin formation.

Notes: 44 Ref.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-010-1252-4 Author Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wally Owen, Punja Zamir K Year: 2010 Title: * Genetic engineering for increasing fungal and bacterial disease resistance in crop plants.

Journal: GM Crops Volume 1, Issue 4 July/August 2010.

Label: FuRe BaRe Bioengineering Review Abstract: We review the current and future potential of genetic engineering strategies used to make fungal and bacterial pathogen-resistant GM crops, illustrating different examples of the technologies and the potential benefits and short-falls of the strategies. There are well- established procedures for the production of transgenic plants with resistance towards these pathogens and considerable progress has been made using a range of new methodologies. There are no current commercially available transgenic plant species with increased resistance towards fungal and bacterial pathogens and plants with increased resistance towards viruses only are available.

With an improved understanding of plant signalling pathways in response to a range of other pathogens, such as fungi, additional candidate genes for achieving resistance are being investigated. The potential for engineering plants for resistance against individual devastating diseases or for plants with resistance towards multiple pathogens is discussed in detail.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/13225/ Author Address: Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wang Long, Mai Yan-Xia, Zhang Yan-Chun, Luo Qian, Yang Hong-Quan, Year: 2010 Title: * MicroRNA171c-Targeted SCL6-II, SCL6-III, and SCL6-IV Genes Regulate Shoot Branching in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Molecular Plant 3, 5, 794-806.

Date: September 1, 2010 Accession Number: 10.1093/mp/ssq042 Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana - axillary meristem - miRNA171 SCL6 - shoot branching Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~ 21-nucleotide noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating plant growth and development through directing the degradation of target mRNAs. Axillary meristem activity, and hence shoot branching, is influenced by a complicated network that involves phytohormones such as auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactone. GAI, RGA, and SCR (GRAS) family members take part in a variety of developmental processes, including axillary bud growth. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana microRNA171c (miR171c) acts to negatively regulate shoot branching through targeting GRAS gene family members SCARECROW-LIKE6-II (SCL6-II), SCL6-III, and SCL6-IV for cleavage. Transgenic plants overexpressing MIR171c (35Spro-MIR171c) and scl6-II scl6-III scl6-IV triple mutant plants exhibit a similar reduced shoot branching phenotype. Expression of any one of the miR171c-resistant versions of SCL6-II, SCL6-III, and SCL6-IV in 35Spro-MIR171c plants rescues the reduced shoot branching phenotype. Scl6-II scl6-III scl6-IV mutant plants exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes such as increased chlorophyll accumulation, decreased primary root elongation, and abnormal leaf and flower patterning. SCL6-II, SCL6-III, and SCL6-IV are located to the nucleus, and show transcriptional activation activity. Our results suggest that miR171ctargeted SCL6-II, SCL6-III, and SCL6-IV play an important role in the regulation of shoot branch production.

URL: http://mplant.oxfordjournals.org/content/3/5/794.abstract Author Address: aNational Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China bSchool of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wang XiuRong, Shen JianBo, Liao Hong,

Year: 2010 Title: * Acquisition or utilization, which is more critical for enhancing phosphorus efficiency in modern crops?

Journal: Plant Science 179, 4.

Accession Number: CABI:20103250640 Label: ReEn Physiol Phosphore Keywords: carbohydrates; carbon; crop yield; cultivars; intensive cropping; phosphorus; plant nutrition; root systems; roots; soyabeans; translocation; use efficiency cultivated varieties; intensive crops; saccharides; soybeans Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is one of the major factors worldwide limiting crop growth. Enhancing P efficiency in plants can be achieved through improving P acquisition, utilization, or both. Which of these approaches is more critical for enhancing P efficiency in crops, particularly in intensive cropping systems? P availability is unevenly distributed through the soil profile. Most modern crop cultivars are selected through conventional breeding approaches for better adaptation to stratified soil P by root architectural and morphological traits that allow for more P acquisition from the P-rich soil surface zone. Conversely, most crops have relatively efficient P uptake capacity but low P translocation and remobilization. Hence, phosphorus utilization efficiency (PUE) becomes a significant bottleneck for further improvements in crop P efficiency. Furthermore, the modification of root systems requires additional carbon input, and thus crops might sacrifice carbohydrates for higher yield to meet demand for P acquisition. With the support from soybean transformation studies, we speculate that enhancement of PUE might become a potentially powerful strategy for increasing P efficiency in modern crops grown in intensive cropping systems.

URL: <Go to ISI>://20103250640 Author Address: Root Biology Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wang Xuming, Yang Yong, Yu Chulang, Zhou Jie, Cheng Ye, Yan Chengqi, Chen Jianping, Year: 2010 Title: * A Highly Efficient Method for Construction of Rice Artificial MicroRNA Vectors.

Secondary Title: Molecular Biotechnology 46, 3, 211-218.

Publisher: Humana Press Inc. Date: 2010-11-01 ISBN/ISSN: 1073-6085 Label: Bioengineering Expression Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Oryza sativa - Gene silencing - Artificial miRNA - Vector construction Abstract: Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) has become a powerful tool for gene silencing in plants. A new method for easy and rapid construction of rice artificial miRNA vector is described. The procedure involved modification of the pCAMBIA1300-UR vector by insertion of a ‘vector modification fragment’. This was prepared from the precursor of Os-amiR528 by eliminating the central miRNA-containing region while simultaneously creating an AfeI restriction site. The fragment was then introduced to the destination vector to produce a multipurpose ‘Highly Efficient gene Silencing Compatible vector’ (HESC vector). AfeI was used to produce linearized HESC vectors, and a blunt end PCR product that included amiRNA sequence was cloned into this site by a single ligation reaction to create the completed amiRNA vector. Tests showed that the method was highly efficient, and greatly reduced the time needed for vector construction and resulted in a DNA sequence identical to that of the current method, making it particularly suitable for use in a systems biology approach to functional genomic research.

Notes: 28 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12033-010-9291-4 Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Weale A Year: 2010 Title: * Ethical Arguments Relevant to the Use of GM Crops.

Journal: N Biotechnol. 2010 Sep 15. [Epub ahead of print].

Keywords: Adoption Socioeconomic Abstract: The Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) has published two reports (1999 and 2004) on the social and ethical issues involved in the use of genetically modified crops. This presentation summarises their core ethical arguments. Five sets of ethical concerns have been raised about GM crops: potential harm to human health; potential damage to the environment; negative impact on traditional farming practice; excessive corporate dominance; and the 'unnaturalness' of the technology. The NCOB examined these claims in the light of the principle of general human welfare, the maintenance of human rights and the principle of justice. It concluded in relation to the issue of 'unnaturalness' that GM modification did not differ to such an extent from conventional breeding that it is in itself morally objectionable. In making an assessment of possible costs, benefits and risks, it was necessary to proceed on a case by case basis. However, the potential to bring about significant benefits in developing countries (improved nutrition, enhanced pest resistance, increased yields and new products) meant that there was an ethical obligation to explore these potential benefits responsibly, in order to contribute to the reduction of poverty, and improve food security and profitable agriculture in developing countries. NCOB held that these conclusions were consistent with any practical precautionary approach. In particular, in applying a precautionary approach the risks associated with the status quo need to be considered, as well as any risks inherent in the technology. These ethical requirements have implications for the governance of the technology, in particular mechanisms for enabling small scale farmers to express their preferences for traits selected by plant breeders and mechanisms for the diffusion of risk-based evaluations.

Author Address: Chair, Nuffield Council on Bioethics, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wei Junjie Year: 2010 Title: ?? Application of transgenic plants and its security analysis.

Journal: ANHUI AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE BULLETIN: 2010 16(11) Label: Bioengineering EvaluationRisque InRe ReEn Keywords: Key words: transgenic plant genetic engineering safety Keywords: Safety analysis of transgenic plants empowerment Security AnalysisTechnology pest-resistant crops resistant to stress the quality of training quality Abstract: Describes the application of transgenic plants, transgenic plants can enhance the ability of plants to resist stress and enhance crop resistance to pests and diseases, but also can improve the quality and quality of plants, and the safety of transgenic plants were analyzed.

Author Address: Baoding, Hebei, Baoding, 071001 China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wei Wei, Jian Huang, Yu-Jun Hao, Hong-Feng Zou, Hui-Wen Wang, Jing-Yun Zhao, Xue-Yi Liu, Wan-Ke Zhang, Biao Ma, Jin-Song Zhang, Shou-Yi Chen, Year: 2009 Title: * Soybean GmPHD-Type Transcription Regulators Improve Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants.

Label: ReEn Expression Abstract: Background Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the most important crops for oil and protein resource. Improvement of stress tolerance will be beneficial for soybean seed production.

Principal Findings Six GmPHD genes encoding Alfin1-type PHD finger protein were identified and their expressions differentially responded to drought, salt, cold and ABA treatments. The six GmPHDs were nuclear proteins and showed ability to bind the cis-element â&#x20AC;&#x2022;GTGGAGâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;. The N-terminal domain of GmPHD played a major role in DNA binding. Using a protoplast assay system, we find that GmPHD1 to GmPHD5 had transcriptional suppression activity whereas GmPHD6 did not have. In yeast assay, the GmPHD6 can form homodimer and heterodimer with the other GmPHDs except GmPHD2. The N-terminal plus the variable regions but not the PHD-finger is required for the dimerization. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the GmPHD2 showed salt

tolerance when compared with the wild type plants. This tolerance was likely achieved by diminishing the oxidative stress through regulation of downstream genes.

Significance These results provide important clues for soybean stress tolerance through manipulation of PHD-type transcription regulator.

Notes: Funding: This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2006CB100102, 2009CB118402), and the National Hightech Program of China (2006AA10Z1F4, 2006AA10Z113, 2006AA10A111, 2007AA021402). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

URL: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007209 Author Address: Plant Gene Research Center, National Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Institute of economic crops, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fenyang, Shanxi, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wei Xiangjin, Xu Junfeng, Guo Hongnian, Jiang Ling, Chen Saihua, Yu Chuanyuan, Zhou Zhenling, Hu Peisong, Zhai Huqu, Wan Jianmin Year: 2010 Title: * DTH8 Suppresses Flowering in Rice, Influencing Plant Height and Yield Potential Simultaneously.

Journal: Plant Physiol. 153, 4, 1747-1758.

