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Sadikiel Mmbando G, Ngongolo K. The recent genetic modification techniques for improve soil conservation, nutrient uptake and utilization. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:233-247. [PMID: 39008437 PMCID: PMC11253881 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2377408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Advances in genetic modification (GM) techniques have generated huge interest in improving nutrient utilization, maximizing nutrient uptake, and conserving soil in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture. Unfortunately, little is still known about the recent advancements in the application of GM tactics to enhance each of these areas. This review explores the latest GM strategies intended to support soil conservation, maximize nutrient uptake, and improve nutrient utilization in farming, highlighting the critical roles that soil health and nutrient management play in sustainable farming. GM strategies such as improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake through enhanced root systems and increased nutrient transport mechanisms are well discussed. This study suggests that addressing potential obstacles, such as ethical and regulatory concerns, is a necessity for long-term sustainability applications of GM technologies to raise agricultural yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Kelvin Ngongolo
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
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Sadikiel Mmbando G. The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public's Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:1-15. [PMID: 38651587 PMCID: PMC11042066 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2345401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Dolezel M, Lang A, Greiter A, Miklau M, Eckerstorfer M, Heissenberger A, Willée E, Züghart W. Challenges for the Post-Market Environmental Monitoring in the European Union Imposed by Novel Applications of Genetically Modified and Genome-Edited Organisms. BIOTECH 2024; 13:14. [PMID: 38804296 PMCID: PMC11130885 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Information on the state of the environment is important to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, including the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The existing regulatory provisions for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) foresee an obligatory post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) of potential adverse effects upon release into the environment. So far, GMO monitoring activities have focused on genetically modified crops. With the advent of new genomic techniques (NGT), novel GMO applications are being developed and may be released into a range of different, non-agricultural environments with potential implications for ecosystems and biodiversity. This challenges the current monitoring concepts and requires adaptation of existing monitoring programs to meet monitoring requirements. While the incorporation of existing biodiversity monitoring programs into GMO monitoring at the national level is important, additional monitoring activities will also be required. Using case examples, we highlight that monitoring requirements for novel GMO applications differ from those of GM crop plants previously authorized for commercial use in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Dolezel
- Land Use & Biosafety Unit, Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Spittelauer Laende 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (M.M.); (M.E.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Lang
- Büro Lang, Hoernlehof, Gresgen 108, 79669 Zell im Wiesental, Germany;
- Research Group Environmental Geosciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 30, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anita Greiter
- Land Use & Biosafety Unit, Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Spittelauer Laende 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (M.M.); (M.E.); (A.H.)
| | - Marianne Miklau
- Land Use & Biosafety Unit, Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Spittelauer Laende 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (M.M.); (M.E.); (A.H.)
| | - Michael Eckerstorfer
- Land Use & Biosafety Unit, Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Spittelauer Laende 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (M.M.); (M.E.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Heissenberger
- Land Use & Biosafety Unit, Umweltbundesamt–Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Spittelauer Laende 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (M.M.); (M.E.); (A.H.)
| | - Eva Willée
- Division of Terrestrial Monitoring, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany (W.Z.)
| | - Wiebke Züghart
- Division of Terrestrial Monitoring, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany (W.Z.)
