Act unlocks new ground in plant breeding Genetic Technology

of air are required, rather than particularly high pressures. “We recommend setting the integral air reservoir to about 100psi. Using higher pressures creates more subsoil disturbance than necessary which could leave the surface uneven.”

Air can be supplied by a mounted portable air compressor, or one nearby linked by an umbilical hose.

The Airjet Ground Aerator is being marketed by PJM Agri Ltd, also based in Su olk. “Soil compaction is a major problem for many vineyards and orchards, and the e ects are well-known in terms of reducing crop quality and yields,” said PJM Agri agricultural specialist, Pete Matsell. “This tractor-mounted implement is fast and convenient, and automatic operation reduces user fatigue and boosts workrates.”

Precision breeding uses genetic engineering tools to enhance desirable traits in plants, such as disease resistance, yield, nutritional value, and environmental adaptability, allowing growers to produce more from less.

Unlike traditional breeding methods, which rely on crossing and selection, precision breeding involves making speci c changes to the plant’s genetic code. It has the potential to create plants and crops that are better for the environment in a number of ways, such as by reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, increasing drought resistance, or enhancing nutrient uptake.

At the same time, precision breeding di ers from genetic modi cation, which produces crops that couldn’t occur naturally or through traditional breeding.

NIAB chief executive Professor Mario Caccamo commented: “The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act brings our rules into line with other countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil and Argentina, by taking the products of more precise breeding techniques such as gene editing out of the scope of the restrictive rules applied to genetically modi ed organisms (GMOs) [...].

“It follows the introduction in April 2022 of a simpli ed regulatory process for conducting eld trials of precision bred crops, which has already stimulated new research activity across a range of crop species and traits.”

Professor Caccamo added: “The new regulatory framework [...] should provide a more straightforward route to market for innovations like these. Gene editing o ers signi cant opportunities to support healthier, safer and more sustainable farming and food production systems, at a time when such advances are urgently and increasingly needed.”

While Royal Assent represents an important rst step, the Professor said the process is far from complete. “The Act itself provides a framework for more detailed implementing rules to be introduced through secondary legislation over the coming months.

“To deliver on its objectives for research, investment and innovation, the Government must ensure that these arrangements are proportionate to the scienti c evidence of risk, and do not single out these techniques for disproportionate or unnecessary requirements which go above and beyond those currently applied to conventionally bred plant varieties,” he concluded.