Date: August 1, 2010 Keywords: Physiol Abstract: The three most important agronomic traits of rice (Oryza sativa), yield, plant height, and flowering time, are controlled by many quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In this study, a newly identified QTL, DTH8 (QTL for days to heading on chromosome 8), was found to regulate these three traits in rice. Map-based cloning reveals that DTH8 encodes a putative HAP3 subunit of the CCAAT-box-binding transcription factor and the complementary experiment increased significantly days to heading, plant height, and number of grains per panicle in CSSL61 (a chromosome segment substitution line that carries the nonfunctional DTH8 allele) with the Asominori functional DTH8 allele under long-day conditions. DTH8 is expressed in most tissues and its protein is localized to the nucleus exclusively. The quantitative real-time PCR assay revealed that DTH8 could down-regulate the transcriptions of Ehd1 (for Early heading date1) and Hd3a (for Heading date3a; a rice ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS T) under long-day conditions. Ehd1 and Hd3a can also be down-regulated by the photoperiodic flowering genes Ghd7 and Hd1 (a rice ortholog of CONSTANS). Meanwhile, the transcription of DTH8 has been proved to be independent of Ghd7 and Hd1, and the natural mutation of this gene caused weak photoperiod sensitivity and shorter plant height. Taken together, these data indicate that DTH8 probably plays an important role in the signal network of photoperiodic flowering as a novel suppressor as well as in the regulation of plant height and yield potential.

URL: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/abstract/153/4/1747 Author Address: State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Jiangsu Provincial Center of Plant Gene Engineering, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China Chinese National Center for Rice Improvement, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 310006, China Institute of Crop Science, National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wendt Claudia, Bernd Freier, Christa Volkmar, Markus Schorling, Katrin Wieacker, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Assessment of Bt maize effects on non-target arthropods in field studies using the evaluation approach of ―good ecological state‖.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 103-109.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: InRe ImpactBiol Abstract: In the context of GMO safety research, the occurrence of non-target arthropods were monitored in maize fields and evaluated in order to detect possible effects of Bt maize using the ―good ecological state‖ approach. These studies were performed in half-fields of Bt maize (MON 810) (BT) and conventionally cultivated maize (CV) planted in the Oderbruch region (Brandenburg, Germany), an infestation area of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in the years 2000-2007. Non-target arthropod taxa and densities were determined by counting insects on plants (5 sampling points/half- field) and pitfall traps (6 sampling points/half-field). In most cases, taxa had to be pooled to higher taxonomic units (indicator groups), e. g.

Thysanoptera and aphid predators (predator units), due to low density or difficulty in identifying species.

Carabids and spiders in pitfall traps were determined to the species level but also pooled for statistical analysis.

Using five (visual counting) or six (pitfall trapping) sampling points per CV and BT half-field, we tested for density variation within and between the respective half-field within and between the respective years. The approach utilises baseline values to calculate ―corridors of good ecological state‖, defined as a range delimited by the 10% and 90% quantiles of densities in the CV half-fields during the last 5 years (2003-2007). Corridors were defined for each indicator group, e. g., for Thysanoptera and carabids, 2.9 to 12.6 individuals per stem and 23.2 to 60.4 individuals per trap and week, respectively. If significant differences between CV and BT halffields are found in connection with CV or BT values outside the corridor limits, these cases should be subjected to particularly thorough evaluation. This approach proved to be inappropriate for arthropods with extreme abundance variation, e.g. aphids. Its utilisation as a tool for a „case-specific monitoring― of effects of Bt maize on non-target arthropods is being discussed.

Author Address: Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wilson Yi Song, Andres Wiemken, Thomas Boller, Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Interplay of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with transgenic and non-transgenic wheat.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 91-95.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: FuRe ImpactBiol Abstract: This study aims to assess whether genes transferred to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), directed against specific pathogenic fungi, may also influence the beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The results of our field experiment show: first, the level of fertilization used according to current farming practices leads to a significant reduction of mycorrhizal colonization, both in non-transgenic and transgenic wheat lines; second, the destruction of plants in certain experimental field plots by vandals also significantly affected mycorrhiza formation of the remaining healthy plants. Third, although these results must still be confirmed using more samples from other plots, the differences of root colonization between transgenic and nontransgenic plants do not seem to be significant.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Woo Hye Ryun, Kim Jin Hee, Kim Junyoung, Kim Jeongsik, Lee Ung, Song In-Ja, Kim Jin-Hong, Lee Hyo-Yeon, Nam Hong Gil, Lim Pyung Ok, Year: 2010 Title: * The RAV1 transcription factor positively regulates leaf senescence in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 61, 14, 3947-3957.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Arabidopsis leaf senescence RAV1 senescence regulator transcription factor Abstract: Leaf senescence is a developmentally programmed cell death process that constitutes the final step of leaf development and involves the extensive reprogramming of gene expression. Despite the importance of senescence in plants, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. This study reports the isolation and functional analysis of RAV1, which encodes a RAV family transcription factor. Expression of RAV1 and its homologues is closely associated with leaf maturation and senescence. RAV1 mRNA increased

at a later stage of leaf maturation and reached a maximal level early in senescence, but decreased again during late senescence. This profile indicates that RAV1 could play an important regulatory role in the early events of leaf senescence. Furthermore, constitutive and inducible overexpression of RAV1 caused premature leaf senescence. These data strongly suggest that RAV1 is sufficient to cause leaf senescence and it functions as a positive regulator in this process.

URL: http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/14/3947.abstract Author Address: 1 Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, Korea 2 Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Hyojadong, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 790-784, Korea 3 Subtropical Horticulture Researcher Center, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756, Korea 4 Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup, Jeollabukdo, 580-185, Korea 5 Faulty of Biotechnology, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756, Korea 6 National Core Research Center for Systems Bio-Dynamics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Hyojadong, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 790-784, Korea 7 Department of Science Education, Jeju National University, 66 Jejudaehakno, Jeju, 690-756, Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wu G, Chen FJ, Ge F, Xiao N-W, Year: 2010 Title: * Impacts of elevated CO2 on expression of plant defensive compounds in Bt-transgenic cotton in response to infestation by cotton bollworm.

Journal: Agricultural and Forest Entomology Article first published online: 14 SEP 2010 - DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-9563.2010.00508.x.

Pages: no Label: InRe Efficacite ImpactBiol Keywords: Closed-dynamics CO2 chamber condensed tannin cotton bollworm defensive compounds elevated CO2 Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) transgenic Bt cotton Abstract: 1 - The allocation of defensive compounds of transgenic Bt (cv. GK-12) and nontransgenic cotton (cv. Simian-3) grown in elevated CO2 in response to infestation by cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (HĂźbner) was studied in closed-dynamics CO2 chambers.

2 - A significant reduction in foliar nitrogen content and Bt toxin protein occurred when transgenic Bt cotton grew under elevated CO2. A significantly higher carbon/nitrogen ratio as well as condensed tannin and gossypol contents was observed for transgenic Bt (cv. GK-12) and nontransgenic cotton in elevated CO2, in partial support of the carbon nutrient balance hypothesis as a result of limiting nitrogen and excess carbon in cotton plants in response to elevated CO2.

3 - The CO2 level and infestation time significantly affected the foliar nitrogen, condensed tannin, gossypol and Bt toxin protein contents of cotton plants after feeding by H. armigera. The interaction between CO2 levels Ă&#x2014; cotton variety had a significant effect on foliar nitrogen content after injury by H. armigera.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-9563.2010.00508.x Author Address: 1State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China 2College of Plant Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China 3Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, P. R. China 4Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, No. 8 Dayangfang Anwai, Chaoyang, Beijing 100012, P. R. China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Wu Hui-Wen , Tsong-Ann Yu, Joseph A. J. Raja, Serene Judith Christopher, Sine-Lan Wang, ShyiDong Yeh, Year: 2010 Title: * Double-Virus Resistance of Transgenic Oriental Melon Conferred by Untranslatable Chimeric Construct Carrying Partial Coat Protein Genes of Two Viruses.

Journal: Plant Disease November 2010, Volume 94, Number 11, Pages 1341-1347

DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-11-09-0742 Label: ViRe Bioengineering Abstract: Production of oriental melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa) in Asia is often limited by two potyviruses, the watermelon infecting type of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV W) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). In order to engineer transgenic resistance to these two viruses, an untranslatable chimeric DNA comprising partial coat protein (CP) sequences of ZYMV and PRSV W was constructed and used to transform the elite cultivar of oriental melon, Silver Light, by Agrobacterium. Greenhouse evaluation by mechanical challenges with ZYMV and PRSV W, alone or together, identified transgenic lines exhibiting different levels of resistance or complete immunity to ZYMV and PRSV W. Molecular analyses of transgenic lines revealed random insertion of transgene into the host genome, with insert numbers differing among transformants. There was no correlation between transgene insert numbers and the degree of resistance expressed by transgenic lines.

The levels of accumulation of transgene transcript varied among transgenic lines. However, an inverse correlation was observed between the level of accumulation of transgene transcripts and the degree of virus resistance. Moreover, small interfering (si)RNA was readily detected from the immune and highly resistant lines, but not from the weakly resistant and susceptible lines. Altogether, our results indicated that RNAmediated post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) was the underlying mechanism of double-virus resistance of the transgenic melon lines. The segregation analysis of the R1 progeny of the immune line ZW-1 indicated that the single inserted transgene is associated with the resistance phenotype and is inherited as a dominant trait.

These transgenic melon lines with high degrees of resistance to ZYMV and PRSV W have great potential for the control of ZYMV and PRSV W in C. melo in Asia and elsewhere.

Author Address: Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan; Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xie Z, Li D, Wang L, Sack FD, Grotewold E, Year: 2010 Title: * Role of the Stomatal Development Regulators FLP/MYB88 in Abiotic Stress Responses.