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De Mesmaeker M, Tran D, Verbeecke V, Ameye F, Dubaere P, Strobbe S, Van Der Straeten D, De Steur H. Belgian dietitians' knowledge, perceptions and willingness-to-recommend of genetically modified food and organisms. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024; 37:142-154. [PMID: 37751474 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietitians play a critical role in the public's relationship with food and are often overlooked as an important stakeholder group in the general debate about sustainable food. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are one type of modern food source that could contribute to a more sustainable food system. This case study is the first to examine the knowledge, perception and willingness-to-recommend (WTR) genetically modified (GM) foods by dietitians in Europe. METHODS An online survey was addressed to all members of the Flemish Association of Dietitians (Belgium) in 2021, resulting in a sample of 98 valid responses. Multivariate linear regression included sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudinal factors as the independent variables to explain dietitians' WTR. RESULTS Flemish dietitians had limited knowledge of GMOs; only about half of the GM questions were answered correctly. Most dietitians (53%-76%) would recommend GMOs with positive effects on human nutrition or sustainability, whereas few dietitians (19%-27%) would recommend other GMO applications. Trust in GMO information sources and perceived GM benefits significantly influenced a positive WTR of GM foods. Predominant negative information about GM foods was significantly associated with dietitians' low trust and WTR such foods. CONCLUSIONS Countering the predominantly negative portrayal with more neutral and factual information could improve trust, which in turn could positively influence dietitians' perceptions towards GMOs. By further examining the knowledge and perception of dietitians worldwide GMOs and gene-edited products, new insights could be could gathered into the positioning of this underexposed stakeholder group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duc Tran
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Division of Agri-Food Marketing and Chain Management, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vincent Verbeecke
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Florien Ameye
- Department of Health Sciences, Odisee University College, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pauline Dubaere
- Department of Health Sciences, Odisee University College, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Strobbe
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Hans De Steur
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Division of Agri-Food Marketing and Chain Management, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Wu K, Xu C, Li T, Ma H, Gong J, Li X, Sun X, Hu X. Application of Nanotechnology in Plant Genetic Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14836. [PMID: 37834283 PMCID: PMC10573821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ever-increasing food requirement with globally growing population demands advanced agricultural practices to improve grain yield, to gain crop resilience under unpredictable extreme weather, and to reduce production loss caused by insects and pathogens. To fulfill such requests, genome engineering technology has been applied to various plant species. To date, several generations of genome engineering methods have been developed. Among these methods, the new mainstream technology is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with nucleases. One of the most important processes in genome engineering is to deliver gene cassettes into plant cells. Conventionally used systems have several shortcomings, such as being labor- and time-consuming procedures, potential tissue damage, and low transformation efficiency. Taking advantage of nanotechnology, the nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery method presents technical superiority over conventional approaches due to its high efficiency and adaptability in different plant species. In this review, we summarize the evolution of plant biomolecular delivery methods and discussed their characteristics as well as limitations. We focused on the cutting-edge nanotechnology-based delivery system, and reviewed different types of nanoparticles, preparation of nanomaterials, mechanism of nanoparticle transport, and advanced application in plant genome engineering. On the basis of established methods, we concluded that the combination of genome editing, nanoparticle-mediated gene transformation and de novo regeneration technologies can accelerate crop improvement efficiently in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Changbin Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Tong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Haijie Ma
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jinli Gong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xuepeng Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Green Production of Agriculture in Mountainous Areas of Zhejiang Province, College of Horticulture Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety Control for Subtropical Fruit and Vegetable, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 311300, China
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García M, García-Benítez C, Ortego F, Farinós GP. Monitoring Insect Resistance to Bt Maize in the European Union: Update, Challenges, and Future Prospects. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:275-288. [PMID: 36610405 PMCID: PMC10125040 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic maize producing the Cry1Ab toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt maize) was approved for cultivation in the European Union (EU) in 1998 to control the corn borers Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefèbvre) and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). In the EU since then, Cry1Ab is the only Bt toxin produced by Bt maize and Spain is the only country where Bt maize has been planted every year. In 2021, about 100,000 hectares of Bt maize producing Cry1Ab were cultivated in the EU, with Spain accounting for 96% and Portugal 4% of this area. In both countries, Bt maize represented less than 25% of all maize planted in 2021, with a maximum regional adoption of 64% Bt maize in northeastern Spain. Insect resistance management based on the high-dose/refuge strategy has been implemented in the EU since 1998. This has been accompanied by monitoring to enable early detection of resistance. The monitoring data from laboratory bioassays show no decrease in susceptibility to Cry1Ab had occurred in either pest as of 2021. Also, control failures have not been reported, confirming that Bt maize producing Cry1Ab remains effective against both pests. Conditions in the EU preventing approval of new genetically modified crops, including maize producing two or more Bt toxins targeting corn borers, may limit the future effectiveness of resistance management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Félix Ortego
