European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Agricultural Biotechnology

  • RNA‐based biocontrol compounds: Current status and perspectives to reach the market

    RNA‐based biocontrol compounds: Current status and perspectives to reach the market

    Facing current climate challenges and a reduction in chemical options for plant protection, the authors explain that RNA interference (RNAi) is being explored as a new solution for agricultural losses caused by pests and environmental stresses.

    While the use of this technology is currently limited to a few transgenic crops in specific parts of the world, the researchers point out that scientists and industry are now developing RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications.

    The study highlights an expanding research and development pipeline, as well as the commercial and regulatory landscape surrounding these compounds.

    According to the authors, the involvement of both established agrochemical companies and start-ups is vital for turning these theories into practical tools. However, they note that the path to market requires standardized guidelines to resolve existing regulatory ambiguities.

    Ultimately, the researchers conclude that the successful deployment of these RNA-based tools will depend on effective communication to build public awareness and acceptance.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5686

    Reference:

    Taning, C. N., Arpaia, S., Christiaens, O., Dietz‐Pfeilstetter, A., Jones, H., Mezzetti, B., Sabbadini, S., Sorteberg, H., Sweet, J., Ventura, V., & Smagghe, G. (2020). RNA‐based biocontrol compounds: Current status and perspectives to reach the market. Pest Management Science, 76(3), 841–845.

  • Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review

    Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review

    Agricultural biotechnology has become a major global commodity, providing materials for clothing, livestock feed, and fuel for eco-friendly vehicles.

    The authors explain that this growth continues despite a patchwork of inconsistent regulations worldwide, which range from total prohibitions to frameworks that treat biotech products the same as conventional plants. Because of the vast surface area currently under cultivation, the researchers point out that the acceptance and necessity of these crop varieties are no longer in question.

    The recognition of CRISPR/Cas9 technology by the Nobel Prize committee marks a significant step toward the development of new crop varieties. These precise and affordable genome editing techniques are allowing new crops to enter regulatory systems for commercial use.

    The study highlights a shift in the legislative landscape, starting in Argentina, where countries are now evaluating gene-edited products by comparing them to those bred conventionally. The authors argue that agricultural law must be dynamic, adjusting to societal values informed by 25 years of experience with genetically modified (GM) crops. This review serves as a global synthesis of existing legislative frameworks and provides links to original regulatory documents.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.630396

    Reference:

    Turnbull, C., Lillemo, M., & Hvoslef-Eide, T. A. K. (2021). Global Regulation of Genetically Modified Crops Amid the Gene Edited Crop Boom – A Review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 630396.

  • Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment

    Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment

    The authors explain that genome editing, identified as a promising New Plant Breeding Technology (NPBT), has transitioned rapidly from laboratory research to commercial markets.

    The researchers point out that global activities in this field are expanding, with an increasing number of plants featuring market-oriented traits being developed and the first products already released to the market.

    According to the study, the legislative landscape varies significantly by region, with a few countries—primarily in the Americas—having already adapted their laws or released specific guidelines to support the technology.

    In contrast, other nations are still debating their regulatory paths due to a lack of legal clarity or a renewed debate surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The authors highlight that between 2017 and 2020, eight countries introduced guidelines to clarify the legal status of genome-edited products, with many committed to international policy harmonization.

    Ultimately, this publication provides an overview of the current and potential future international regulatory environment while updating the status of genome-edited plants with market-oriented traits.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.586027

    Reference:

    Menz, J., Modrzejewski, D., Hartung, F., Wilhelm, R., & Sprink, T. (2020). Genome Edited Crops Touch the Market: A View on the Global Development and Regulatory Environment. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 586027.

  • Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives

    Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives

    While the journey of a crop begins with a single seed, the authors explain that this tiny starting point is often the most vulnerable to the harsh environmental stresses that threaten our global food supply.

    The researchers point out that while traditional chemical treatments can boost germination, they frequently cause lasting damage to our ecosystems, creating an urgent need for more sustainable technologies like nano-based agrochemicals. According to the study, these advanced materials can improve seed viability while reducing the toxic side effects of standard treatments by allowing for a more controlled release of active ingredients.

    However, the authors also highlight that moving these technologies into the field raises significant questions regarding safety, exposure levels, and potential risks to both human health and the environment. In this comprehensive review, the researchers discuss the development and scope of these treatments while carefully assessing the obstacles to their widespread use and commercial potential.

    They emphasize the pressing need for new policy regulations to manage these risks effectively. Ultimately, the authors present this work as a foundation for understanding the next generation of seed treatments, aiming to provide a deeper look at how nanotechnology could reshape farming while acknowledging the safety challenges we must still overcome.

    Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01025-5

    Reference:

    Shelar, A., Nile, S. H., Singh, A. V., Rothenstein, D., Bill, J., Xiao, J., Chaskar, M., Kai, G., & Patil, R. (2023). Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives. Nano-Micro Letters, 15(1), 54.