Journal: The Plant Journal Received - Date: 22-Jul-2010 - Revised Date : 30-Aug-2010 - Accepted Date: 08Sep-2010 Pages: no Label: ReEn Physiol Keywords: FLP/MYB88 MYB salt stress abscisic acid Arabidopsis stomata Abstract: Stomata are vital for plant adaptation to abiotic stress, and in turn stomatal density is modulated by environmental factors. Less clear, however, is whether regulators of stomatal development themselves participate in the sensing or response of stomata to abiotic stress. FOUR LIPS (FLP) and its paralog MYB88 encode MYB proteins that establish stomatal patterning by permitting only a single symmetric division before stomata differentiate. Hence, flp-1 myb88 double mutants have an excess of stomata, which are often misplaced in direct contact. Here, we investigated the consequences of loss of FLP/MYB88 function on the ability of Arabidopsis plants to respond to abiotic stress. While flp-1 myb88 double mutants are viable and display no obvious aerial phenotypes under normal greenhouse growth conditions, we show that flp-1 myb88 plants are significantly more susceptible to drought and high salt, and have increased rates of water loss. To determine whether flp-1 myb88 plants are already challenged under normal growth conditions, we compared genomewide transcript levels between flp-1 myb88 and wild type green tissues. Unexpectedly, uninduced flp-1 myb88 plants showed a reduced accumulation of many typical abiotic stress gene transcripts. Moreover, the induction of many of these stress genes under high salt conditions was significantly lower in flp-1 myb88 plants. Our results provide evidence for a new function of FLP/MYB88 in sensing and/or transducing abiotic stress, which is severely compromised in flp-1 myb88 mutants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04364.x Author Address: 1Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio,43210 USA 2Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, 96822 Hawaii USA 3Plant Biotechnology Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 USA 4Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

5Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xie Zidian, Lee EunKyoung, Lucas Jessica R, Morohashi Kengo, Li Dongmei, Murray James AH, Sack Fred D, Grotewold Erich, Year: 2010 Title: * Regulation of Cell Proliferation in the Stomatal Lineage by the Arabidopsis MYB FOUR LIPS via Direct Targeting of Core Cell Cycle Genes.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2306-2321.

Date: July 1, 2010 Alternate Journal: Plant Cell Label: Physiol Abstract: Stomata, which are epidermal pores surrounded by two guard cells, develop from a specialized stem cell lineage and function in shoot gas exchange. The Arabidopsis thaliana FOUR LIPS (FLP) and MYB88 genes encode closely related and atypical two-MYB-repeat proteins, which when mutated result in excess divisions and abnormal groups of stomata in contact. Consistent with a role in transcription, we show here that FLP and MYB88 are nuclear proteins with DNA binding preferences distinct from other known MYBs. To identify possible FLP/MYB88 transcriptional targets, we used chromatin immunoprecitation (ChIP) followed by hybridization to Arabidopsis whole genome tiling arrays. These ChIP-chip data indicate that FLP/MYB88 target the upstream regions especially of cell cycle genes, including cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and components of the prereplication complex. In particular, we show that FLP represses the expression of the mitosis-inducing factor CDKB1;1, which, along with CDKB1;2, is specifically required both for the last division in the stomatal pathway and for cell overproliferation in flp mutants. We propose that FLP and MYB88 together integrate patterning with the control of cell cycle progression and terminal differentiation through multiple and direct cell cycle targets. FLP recognizes a distinct cis-regulatory element that overlaps with that of the cell cycle activator E2F-DP in the CDKB1;1 promoter, suggesting that these MYBs may also modulate E2F-DP pathways.

Notes: The MYB protein FOUR LIPS (FLP) promotes Arabidopsis stomatal patterning by suppressing cell division before differentiation. FLP direct targets were found to be enriched in cell cycle genes that function in both S-G1 and G2-M phase, indicating that this transcription factor acts as a developmental integrator.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2306 Author Address: a Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 b Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada c Plant Biotechnology Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 d Department of Statistics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 USA e Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UKingdom XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xiong G, Li R, Qian Q, Song X, Liu X, Yu Y, Zeng D, Wan J, Li J, Zhou Y, Year: 2010 Title: * The rice dynamin-related protein DRP2B mediates membrane trafficking, and thereby plays a critical role in secondary cell wall cellulose biosynthesis.

Journal: The Plant Journal 64, 1, 56-70.

Label: Physiol Keywords: dynamin-related protein OsDRP2B cellulose biosynthesis membrane trafficking rice Abstract: Summary Membrane trafficking between the plasma membrane (PM) and intracellular compartments is an important process that regulates the deposition and metabolism of cell wall polysaccharides. Dynaminrelated proteins (DRPs), which function in membrane tubulation and vesiculation are closely associated with cell wall biogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which DRPs participate in cell wall formation are poorly understood. Here, we report the functional characterization of Brittle Culm3 (BC3), a gene encoding OsDRP2B. Consistent with the expression of BC3 in mechanical tissues, the bc3 mutation reduces mechanical strength, which results from decreased cellulose content and altered secondary wall structure. OsDRP2B, one of three members of the DRP2 subfamily in rice (Oryza sativa L.), was identified as an authentic membraneassociated dynamin via in vitro biochemical analyses. Subcellular localization of fluorescence-tagged

OsDRP2B and several compartment markers in protoplast cells showed that this protein not only lies at the PM and the clathrin-mediated vesicles, but also is targeted to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). An FM4-64 uptake assay in transgenic plants that express green fluorescent protein-tagged OsDRP2B verified its involvement in an endocytic pathway. BC3 mutation and overexpression altered the abundance of cellulose synthase catalytic subunit 4 (OsCESA4) in the PM and in the endomembrane systems. All of these findings lead us to conclude that OsDRP2B participates in the endocytic pathway, probably as well as in post-Golgi membrane trafficking.

Mutation of OsDRP2B disturbs the membrane trafficking that is essential for normal cellulose biosynthesis of the secondary cell wall, thereby leading to inferior mechanical properties in rice plants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04308.x Author Address: 1State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China 2State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310006, China 3National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xu Huini, Li Kunzhi, Yang Fengjuan, Shi Qinghua, Wang Xiufeng, Year: 2010 Title: * Overexpression of CsNMAPK in tobacco enhanced seed germination under salt and osmotic stresses.

Secondary Title: Molecular Biology Reports 37, 7, 3157-3163.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0301-4851 Label: ReEn Salin Osmotic Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - MAPK - Transgenic tobacco - Salt stress - Osmotic stress Abstract: In this research, biological function of CsNMAPK, encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase of cucumber, was investigated under salt and osmotic stresses. Northern blot analysis showed that the expression of CsNMAPK was induced by salt and osmotic stresses in the cucumber root. In order to determine whether CsNMAPK was involved in plant tolerance to salt and osmotic stresses, transgenic tobacco plants constitutively overexpressing CsNMAPK were generated. Northern and Western blot analysis showed that strong signals were detected in the RNA and protein samples extracted from transgenic lines, whereas no signal was detected in the wild type tobacco, indicating that CsNMAPK was successfully transferred into tobacco genome and overexpressed. The results of seed germination showed that germination rates of transgenic lines were significantly higher than wild type under high salt and osmotic stresses. In addition, seed growth of transgenic lines was much better than wild type under salt and osmotic stresses. These results indicated that overexpression of CsNMAPK positively regulated plant tolerance to salt and osmotic stresses.

Notes: 35 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11033-009-9895-6 Author Address: (1) State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai‘an, 271018, People‘s Republic of China (2) Biotechnology Research Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650224, People‘s Republic of China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xu Tongda, Wen Mingzhang, Nagawa Shingo, Fu Ying, Chen Jin-Gui, Wu Ming-Jing, PerrotRechenmann Catherine, Friml Jirí, Jones Alan M., Yang Zhenbiao, Year: 2010 Title: * Cell Surface- and Rho GTPase-Based Auxin Signaling Controls Cellular Interdigitation in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Cell 143, 1, 99-110.

Date: 2010/10/1/ Label: Physiol Keywords: SIGNALING DEVBIO

Abstract: Summary Auxin is a multifunctional hormone essential for plant development and pattern formation.

A nuclear auxin-signaling system controlling auxin-induced gene expression is well established, but cytoplasmic auxin signaling, as in its coordination of cell polarization, is unexplored. We found a cytoplasmic auxin-signaling mechanism that modulates the interdigitated growth of Arabidopsis leaf epidermal pavement cells (PCs), which develop interdigitated lobes and indentations to form a puzzle-piece shape in a twodimensional plane. PC interdigitation is compromised in leaves deficient in either auxin biosynthesis or its export mediated by PINFORMED 1 localized at the lobe tip. Auxin coordinately activates two Rho GTPases, ROP2 and ROP6, which promote the formation of complementary lobes and indentations, respectively.

Activation of these ROPs by auxin occurs within 30 s and depends on AUXIN-BINDING PROTEIN 1. These findings reveal Rho GTPase-based auxin-signaling mechanisms, which modulate the spatial coordination of cell expansion across a field of cells.

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WSN-514HKDKG/2/8b748b3f0e96bf6a2820e2c3b6baf8d0 Author Address: 1 Center for Plant Cell Biology, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA 2 Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA 3 Institut des Sciences du VĂŠgĂŠtal, CNRS, UPR2355, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France 4 Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, and Department of Molecular Genetics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Gent, Belgium 5 Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xu Xiangbin, Guo Sai, Chen Kai, Song Hongmiao, Liu Junjun, Guo Longbiao, Qian Qian, Wang Huizhong, Year: 2010 Title: * A 796 bp PsPR10 gene promoter fragment increased root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene under the abiotic stresses and signal molecules in tobacco.

Secondary Title: Biotechnology Letters 32, 10, 1533-1539.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0141-5492 Label: ReEn Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - GUS - Pinus strobus - PR10 gene - Promoter - Root-specific expression Abstract: Purpose of work: This study describes an inducible root-specific promoter for transgenic plants and supplies a potential tool for regulating expression of endogenous or foreign proteins in plant roots.

A 1681 bp PsPR10 promoter was isolated from Pinus strobus and a series of 5'-deletions were fused to the glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and introduced into tobacco. GUS activity in P796 (-796 to +69) construct transgenic plant roots was similar with that of P1681 and higher than those of the P513 (-513 to +69) and P323 (-323 to +69) transgenic plants. Moreover, the abiotic stresses of NaCl, PEG 6000 and mannitol, and salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) induced higher GUS activity in the roots of P796 transgenic tobacco. This study provides a potential inducible root-specific promoter for transgenic plants.

Notes: 16 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10529-010-0312-y Author Address: (1) College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China (2) The Institute of Crop and Nuclear Technology Utilization, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China (3) Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC, V8Z 1M5, Canada (4) China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Xu Zheng, Hennessy David, Moschini GianCarlo, Year: 2010 Title: * Have Biotech Seeds Increased Maize Yields?