- Laboratory of Applied Entomology for Human and Plant Health, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Prasanna BM, Bruce A, Beyene Y, Makumbi D, Gowda M, Asim M, Martinelli S, Head GP, Parimi S. Host plant resistance for fall armyworm management in maize: relevance, status and prospects in Africa and Asia. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2022; 135:3897-3916. [PMID: 35320376 PMCID: PMC9729323 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-022-04073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Sustainable control of fall armyworm (FAW) requires implementation of effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, with host plant resistance as a key component. Significant opportunities exist for developing and deploying elite maize cultivars with native genetic resistance and/or transgenic resistance for FAW control in both Africa and Asia. The fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith); FAW] has emerged as a serious pest since 2016 in Africa, and since 2018 in Asia, affecting the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, especially those growing maize. Sustainable control of FAW requires implementation of integrated pest management strategies, in which host plant resistance is one of the key components. Significant strides have been made in breeding elite maize lines and hybrids with native genetic resistance to FAW in Africa, based on the strong foundation of insect-resistant tropical germplasm developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico. These efforts are further intensified to develop and deploy elite maize cultivars with native FAW tolerance/resistance and farmer-preferred traits suitable for diverse agro-ecologies in Africa and Asia. Independently, genetically modified Bt maize with resistance to FAW is already commercialized in South Africa, and in a few countries in Asia (Philippines and Vietnam), while efforts are being made to commercialize Bt maize events in additional countries in both Africa and Asia. In countries where Bt maize is commercialized, it is important to implement a robust insect resistance management strategy. Combinations of native genetic resistance and Bt maize also need to be explored as a path to more effective and sustainable host plant resistance options. We also highlight the critical gaps and priorities for host plant resistance research and development in maize, particularly in the context of sustainable FAW management in Africa and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boddupalli M Prasanna
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya.
| | - Anani Bruce
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Yoseph Beyene
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Dan Makumbi
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | - Manje Gowda
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ICRAF Campus, UN Avenue, P.O. Box 1041, GigiriNairobi, 00621, Kenya
| | | | | | - Graham P Head
- Regulatory Science, Bayer Crop Science US, Chesterfield, MO, USA
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Álvarez F, Georgiadis M, Messéan A, Streissl F. Assessment of the 2018 post-market environmental monitoring report on the cultivation of genetically modified maize MON 810 in the EU. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06245. [PMID: 33072192 PMCID: PMC7549383 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA assessed the 2018 post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) report on the cultivation of Cry1Ab-expressing maize event MON 810. Like previous years, there was partial compliance with refuge requirements by Spanish farmers growing MON 810 varieties. European and Mediterranean corn borer populations collected from north-eastern Spain during the 2018 maize growing season and tested for Cry1Ab susceptibility show no symptoms of resistance to maize MON 810. The assessment of farmer questionnaires and relevant scientific publications does not indicate any unanticipated adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment arising from the cultivation of maize MON 810. The report does not provide information about the use of existing networks involved in environmental monitoring. Overall, EFSA concludes that the evidence reported in the 2018 PMEM report does not invalidate previous EFSA evaluations on the safety of maize MON 810. However, as in previous years, EFSA identifies shortcomings on resistance monitoring that need revision in future reports. In particular, the monitoring plan, as implemented in 2018, is not sufficiently sensitive to detect the recommended 3% resistance allele frequency. Consequently, EFSA strongly recommends the consent holder to: (1) achieve full compliance with refuge obligations in areas where adoption of maize MON 810 is high; (2) increase the sensitivity of the monitoring plan and address previously mentioned limitations for resistance monitoring; and (3) perform an F2 screen on corn borer populations from north-eastern Spain. A fit-for-purpose farmer alert system may help to detect unexpected adverse effects associated with the cultivation of MON 810 varieties and be an alternative to the current farmer survey system. Moreover, relevant stakeholders should implement a methodological framework to enable making the best use of existing networks involved in environmental monitoring for the general surveillance of genetically modified plants.
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