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado USA Label: InRe HeTo Rendement Keywords: Biotechnology Corn Yield Trend Regional Effects Weather Fertilization Abstract: Corn yield is determined by soils, weather, seed used and other technology choices. Global population and per capita income growth trends as well as demand from the energy sector have placed great stress on cropland use. Global cropland acres and/or yield per acre will need to increase. Whether new seed technologies have enhanced corn yield is a controversial issue. We study U.S. county corn yields 1964-2008, controlling for location effects, fertilization technologies and weather. We find evidence that trend yield growth has been fastest in the Central Corn Belt, genetic modification technologies have increased trend yield, and this increase has been largest in the Central Corn Belt.

Notes: Full text : Introduction: Global demand for maize has grown due to market conditions and government policies. Concerns have been raised about whether the crop can meet demands for both food and fuel. In addition, there are also worries about environmental problems arising from more and more intensively managed maize acres because the crop requires high input use levels. So whether a production innovation can increase yields is crucial in determining long-run capacity to meet demands. If it does, more of the crop will be available to meet all demands and less stress need be placed on the environment. The introduction of commercial hybrid varieties dramatically improved yields during the middle twentieth century. However, whether the advent of genetic modification techniques has enhanced yields is not clear.

The matter is not straightforward. First, the introduced genetic traits have largely been targeted at pests where pesticides were already in widespread use. Thus, the new â&#x20AC;&#x2022;technology packageâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; might have offered incentives for farmers' adoption regardless of a possible yield effect. Second, any assessment of the effects of a technology on yields needs to control for random weather effects. Finally, the data show that fertilization rates have trended up in maize production over the past half century, so that this effect also needs to be controlled for.

Compared with other work that has sought to decompose maize yield trends in the United States, our study of yield trends relies on a more extensive county-level database (refer to map 1), uses more specific and detailed weather data, allows for weather non-linearities and changes in nitrogen use, and also explicitly includes the effect of farmers' adoption of GM varieties. We also address the question of whether GM yield effects differ between Central-Corn-Belt (CCB) and Non-CCB regions.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61303 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61303/2/00057571.pdf Author Address: Department of Economics, Iowa State University USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yaish MW, El-kereamy A, Zhu T, Beatty PH, Good AG, Yong-Mei Bi, Steven J. Rothstein, Year: 2010 Title: * The APETALA-2-Like Transcription Factor OsAP2-39 Controls Key Interactions between Abscisic Acid and Gibberellin in Rice.

Journal: PLoS Genet 6(9): e1001098. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1001098 Label: Physiol Abstract: The interaction between phytohormones is an important mechanism which controls growth and developmental processes in plants. Deciphering these interactions is a crucial step in helping to develop crops with enhanced yield and resistance to environmental stresses. Controlling the expression level of OsAP2-39 which includes an APETALA 2 (AP2) domain leads to phenotypic changes in rice. Overexpression of OsAP239 leads to a reduction in yield by decreasing the biomass and the number of seeds in the transgenic rice lines.

Global transcriptome analysis of the OsAP2-39 overexpression transgenic rice revealed the upregulation of a key Abscisic Acid (ABA) biosynthetic gene OsNCED-I which codes for 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase and leads to an increase in the endogenous ABA level. In addition to OsNCED-1, the gene expression analysis

revealed the upregulation of a gene that codes for the Elongation of Upper most Internode (EUI) protein, an enzyme that catalyzes 16a, 17-epoxidation of non-13-hydroxylated GAs, which has been shown to deactivate gibberellins (GAs) in rice. The exogenous application of GA restores the wild-type phenotype in the transgenic line and ABA application induces the expression of EUI and suppresses the expression of OsAP2-39 in the wild-type line. These observations clarify the antagonistic relationship between ABA and GA and illustrate a mechanism that leads to homeostasis of these hormones. In vivo and in vitro analysis showed that the expression of both OsNCED-1 and EUI are directly controlled by OsAP2-39. Together, these results reveal a novel mechanism for the control of the ABA/GA balance in rice which is regulated by OsAP2-39 that in turn regulates plant growth and seed production.

Hormones play an important role in controlling plant growth and development through a dynamic and complicated set of interactions. ABA and GA are well-known as antagonistic partners although the mechanism through which this occurs still needs further elucidation. In this project, we found that a transcription factor isolated from rice and coding for the AP2 domain (OsAP2-39) directly controls a key ABA biosynthetic gene (OsNCED-1) and also a gene that codes for a GA deactivation protein (EUI). In addition, we show that ABA induces the expression of EUI which in turn would lead to GA deactivation. ABA also suppresses OsAP2-39 expression which would lead to a reduction in ABA synthesis. Therefore, OsAP2-39 links the ABA production and GA deactivation processes which results in ABA/GA balance and homeostasis.

URL: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1001098 Author Address: 1 Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 2 Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, 3 Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America, USA 4 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yamano Takashi, Tsujikawa Tomoki, Hatano Kyoko, Ozawa Shin-ichiro, Takahashi Yuichiro, Fukuzawa Hideya, Year: 2010 Title: * Light and Low-CO2-Dependent LCIBâ€―LCIC Complex Localization in the Chloroplast Supports the Carbon-Concentrating Mechanism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology 51, 9, 1453-1468.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Keywords: Carbon-concentrating mechanism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Chloroplast LciB Photosynthesis Pyrenoid Abstract: The carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) is essential to support photosynthesis under CO2limiting conditions in aquatic photosynthetic organisms, including the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The CCM is assumed to be comprised of inorganic carbon transport systems that, in conjunction with carbonic anhydrases, maintain high levels of CO2 around ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase in a specific compartment called the pyrenoid. A set of transcripts up-regulated during the induction of the CCM was identified previously and designated as low-CO2 (LC)-inducible genes. Although the functional importance of one of these LC-inducible genes, LciB, has been shown recently, the biochemical properties and detailed subcellular localization of its product LCIB remain to be elucidated. Here, using yeast two-hybrid, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses we provide evidence to demonstrate that LCIB interacts with the LCIB homologous protein LCIC in yeast and in vivo. We also show that LCIB and LCIC are colocalized in the vicinity of the pyrenoid under LC conditions in the light, forming a hexamer complex of approximately 350 kDa, as estimated by gel filtration chromatography. LCIB localization around the pyrenoid was dependent on light illumination and LC conditions during active operation of the CCM. In contrast, in the dark or under high-CO2 conditions when the CCM was inactive, LCIB immediately diffused away from the pyrenoid. Based on these observations, we discuss possible functions of the LCIBâ€―LCIC complex in the CCM. URL: http://pcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/51/9/1453.abstract Author Address: 1Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan 2Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan 3Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan

Yamano Takashi Present address: Centre national de la recherché scientifique, UMR 7141, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yamaura Koichi, Xia Tian Year: 2010 Title: ¤ Competition in Japanese Genetically Modified Soybean Import Market.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado Label: Socioeconomic Keywords: Market Power GM Soybean Abstract: Background > The Japanese soybean market is very unique. Japan is the third largest importing country of GM soybeans.

Only non•]GM soybeans are used for direct human consumption such as Tofu, Misoand Natto, while GM soybeans are used for oiland feedstuffs. > 22% for human consumption, 75% for oil, and 3% for feedstuffs in the Japanese soybean market . > GM soybeans are all imported with 74% from U.S., 15% from Brazil, and 8% from Canada. > Goldberg and Knetter(1999) estimated residual demand elasticitiesas a measure of market power of exporters in the cases of German exports of beer and US exports of linearboardpaper. > Carter et al. (1999) assumed that each country was a single firm and interpreted the parameters for cost shifters and demand shifters of the inverse residual demand function as the share•]weighted industry average for all firms within one country. They estimated the simultaneous solution of the maximization problem in the Japanese wheat import market. > Song (2006) used a two•]country partial equilibrium trade model that was developed from inverse residual demand and supply functions.

Objectives > The purpose of this study is to determine which side has more potential market power: U.S. exporters vs.

Japanese importers in the Japanese GM soybean import market. > Analyze the price effects and welfare implications of the market power in the Japanese soybean import market.

Conclusions/Discussions > The analysis using a U.S.•]Japan partial equilibrium trade model shows that U.S. GM soybean exporters have relatively stronger market power than Japanese GM soybean importers. > The profit margin for U.S. GM soybean exporters was estimated to be 9.1% of the export price. This estimate is consistent with those in previous studies. > The Japanese GM soybean importers were price takers during the time period under study. > It is also likely that Japanese importers may have to pay a higher price to purchase GM soybeans in the future. > The long term implication of the difference in market power for Japanese GM soybean importers is that they will purchase more GM soybeans from Brazil and Canada, or seek a new partner that can exports GM soybeans to Japan, such as Argentina.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61514 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61514/1/Koichi%20Yamaura_11285_AAEA2010.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: YANG Xin, LIANG Ai-hua, WU Jiahe, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Progress of transgenic insect-resistant potato.

Journal: JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY (China): 2010 27(3) Label: InRe Bioengineering Efficacite Resistance Review Keywords: Mechanism of insect-resistant transgenic potato plant lectins Jiyin Su Yun progress thuringiensis crystal protein gene of potato inhibitor gene research and application of quality plant genetic research being bred insect pest damage cut method of birth summary measures of protease

Abstract: Potato in the whole growth period are vulnerable to pests, resulting in production or cut potatoes must, at the same time, the quality of potatoes by pest damage has also been seriously affected. Current insectresistant transgenic potato research and application is an effective means of solving pest. Summary the Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein genes, protease inhibitor gene, lectin genes and RNAi for insect-resistant mechanism of potato and its transgenic plants in the progress of transgenic insect-resistant potato varieties foster research and provide methods and countermeasures.

URL: http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/Periodical_swxzz201003019.aspx Author Address: Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006 China Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Microbiology Plant Genomics, State Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100101 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yang Yongxue, Manzhu Bao, Guofeng Liu, Year: 2010 Title: * Factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of embryogenic callus of Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch.

Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Volume 102, Number 3, 373-380.

Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Parthenocissus tricuspidata - Agrobacterium tumefaciens - Embryogenic callus - GUS expression - Transgenic plants Abstract: A protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was developed for embryogenic callus of an excellent climber species, Parthenocissus tricuspidata. A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 or C58 harboring the pCAMBIA2301 binary vector with the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) and ß-glucuronidase (uidA) gene was used. Factors affecting the transformation efficiency, including the Agrobacterium strains, co-cultivation time, Agrobacterium concentration, and infection time, were evaluated. Strain EHA105 proved to be significantly better than C58, and 4 days of co-culture was critical for transformation. An Agrobacterium suspension at a concentration of 0.5–0.7 × 108 cells ml-1 (OD600 = 0.5–0.7) and an infection time of 40 min was optimal for transformation. By applying these optimized parameters, we recovered six independent transformed shoots that were kanamycin-resistant and contained the nptII gene, as verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Southern blot analysis confirmed that T-DNA was stably integrated into the genome of three out of six PCR-positive lines. Furthermore, histochemical GUS assay revealed the expression of the uidA gene in kanamycin-resistant calli, somatic embryos, and leaves of transgenic plants.

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j52q8x00705375k8/ Author Address: (1) Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People‘s Republic of China (2) Present address: Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 430062 Wuhan, People‘s Republic of China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yant Levi, Mathieu Johannes, Dinh Thanh Theresa, Ott Felix, Lanz Christa, Wollmann Heike, Chen Xuemei, Schmid Markus, Year: 2010 Title: * Orchestration of the Floral Transition and Floral Development in Arabidopsis by the Bifunctional Transcription Factor APETALA2.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2156-2170.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol Abstract: The Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor APETALA2 (AP2) has numerous functions, including roles in seed development, stem cell maintenance, and specification of floral organ identity. To understand the relationship between these different roles, we mapped direct targets of AP2 on a genome-wide scale in two tissue types. We find that AP2 binds to thousands of loci in the developing flower, many of which exhibit AP2dependent transcription. Opposing, logical effects are evident in AP2 binding to two microRNA genes that influence AP2 expression, with AP2 positively regulating miR156 and negatively regulating miR172, forming a

complex direct feedback loop, which also included all but one of the AP2-like miR172 target clade members.

We compare the genome-wide direct target repertoire of AP2 with that of SCHLAFMUTZE, a closely related transcription factor that also represses the transition to flowering. We detect clear similarities and important differences in the direct target repertoires that are also tissue specific. Finally, using an inducible expression system, we demonstrate that AP2 has dual molecular roles. It functions as both a transcriptional activator and repressor, directly inducing the expression of the floral repressor AGAMOUS-LIKE15 and directly repressing the transcription of floral activators like SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1.

URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2156 Author Address: a Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 TĂźbingen, Germany b Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA c ChemGen IGERT Program, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yi B, Zeng F, Lei S, Chen Y, Yao X, Zhu Y, Wen J, Shen J, Ma C, Tu J, Fu T, Year: 2010 Title: * Two duplicate CYP704B1-homologous genes BnMs1 and BnMs2 are required for pollen exine formation and tapetal development in Brassica napus.

Journal: The Plant Journal 63, 6, 925-938.

Label: Physiol Keywords: Brassica napus male sterility Arabidopsis-Brassica collinearity BnCYP704B1 pollen exine tapetum Abstract: Summary S45A, a double recessive mutant at both the BnMs1 and BnMs2 loci in Brassica napus, produces no pollen in mature anthers and no seeds by self-fertilization. The BnMs1 and BnMs2 genes, which have redundant functions in the control of male fertility, are positioned on linkage groups N7 and N16, respectively, and are located at the same locus on Arabidopsis chromosome 1 based on collinearity between Arabidopsis and Brassica. Complementation tests indicated that one candidate gene, BnCYP704B1, a member of the cytochrome P450 family, can rescue male sterility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the developing anther showed that pollen-wall formation in the mutant was severely compromised, with a lack of sporopollenin or exine. The phenotype was first evident at the tetrad stage (stageĂ&#x201A; 7) of anther development, coinciding with the maximum BnCYP704B1 mRNA accumulation observed in tapetal cells at stages 7-8 (haploid stage). TEM also suggested that development of the tapetum was seriously defective due to the disturbed lipid metabolism in the S45A mutant. A TUNEL assay indicated that the pattern of programmed cell death in the tapetum of the S45A mutant was defective. Lipid analysis showed that the total fatty acid content was reduced in the S45A mutant, indicating that BnCYP704B1 is involved in lipid metabolism. These data suggest that BnCYP704B1 participates in a vital tapetum-specific metabolic pathway that is not only involved in exine formation but is also required for basic tapetal cell development and function.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04289.x Author Address: National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Rapeseed Improvement in Wuhan, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yokoyama R, Uwagaki Y, Sasaki H, Harada T, Hiwatashi Y,Hasebe M, Nishitani K, Year: 2010 Title: * Biological implications of the occurrence of 32 members of XTH (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase) family of proteins in the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 4 SEP 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase XTH Physcomitrella patens bryophyte cell wall gene family

Abstract: Summary This comprehensive overview of the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family of genes and proteins in bryophytes based on research using genomic resources newly made available for moss, Physcomitrella patens, provides new insights into plant evolution. In angiosperms, the XTH genes constitute large multigene families, likely reflecting the diverse roles of individual XTHs in different cell types.

Given fewer cell types in P. patens than in angiosperms such as Arabidopsis and rice, it is tempting to deduce that there are fewer XTH family genes in bryophytes. Unexpectedly, our present study has identified as many as 32 genes which potentially encode XTH (PpXTH) family proteins in the genome of P. patens, a fairly large multigene family that is comparable in size with that of Arabidopsis and rice. In situ localization of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase activity in this moss indicates that some P. patens XTH proteins exhibit biochemical functions similar to those found in angiosperms and that their expression profiles are tissue-dependent. On the other hand, comparisons of structural features of XTH families of genes between P. patens and angiosperms have demonstrated the existence of several bryophyte-specific XTH genes with distinct structural and functional features not found in angiosperms. These bryophyte-specific XTH genes might have evolved to meet the morphological and functional needs specific to the bryophyte. These findings raise interesting questions about the biological implications of the XTH family of proteins in non-seed plants.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04351.x Author Address: 1Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan 2National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan 3School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan 4ERATO, Japan Science and Technology Agency XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yong Xu Chunbo, Xing unitary, Hai-Xia Zhao, Year: 2010 Title: ?? Construction of Plant Expression Vector Regulated Separately by Two CBF4 Gene Promoters.

Journal: Biological Technology 2010 Vol 20 - 02: Label: Bioengineering Keywords: CaMV35S promoter , CBF4P promoter , CBF4 gene , expression vector Abstract: Objective: To construct mountain constitutive and inducible promoter CaMV35s Promoter Transcription Factors CBF4 CBF4P two plant gene expression vector. Methods: EcoR ? enzyme will CBF4 and CBF4P two Ji Yinqie, the connection to the Bluescript M13 (SK ), the gates were constructed in the vector into two SK-CBF4 and SK-CBF4P, and then use SK multiple cloning sites on the plant expression vector p3301 with the same restriction enzyme sites, will CBF4 and CBF4P connected to the plant expression vector p3301 on the type were constructed by the composition of promoter CaMV35s and inducible promoter regulated transcription factor CBF4 CBF4P two plant gene expression vector p3301-CBF4 and p3301-CBF4P. Results: PCR amplification and recombinant plasmid p3301-CBF4 p3301-CBF4P, 670bp and 1200bp were obtained specific fragment. enzyme detection were also obtained results consistent with the expected DNA fragments.

Conclusion: The two expression vectors were constructed correctly, can be used in plant genetic improvement, and two promoter efficiency of the start.

URL: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fr&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http://www.ilib2.com/P-ISSN~1004311X.html&rurl=translate.google.com Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yoo Do-il Year: 2010 Title: 造The U. S. Corn Farmers' Genetically Modified Technology Adoption with Neighborhood Effects.

Journal: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association>2010 Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010, Denver, Colorado Label: Adoption Keywords: Genetically Modified Neighborhood Effects Abstract: Introduction

Genetically Modified (GM) corn has been dramatically adopted by farmers within just a recent decade since the first generation GM varieties were commercially planted in 1996. For instance, the percentage of GM corn planted acres in 2009 amounts to 85% comparing to 25% in 2000 (USDA/ERS,2009[1]). Such a tremendous diffusion of GM corn in a short history comes with a question about which determinants have influenced corn farmers‘ adoption behaviors.

Previous literatures have analyzed the impact of farmers‘ characteristics on adoption behavior such as farm size, education level, risk preference, and credit access (Fernandez-CornejoandCaswell,2006[2]). However, there are few empirical studies dealing with externalities of social interaction due to lack of accumulated data for GM technology. This study pays attention to neighborhood effects, which account for the tendencies that a farmer‘s adoptionis affected by his/her neighbors‘ behaviors in a peer group(BrockandDurlauf,2002[3]). Our research object is to develop and analyze an empirical model introducing neighborhood effects.

Conclusions According to the results, all the coefficients have expected sign(e.g., negative in terms of price factor, and positive sign with respect to neighborhood effects), and statistically significant. Neighborhood effects affects the log odds of HT only to non GM seed most, and that of STACK least. HHI influences the probabilities of choosing STACK seed most. Also, when IIA is assumed,the multinomial logit model overestimates parameters than the multinomial probit.

This study makes contribution to introducing neighborhood effects into adoption research. Future work may be put on dynamics of learning based on interaction over years.

URL: http://purl.umn.edu/61824 http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/61824/2/%28Doil_Yoo%29%5b11132%5dThe_U.S._Corn_Farmers%27_GM_Technology_Adoption_with_Neighborhood_Eff ects___AAEA_2010.pdf Author Address: Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yoshikazu TANAKA, Filippa BRUGLIERA, Gianna KALC, Mick SENIOR, Barry DYSON, Noriko NAKAMURA, Yukihisa KATSUMOTO and Steve CHANDLER, Year: 2010 Title: * ―Flower Color Modification by Engineering of the Flavonoid Biosynthetic Pathway: Practical Perspectives‖.

Journal: Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., Vol. 74, 1760-1769 (2010) .

Label: Composition Qualite VoieBiosynthese Abstract: The status quo of flavonoid biosynthesis as it relates to flower color is reviewed together with a success in modifying flower color by genetic engineering. Flavonoids and their colored class compounds, anthocyanins, are major contributors to flower color. Many plant species synthesize limited kinds of flavonoids, and thus exhibit a limited range of flower color. Since genes regulating flavonoid biosynthesis are available, it is possible to alter flower color by overexpressing heterologous genes and/or down regulating endogenous genes. Transgenic carnations and a transgenic rose that accumulate delphinidin as a result of expressing a flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase gene and have novel blue hued flowers have been commercialized. Transgenic Nierembergia accumulating pelargonidin, with novel pink flowers, has also been developed. Although it is possible to generate white, yellow, and pink-flowered torenia plants from blue cultivars by genetic engineering, field trial observations indicate difficulty in obtaining stable phenotypes.

URL: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/74/9/1760/_pdf Author Address: Japan & Australia XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yoshiki Habu Year: 2010 Title: * Epigenetic silencing of endogenous repetitive sequences by MORPHEUS‘ MOLECULE1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: epigenetics Volume 5, Issue 7 October 1, 2010 Pages 562 - 565. (Point-of-View).

Label: Expression Review

Abstract: MORPHEUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; MOLECULE1 (MOM1) is a plant-specific epigenetic regulator of transcriptional gene silencing. Mutants of MOM1 release silencing of subsets of endogenous repetitive elements and transgenes without affecting their cytosine methylation status. Although MOM1 is evolutionarily related to CHROMODOMAIN HELICASE DNA BINDING PROTEIN3 (CHD3), a family of chromatin remodeling proteins involved in repression of gene expression, MOM1 does not carry the functional ATPase/helicase domain essential for chromatin remodeling activity, and therefore, its mode of action is unknown. We recently performed a genome-wide survey for endogenous targets silenced by MOM1 and identified loci that are concentrated around centromeres and rich in sequences homologous to the 24-nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that accumulate in wild type plants. Further and independent analyses indicated that the degree of contribution of MOM1 to maintenance of the silent states varies in different loci and that other silencing machineries, including those in the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, interact genetically with MOM1. In this short article, I review what we know about MOM1 and discuss its possible functions in silencing through examination of other silencing factors that interact genetically with MOM1.

URL: http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/epigenetics/article/12518 Author Address: Division of Plant Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yu Bin, Bi Liu, Zhai Jixian, Agarwal Manu, Li Shengben, Wu Qingfa, Ding Shou-Wei, Meyers Blake C., Vaucheret HervĂŠ, Chen Xuemei, Year: 2010 Title: * siRNAs compete with miRNAs for methylation by HEN1 in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Nucleic Acids Research 38, 17, 5844-5850.

Date: September 1, 2010 Alternate Journal: Nucleic Acids Research Label: biolMol Physiol Abstract: Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) bear a 2'-O-methyl group on the 3'-terminal nucleotide. This methyl group is post-synthetically added by the methyltransferase protein HEN1 and protects small RNAs from enzymatic activities that target the 3'-OH. A mutagenesis screen for suppressors of the partial loss-of-function hen1-2 allele in Arabidopsis identified second-site mutations that restore miRNA methylation. These mutations affect two subunits of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV), which is essential for the biogenesis of 24 nt endogenous siRNAs. A mutation in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 2, another essential gene for the biogenesis of endogenous 24-nt siRNAs, also rescued the defects in miRNA methylation of hen1-2, revealing a previously unsuspected, negative influence of siRNAs on HEN1-mediated miRNA methylation. In addition, our findings imply the existence of a negative modifier of HEN1 activity in the Columbia genetic background.

URL: http://nar.oxfordjournals.org/content/38/17/5844.abstract Author Address: 1Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, 2Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711, 3Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA and 4Laboratoire de Biologie Cellulaire, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), 78026 Versailles Cedex, France XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Yu Nan, Cai Wen-Juan, Wang Shucai, Shan Chun-Min, Wang Ling-Jian, Chen Xiao-Ya, Year: 2010 Title: * Temporal Control of Trichome Distribution by MicroRNA156-Targeted SPL Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Journal: Plant Cell 22, 7, 2322-2335.

Date: July 1, 2010 Label: Physiol DisRe InRe Abstract: The production and distribution of plant trichomes is temporally and spatially regulated. After entering into the flowering stage, Arabidopsis thaliana plants have progressively reduced numbers of trichomes on the inflorescence stem, and the floral organs are nearly glabrous. We show here that SQUAMOSA

PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE (SPL) genes, which define an endogenous flowering pathway and are targeted by microRNA 156 (miR156), temporally control the trichome distribution during flowering. Plants overexpressing miR156 developed ectopic trichomes on the stem and floral organs. By contrast, plants with elevated levels of SPLs produced fewer trichomes. During plant development, the increase in SPL transcript levels is coordinated with the gradual loss of trichome cells on the stem. The MYB transcription factor genes TRICHOMELESS1 (TCL1) and TRIPTYCHON (TRY) are negative regulators of trichome development. We show that SPL9 directly activates TCL1 and TRY expression through binding to their promoters and that this activation is independent of GLABROUS1 (GL1). The phytohormones cytokinin and gibberellin were reported to induce trichome formation on the stem and inflorescence via the C2H2 transcription factors GIS, GIS2, and ZFP8, which promote GL1 expression. We show that the GIS-dependent pathway does not affect the regulation of TCL1 and TRY by miR156-targeted SPLs, represented by SPL9. These results demonstrate that the miR156regulated SPLs establish a direct link between developmental programming and trichome distribution.

Notes: The microRNA156-targeted SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN LIKE genes, which were reported to define an endogenous phase transition pathway, temporally control the trichome distribution on the stem and inflorescences by activating the trichome negative regulator genes TRICHOMELESS1 and TRIPTYCHON. URL: http://www.plantcell.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/7/2322 Author Address: a National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, P.R. China b Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032 Shanghai, P.R. China c Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: ZENG Zuocai, ZHANG Xiaodong, WANG Jinluo, YANG Bing, LI Guoping Year: 2010 Title: ?? The Application of Transgenic Plants as Bioreactors in Veterinary Vaccin.

Journal: Biotechnology Bulletin, Year 2010, Issue 5, Page 27-33 Label: Biopharming URL: http://caod.oriprobe.com/articles/23831127/The_Application_of_Transgenic_Plants_as_Bioreactor.htm Author Address: China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang H, Han W, De Smet I, Talboys P, Loya R, Hassan A, Rong H, Jürgens G, Paul Knox J, Wang M, Year: 2010 Title: * ABA promotes QC quiescence and suppresses stem cell differentiation in the Arabidopsis primary root meristem.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 16 SEP 2010 01:54AM EST. Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: ABA Stem cell Root meristem WOX5 MONOPTEROS Abstract: Abstract It is well known that abscisic acid (ABA) can halt meristems for periods without loss of meristem function and also promote root growth at low concentrations, but the mechanisms underlying these regulations are largely unknown. Here we show that ABA promotes stem cell maintenance in Arabidopsis root meristems by both promoting the quiescence of the quiescent centre (QC) and suppressing the differentiation of stem cells and their daughters. We demonstrate that these two ABA’s regulations involve distinct pathways and have identified components in each pathway. Our findings provide a cellular mechanism for a positive role of ABA in promoting root meristem maintenance and root growth in Arabidopsis.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04367.x Author Address: 1Centre for Plant Sciences, Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UKingdom 2School of Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Hyo-Ja 3 dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon 200-701, South Korea 3Department of Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany

4Center for Plant Molecular Biology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang J, Martin JM, Balint-Kurti P, Huang L, Giroux, MJ, Year: 2010 Title: * The Wheat Puroindoline Genes Confer Fungal Resistance in Transgenic Corn.

Journal: Journal of Phytopathology - Article first published online: 22 SEP 2010 Label: FuRe Keywords: Puroindolines corn southern leaf blight resistance Abstract: Puroindoline a and b (Pina and Pinb), together make up the functional components of the wheat grain hardness locus (Ha) and have antimicrobial properties. The antifungal activity of puroindoline proteins, PINA and PINB, has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. In this study, Pina and Pinb were introduced into corn under the control of a corn Ubiquitin promoter. Two Pina/Pinb expressionâ€―positive transgenic events were evaluated for resistance to Cochliobolus heterostrophus, the corn southern leaf blight (SLB) pathogen.

Transgenic corn expressing Pins showed significantly increased tolerance to C. heterostrophus, averaging 42.1% reduction in symptoms. Pins are effective in vivo as antifungal proteins and could be valuable tools in corn SLB control.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0434.2010.01744.x http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-0434.2010.01744.x/full Author Address: 1Authors‘ addresses: Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, 119 Plant Bioscience Building, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA 2USDA-ARS, Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7616, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang J, Nallamilli BR, Mujahid H, Peng Z, Year: 2010 Title: * OsMADS6 plays an essential role in endosperm nutrient accumulation and is subject to epigenetic regulation in rice (Oryza sativa).

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 4 SEP 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: rice OsMADS6 flower development nutrient accumulation epigenetic regulation Abstract: MADS-box transcription factors are known for their roles in plant growth and development. The regulatory mechanisms of spatial and temporal specific expression of MADS-box genes and the function of MADS-box genes in other biological processes remain to be explored. Here we report that OsMADS6 is highly expressed in flower and endosperm in rice (Oryza sativa). In addition to displaying homeotic organ identity phenotype in all the four whorls of the flowers, the endosperm development is severely affected in its mutant.

At least 32% of the seeds lack of starch filling and aborted. For seeds that have starch filling and develop to mature, the starch content is reduced at least 13%. In addition, the seed-shape changes from elliptical into roundish and the protein content increases from 12.1% to 15.0% (P<0.05). Further investigation shows that ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase genes, encoding the rate limiting step enzyme in the starch synthesis pathway, are subject to the regulation of OsMADS6. ChIP-PCR analyses on the chromatin of the OsMADS6 gene find that H3K27 is trimethylated in tissues where OsMADS6 is silenced and that H3K36 is trimethylated in tissues where OsMADS6 is highly activated. Point mutation analysis reveals that Leucine at position 83 is critical to OsMADS6 function.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04354.x Author Address: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang Lin, Chin Dong, Mii Masahiro, Year: 2010 Title: * Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of protocorm-like bodies in Cattleya.

Secondary Title: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103, 1, 41-47.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0167-6857 Label: Bioengineering Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Agrobacterium tumefaciens - Cattleya - Orchid - Protocorm-like body - Transformation Abstract: Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Cattleya orchid CM2450 were cocultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 carrying either plasmid pIG121-Hm harboring genes coding for neomycin phosphotransferase II, hygromycin phosphotransferase, and -glucuronidase (GUS) or plasmid pBBRacdS harboring these same genes along with a gene coding for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. PLBs were maintained in a liquid New Dogashima (ND) medium and then added to a bacterial suspension culture (OD600 # 0.6) yielding dilution ratios of either 1:10 or 1:40, and these were incubated for either 30 min, 3 h, or 6 h. Hygromycin-resistant secondary PLBs were induced after 4 weeks of culture on an ND medium containing 1.0 mg L-1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 0.1 mg L-1 benzyladenine (BA), 10 mg L-1 hygromycin, 20 mg L-1 meropenem, 10 g L-1 sucrose, and solidified with 2.5 g L-1 gellan gum. The highest frequency of transformation was obtained when PLBs were inoculated with 1:10 Agrobacterium liquid culture for 3 h. The transformation of hygromycin-resistant plantlets regenerated from different sites of inoculated PLBs was confirmed by histochemical GUS assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and Southern blot hybridization.

Notes: Ref. 36 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11240-010-9751-3 Author Address: Laboratory of Plant Cell Technology, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo City, Chiba 271-8510, Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang M, Li Yanping, Zhang Miao, Year: 2010 Title: ?? The characters of insect resistant transgenic cotton and the integrated pest management.

Journal: BULLETIN OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : 2010 (5) Label: InRe ImpactBiol IPM Keywords: Key words: Bt cotton insect pest control technology of Key words: transgenic cotton pest control integrated control integrated pest managementtransgenic cotton planting chemical control area recognized the principle of rational use of resistance to yielding control Abstract: With the large area of transgenic cotton planting, should be a correct understanding of insectresistant transgenic cotton properties, specifically the principle of pest control, in the reasonable use of its resistance to reduce chemical prevention of pest and disease control at the same time the right to ensure its stable yield.

Author Address: Shangqiu City Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 476000 China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang Xiaohui, Li Hanxia, Zhang Junhong, Zhang Chanjuan, Gong Pengjuan, Ziaf Khurram, Xiao Fangming, Ye Zhibiao, Year: 2010 Title: * Expression of artificial microRNAs in tomato confers efficient and stable virus resistance in a cellautonomous manner.

Secondary Title: Transgenic Research - Online version Publisher: Springer Netherlands Pages: 1-13 Date: 2010-09-13 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Accession Number: DO - 10.1007/s11248-010-9440-3 Label: ViRe Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Cucumber mosaic virus _ Tomato _ Cell-autonomous _

Mixed infection Abstract: Expression of artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in plants can target and degrade the invading viral RNA, consequently conferring virus resistance. Two amiRNAs, targeting the coding sequence shared by the 2a and 2b genes and the highly conserved 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), respectively, were generated and introduced into the susceptible tomato. The transgenic tomato plants expressing amiRNAs displayed effective resistance to CMV infection and CMV mixed with non-targeted viruses, including tobacco mosaic virus and tomato yellow leaf curl virus. A series of grafting assays indicate scions originated from the transgenic tomato plant maintain stable resistance to CMV infection after grafted onto a CMV-infected rootstock. However, the grafting assay also suggests that the amiRNA-mediated resistance acts in a cell-autonomous manner and the amiRNA signal cannot be transmitted over long distances through the vascular system. Moreover, transgenic plants expressing amiRNA targeting the 2a and 2b viral genes displayed slightly more effective to repress CMV RNA accumulation than transgenic plants expressing amiRNA targeting the 3′ UTR of viral genome did. Our work provides new evidence of the use of amiRNAs as an effective approach to engineer viral resistance in the tomato and possibly in other crops.

Notes: 44 Ref. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-010-9440-3 Author Address: (1) National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China (2) Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China (3) Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844-3052, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang Y, Nowak G, Reed DW, Covello PS, Year: 2010 Title: * The production of artemisinin precursors in tobacco.

Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal - Article first published online: 18 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Composition Biopharming Keywords: artemisinin Nicotiana genetic engineering sesquiterpene Abstract: Summary Artemisinin, in the form of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), is currently the most important compound in the treatment of malaria. The current commercial source of artemisinin is Artemisia annua, but this represents a relatively expensive source for supplying the developing world. In this study, the possibility of producing artemisinin in genetically modified plants is investigated, using tobacco as a model. Heterologous expression of A. annua amorphadiene synthase and CYP71AV1 in tobacco led to the accumulation of amorphadiene and artemisinic alcohol, but not artemisinic acid. Additional expression of artemisinic aldehyde Î‖11(13) double-bond reductase (DBR2) with or without aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) led to the additional accumulation dihydroartemisinic alcohol. The above-mentioned results and in vivo metabolic experiments suggest that amorphane sesquiterpenoid aldehydes are formed, but conditions in the transgenic tobacco cells favour reduction to alcohols rather than oxidation to acids. The biochemical and biotechnological significance of these results are discussed.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2010.00556.x Author Address: Plant Biotechnology Institute, Saskatoon, SK, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: ZHANG Yang, ZHANG Shuai, CUI Jin-jie Year: 2010 Title: ?? Frequency of Bt Resistance Alleles in Helicoverpa armigera Populations from the Yellow River Cotton-farming Region of China.

Journal: Cotton Science 2010,22(4):297-303.

Label: InRe Resistance Keywords: genetic method of iso-female lines F1/F2; frequency of resistance alleles; the relative average development rate; Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract: In 2007 to 2009, we used genetic method of isofemale lines F1/F2 to detect the frequency of Bt resistance genes in Helicoverpa armigera populations which collected from Anyang County , Henan Province, Weixian County, Hebei Province and Wucheng County, Shandong Province. A conservative estimation was carried out and showed that the resistance gene frequencies to Cry 1Ac in Anyang County population were 0, 0.00090 and 0.00103 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. While in Wucheng County population, the resistance gene frequencies were 0.00086, 0.00097 and 0.00052 in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. In Weixian County population we didn't detect resistance genes in 2007, 2008 or 2009. In Anyang County population, the relative average development rate (RADR) of cotton bollworm larvae in F1 test has increased significantly year by year. In Weixian County population, the RADR in F1 test has no significant change. In Wucheng County population, the RADR in F1 test showed an obvious induced tendency. In general, the field populations of H. armigera in Northern China have not evolved prominent resistance to Cry 1Ac , and their resistance frequency to Cry 1Ac is at a normal level. But the tolerance of Helicoverpa armigera to Cry 1Ac toxin tended to increase, and the early resistance detection and alarm system should be initiated in China as early as possible.

Author Address: Cotton Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,Anyang,Henan 455000,China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhang Y-J, Yang J-S, Guo S-J, Meng J-J, Zhang Y-L, Wan S-B, He Q-W, Li X-G, Year: 2010 Title: * Over-expression of the Arabidopsis CBF1 gene improves resistance of tomato leaves to low temperature under low irradiance.

Journal: Plant Biology Article first published online: 11 JUN 2010 Pages: no Label: ReEn Temperature Keywords: Low temperature photoinhibition reactive oxygen species Solanum lycopersicon Abstract: A known Arabidopsis cDNA clone, the CRT/DRE binding factor 1 (CBF1), was isolated and introduced into tomato plants. CBF1 is a member of the CBF gene family related to low temperature and enhanced low temperature tolerance in plants. In the present work, transcripts of CBF1 could be detected in transgenic tomato leaves, and the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and oxidisable P700 in the transgenic tomato over-expressing CBF1 were higher than in non-transformed plants under low temperature stress at low irradiance. Similarly, higher activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), higher non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content were also detected in transgenic tomato leaves.

These results suggest that CBF1 protein plays an important role in protection of PSII and PSI during low temperature stress at low irradiance.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00365.x Author Address: 1 High-Tech Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Crops, Animals and Poultry of Shandong Province, Ji‘nan, China 2 Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology, Huanghuaihai, Ministry of Agriculture, Ji‘nan, China 3 Lin‘yi Normal College, Lin‘yi, China 4 Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhao LL, L-Q Song, C-X You, T Moriguchi, Y-J Hao, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional characterization of the apple MdSAMDC2 gene by ectopic promoter analysis and overexpression in tobacco.

Journal: Biologia Plantarum Volume 54, Number 4, 631-638, DOI: 10.1007/s10535-010-0113-0 Label: ReEn Temperature Keywords: antioxidative enzymes - lipid peroxidation - low temperature - Nicotiana tabacum - osmotic stress - salinity

Abstract: The expression of MdSAMDC2 gene, which encodes S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) in apple, was up-regulated by low temperature, salt and drought stresses. To identify its in vivo biological functions in the responses to stresses, the promoter region of MdSAMDC2 was isolated and characterized by analyzing the cis-acting regulatory elements and GUS reporter gene by an Agrobacteriummediated transformation. GUS activity was enhanced upon salt and cold stresses, indicating that MdSAMDC2 promoter region controls gene transcription under stresses. In parallel, several lines of the transgenic tobacco plants over-expressing MdSAMDC2 were obtained. The contents of three polyamines greatly increased in the transgenic lines compared with the non-transgenic WT control. Upon exposed to low temperature (4 째C), salt (150 and 250 mM NaCl) and osmotic (20 % polyethylene glycol) stresses, transgenic plants produced more free polyamines and more active antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase than the WT control. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde content, an indicator for membrane lipid peroxidation, decreased in transgenic plants relative to the WT control. Thus, over-expression of MdSAMDC2 in tobacco conferred tolerance to stresses.

Notes: 45 Ref Author Address: China & Japan XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhou Fujun, Bijoyita Roy, Albrecht G von Arnim, Year: 2010 Title: * Translation reinitiation and development are compromised in similar ways by mutations in translation initiation factor eIF3h and the ribosomal protein RPL24.

Journal: BMC Plant Biology 2010, 10:193.

Label: Physiol Abstract: Background Within the scanning model of translation initiation, reinitiation is a non-canonical mechanism that operates on mRNAs harboring upstream open reading frames. The h subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) boosts translation reinitiation on the uORF-containing mRNA coding for the Arabidopsis bZip transcription factor, AtbZip11, among others. The RPL24B protein of the large ribosomal subunit, which is encoded by SHORT VALVE1, likewise fosters translation of uORF-containing mRNAs, for example mRNAs for auxin response transcription factors (ARFs).

Results Here we tested the hypothesis that RPL24B and eIF3h affect translation reinitiation in a similar fashion. First, like eif3h mutants, rpl24b mutants under-translate the AtbZip11 mRNA, and the detailed spectrum of translational defects in rpl24b is remarkably similar to that of eif3h. Second, eif3h mutants display defects in auxin mediated organogenesis and gene expression, similar to rpl24b. Like AtbZip11, the uORF-containing ARF mRNAs are indeed undertranslated in eif3h mutant seedlings.

Conclusion We conclude that, similar to eIF3h, RPL24B bolsters the reinitiation competence of uORFtranslating ribosomes. Coordination between eIF3 and the large ribosomal subunit helps to finetune translation of uORFcontaining mRNAs and, in turn, to orchestrate plant development.

URL: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2229-10-193.pdf Author Address: 1) Genome Science and Technology Program, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA 2) Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA 3) Current address: Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhou Rui, Jackson Lisa, Shadle Gail, Nakashima Jin, Temple Stephen, Chen Fang, Dixon Richard A, Year: 2010 Title: * Distinct cinnamoyl CoA reductases involved in parallel routes to lignin in Medicago truncatula.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published ahead of print September 27, 2010.

Accession Number: doi:10.1073/pnas.0915064107 Label: Physiol Keywords: lignification model; legume, monolignol Abstract: Cinnamoyl CoA reductases (CCR) convert hydroxycinnamoyl CoA esters to their corresponding cinnamyl aldehydes in monolignol biosynthesis. We identified two CCR genes in the model legume Medicago truncatula. CCR1 exhibits preference for feruloyl CoA, but CCR2 prefers caffeoyl and 4-coumaroyl CoAs, exhibits sigmoidal kinetics with these substrates, and is substrate-inhibited by feruloyl and sinapoyl CoAs. M. truncatula lines harboring transposon insertions in CCR1 exhibit drastically reduced growth and lignin content, whereas CCR2 knockouts grow normally with moderate reduction in lignin levels. CCR1 fully and CCR2 partially complement the irregular xylem gene 4 CCR mutation of Arabidopsis. The expression of caffeoyl CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is up-regulated in CCR2 knockout lines; conversely, knockout of CCoAOMT up-regulates CCR2. These observations suggest that CCR2 is involved in a route to monolignols in Medicago whereby coniferaldehyde is formed via caffeyl aldehyde which then is 3-O-methylated by caffeic acid O-methyltransferase.

URL: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/09/21/1012900107.abstract Author Address: aPlant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK 73401; and bForage Genetics International, West Salem, WI 54669 USA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhu Bin, Ma Bao-Luo, Blackshaw Robert, Year: 2010 Title: * Development of real time PCR assays for detection and quantification of transgene DNA of a &lt;i&gt;Bacillus thuringiensis&lt;/i&gt; (Bt) corn hybrid in soil samples.

Secondary Title: Transgenic Research 19, 5, 765-774.

Publisher: Springer Netherlands Date: 2010-10-01 ISBN/ISSN: 0962-8819 Label: In Re Detection Devenir Keywords: Biomedical and Life Sciences - Transgene DNA - Quantification - Genetically modified (GM) Real time PCR - Soil environments - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) - Antibiotic resistance gene.

Abstract: Real time PCR assays were developed to detect and quantify the transgene DNA of a commercially released Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn (Zea mays L.) hybrid (DKC42-23), which was derived from the event MON863 and also carried a neomycin phosphotransferase gene (the nptII gene). We applied the real time PCR assays to investigate the persistence of the transgene DNA in a field trial grown with DKC42-23 over 3Ă&#x201A; years, in combination with bacterial natural transformation. The results showed that under continuous cultivation of DKC42-23, its transgene DNA was detectable in the field plots all year around. Meanwhile, when soil DNA extracts from DKC42-23 plots were used as donor in bacterial natural transformation, successful recovery of kanamycin resistant (KmR) transformants indicated that the nptII gene carried by DKC42-23 could be taken up and integrated into naturally competent Pseudomonas stutzeri pMR7 cells, leading to the restoration of the antibiotic resistance of P. stutzeri pMR7. However, after the cultivation of a soybean line in the same plots for the subsequent growing season, the presence of transgene DNA of DKC42-23 was reduced to undetectable levels at the end of that growing season. Therefore, existing corn-soybean crop rotation practices reduce the availability of transgene DNA in soil and thus minimize the risks that might be attributable to horizontal gene transfer. The real time PCR assays are useful for investigating the persistence of transgene DNA derived from the MON863 event in soil environments.

Notes: 43 ref.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11248-009-9353-1 Author Address: (1) Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada (2) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada (3) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zhu Xiaohong, Sivakumar Pattathil, Koushik Mazumder, Amanda Brehm, Michael G Hahn, SP Dinesh-Kumar, Chandrashekhar P Joshi,

Year: 2010 Title: * Virus-Induced Gene Silencing Offers a Functional Genomics Platform for Studying Plant Cell Wall Formation.

Journal: Molecular Plant Mol. Plant (2010) 3 (5): 818-833.

Call Number: doi: 10.1093/mp/ssq023 Label: ViRe Keywords: Plant cell wall - VIGS - cellulose - xylan - lignin - Nicotiana Abstract: Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful genetic tool for rapid assessment of plant gene functions in the post-genomic era. Here, we successfully implemented a Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV)-based VIGS system to study functions of genes involved in either primary or secondary cell wall formation in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. A 3-week post-VIGS time frame is sufficient to observe phenotypic alterations in the anatomical structure of stems and chemical composition of the primary and secondary cell walls. We used cell wall glycan-directed monoclonal antibodies to demonstrate that alteration of cell wall polymer synthesis during the secondary growth phase of VIGS plants has profound effects on the extractability of components from woody stem cell walls. Therefore, TRV-based VIGS together with cell wall component profiling methods provide a high-throughput gene discovery platform for studying plant cell wall formation from a bioenergy perspective.

Key words Author Address: aBiotechnology Research Center, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA bBioEnergy Science Center, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA cDepartment of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA dSection of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA eDepartment of Bioenergy Science and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500–757, Korea XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Ziegler Angelika, Ralf Wilhelm Year: 2010 Title: *¤ Consideration of the case-specific monitoring of genetically modified potato and appropriate monitoring endpoints.

Journal: IOBC/wprs Bulletin Vol. 52, 2010, 111-117.

Working Group „GMOs in Integrated Plant Production‖. Proceedings of the fourth Meeting on Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms at Rostock (Germany), 14-16 May, 2009. Edited by: Jörg Romeis.

(ISBN 978-92-9067-226-5) [xii+ 117 pp.]

Label: ImpactBiol Abstract: A study on the feasibility and the choice of criteria for developing a general outline for a casespecific monitoring regime for transgenic potato has been performed. Possible impacts of genetic modifications on non-target organisms are assessed, considering the direct or indirect effects of metabolic alterations of the GM plants. Criteria for an appropriate risk assessment and recommendations for case-specific monitoring are suggested based on a review of the scientific literature on crop-organism interactions. First, we identify relevant pathways of plant-organism interactions through nutrients, toxins, or mechanisms of attraction and defence.

Second, we consider the need for case-specific monitoring, taking into account variability of existing potato varieties and environmental conditions.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zou Changsong, Jiang Wenbo, Yu Diqiu, Year: 2010 Title: * Male gametophyte-specific WRKY34 transcription factor mediates cold sensitivity of mature pollen in Arabidopsis.

Journal: Journal of Experimental Botany 61, 14, 3901-3914.

Date: September 1, 2010 Label: ReEn Temperature

Abstract: Mature pollen is very sensitive to cold stress in chilling-sensitive plants. Plant WRKY DNA-binding transcription factors are key regulators in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Previous studies have suggested that WRKY34 (At4g26440) gene might be involved in pollen viability, although the mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, it is shown that cold treatment increased WRKY34 expression in the wild type, and promoter-GUS analysis revealed that WRKY34 expression is pollen-specific. Enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged WRKY34 was localized in the nuclei. Pollen harbouring the wrky34 allele showed higher viability than pollen with the WRKY34 allele after cold treatment. Further functional analysis indicated that the WRKY34 transcription factor was involved in pollen development regulated by the pollen-specific MIKC* class of MADS-domain transcription factors under cold stress, and cold-insensitivity of mature wrky34 pollen might be partly attributable to the enhanced expression of transcriptional activator CBFs in the mutants.

Thus, the WRKY34 transcription factor negatively mediated cold sensitivity of mature Arabidopsis pollen and might be involved in the CBF signal cascade in mature pollen.

URL: http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/14/3901.abstract Author Address: 1 Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, PR China 2 The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Author: Zouhar J, Munoz A, Rojo E, Year: 2010 Title: * Functional specialization within the Vacuolar Sorting Receptor family: VSR1, VSR3 and VSR4 sort vacuolar storage cargo in seeds and vegetative tissues.

Journal: The Plant Journal - Accepted manuscript online: 28 AUG 2010.

Pages: no Label: Physiol Keywords: sorting receptor storage proteins vacuole seed germination gene family Abstract: Summary Two different gene families have been proposed to act as sorting receptors for vacuolar storage cargo in plants: the vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) and the receptor homology-transmembraneRING H2 domain proteins (RMRs). However, functional data on these genes is scarce and the identity of the sorting receptor for storage proteins remains controversial. Through a genetic screen we have identified the mtv2 mutant, which is defective in vacuolar transport of the storage cargo VAC2 in shoot apices. Map-based cloning revealed that mtv2 is a loss of function allele of the VSR4 gene. We show that VSR1, VSR3 and VSR4, but not the remaining VSRs or RMRs, participate in vacuolar sorting of VAC2 in vegetative tissues, and 12S globulins and 2S albumins in seeds, an activity that is essential for seedling germination vigor. Finally, we demonstrate that the functional diversification in the VSR family results from divergent expression patterns and also from distinct sorting activities of the family members.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04349.x Author Address: Departamento de GenĂŠtica Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de BiotecnologĂ­a-CSIC, E-28049 Madrid, Spain XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX