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Mullins E, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Firbank LG, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Naegeli H, Nogué F, Rostoks N, Sanchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Casacuberta J, Afonso A, Lenzi P, Papadopoulou N, Raffaello T. Scientific opinion on the ANSES analysis of Annex I of the EC proposal COM (2023) 411 (EFSA-Q-2024-00178). EFSA J 2024; 22:e8894. [PMID: 38993591 PMCID: PMC11237874 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
EFSA was asked by the European Parliament to provide a scientific opinion on the analysis by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) of Annex I of the European Commission proposal for a regulation 'on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their food and feed, and amending regulation (EU) 2017/625'. The Panel on genetically modified organisms (GMO) assessed the opinion published by ANSES, which focuses on (i) the need to clarify the definitions and scope, (ii) the scientific basis for the equivalence criteria and (iii) the need to take potential risks from category 1 NGT plants into account. The EFSA GMO Panel considered the ANSES analysis and comments on various terms used in the criteria in Annex I of the European Commission proposal and discussed definitions based on previous EFSA GMO Panel opinions. The EFSA GMO Panel concluded that the available scientific literature shows that plants containing the types and numbers of genetic modifications used as criteria to identify category 1 NGT plants in the European Commission proposal do exist as the result of spontaneous mutations or random mutagenesis. Therefore, it is scientifically justified to consider category 1 NGT plants as equivalent to conventionally bred plants with respect to the similarity of genetic modifications and the similarity of potential risks. The EFSA GMO Panel did not identify any additional hazards and risks associated with the use of NGTs compared to conventional breeding techniques in its previous Opinions.
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Kleter GA, van der Voet H, Engel J, van der Berg JP. Comparative safety assessment of genetically modified crops: focus on equivalence with reference varieties could contribute to more efficient and effective field trials. Transgenic Res 2023; 32:235-250. [PMID: 37213044 PMCID: PMC10409827 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-023-00344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The initial compositional analysis of plants plays an important role within the internationally harmonized comparative safety assessment approach for genetically modified plants. Current EFSA guidance prescribes two types of comparison, namely difference tests with regard to a conventional comparator or control, and equivalence tests with regard to a collection of commercial reference varieties. The experience gained so far shows that most of the statistically significant differences between the test and control can be discounted based on the fact that they are still within equivalence limits of reference varieties with a presumed history of safe use. Inclusion of a test variety and reference varieties into field trial design, and of the statistical equivalence test would already suffice for the purpose of finding relevant parameters that warrant further assessment, hence both the inclusion of a conventional counterpart and the performance of difference testing can be omitted. This would also allow for the inclusion of safety testing regimes into plant variety testing VCU (value for cultivation and use) or other, independent variety trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs A Kleter
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, Netherlands.
| | - Hilko van der Voet
- Biometris, Wageningen Plant Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jasper Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen Plant Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan-Pieter van der Berg
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Part of Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Li R, Maioli A, Lanteri S, Moglia A, Bai Y, Acquadro A. Genomic Analysis Highlights Putative Defective Susceptibility Genes in Tomato Germplasm. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2289. [PMID: 37375913 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely grown vegetables in the world and is impacted by many diseases which cause yield reduction or even crop failure. Breeding for disease resistance is thus a key objective in tomato improvement. Since disease arises from a compatible interaction between a plant and a pathogen, a mutation which alters a plant susceptibility (S) gene facilitating compatibility may induce broad-spectrum and durable plant resistance. Here, we report on a genome-wide analysis of a set of 360 tomato genotypes, with the goal of identifying defective S-gene alleles as a potential source for the breeding of resistance. A set of 125 gene homologs of 10 S-genes (PMR 4, PMR5, PMR6, MLO, BIK1, DMR1, DMR6, DND1, CPR5, and SR1) were analyzed. Their genomic sequences were examined and SNPs/indels were annotated using the SNPeff pipeline. A total of 54,000 SNPs/indels were identified, among which 1300 were estimated to have a moderate impact (non-synonymous variants), while 120 were estimated to have a high impact (e.g., missense/nonsense/frameshift variants). The latter were then analyzed for their effect on gene functionality. A total of 103 genotypes showed one high-impact mutation in at least one of the scouted genes, while in 10 genotypes, more than 4 high-impact mutations in as many genes were detected. A set of 10 SNPs were validated through Sanger sequencing. Three genotypes carrying high-impact homozygous SNPs in S-genes were infected with Oidium neolycopersici, and two highlighted a significantly reduced susceptibility to the fungus. The existing mutations fall within the scope of a history of safe use and can be useful to guide risk assessment in evaluating the effect of new genomic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Li
- Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Alex Maioli
- Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sergio Lanteri
- Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Andrea Moglia
- Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Yuling Bai
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto Acquadro
- Plant Genetics and Breeding, Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Science (DISAFA), University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Eckerstorfer MF, Dolezel M, Engelhard M, Giovannelli V, Grabowski M, Heissenberger A, Lener M, Reichenbecher W, Simon S, Staiano G, Wüst Saucy AG, Zünd J, Lüthi C. Recommendations for the Assessment of Potential Environmental Effects of Genome-Editing Applications in Plants in the EU. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091764. [PMID: 37176822 PMCID: PMC10180588 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The current initiative of the European Commission (EC) concerning plants produced using certain new genomic techniques, in particular, targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis, underlines that a high level of protection for human and animal health and the environment needs to be maintained when using such applications. The current EU biosafety regulation framework ensures a high level of protection with a mandatory environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) products prior to the authorization of individual GMOs for environmental release or marketing. However, the guidance available from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for conducting such an ERA is not specific enough regarding the techniques under discussion and needs to be further developed to support the policy goals towards ERA, i.e., a case-by-case assessment approach proportionate to the respective risks, currently put forward by the EC. This review identifies important elements for the case-by-case approach for the ERA that need to be taken into account in the framework for a risk-oriented regulatory approach. We also discuss that the comparison of genome-edited plants with plants developed using conventional breeding methods should be conducted at the level of a scientific case-by-case assessment of individual applications rather than at a general, technology-based level. Our considerations aim to support the development of further specific guidance for the ERA of genome-edited plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Eckerstorfer
- Umweltbundesamt-Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Dolezel
- Umweltbundesamt-Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Margret Engelhard
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Division of Assessment of GMOs/Enforcement of Genetic Engineering Act, Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valeria Giovannelli
- ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Department for Environmental Monitoring and Protection and for Biodiversity Conservation, Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcin Grabowski
- Ministry of Climate and Environment, Department Nature Conservation, GMO Unit, Wawelska 52/54, 00-922 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andreas Heissenberger
- Umweltbundesamt-Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Landuse and Biosafety Unit, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matteo Lener
- ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Department for Environmental Monitoring and Protection and for Biodiversity Conservation, Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Wolfram Reichenbecher
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Division of Assessment of GMOs/Enforcement of Genetic Engineering Act, Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
| | - Samson Simon
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Division of Assessment of GMOs/Enforcement of Genetic Engineering Act, Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
| | - Giovanni Staiano
- ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Department for Environmental Monitoring and Protection and for Biodiversity Conservation, Via Vitaliano Brancati, 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Gabrielle Wüst Saucy
- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Biotechnology Section, Soil and Biotechnology Division, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Zünd
- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Biotechnology Section, Soil and Biotechnology Division, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Lüthi
- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Biotechnology Section, Soil and Biotechnology Division, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
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Marone D, Mastrangelo AM, Borrelli GM. From Transgenesis to Genome Editing in Crop Improvement: Applications, Marketing, and Legal Issues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087122. [PMID: 37108285 PMCID: PMC10138802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087122] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The biotechnological approaches of transgenesis and the more recent eco-friendly new breeding techniques (NBTs), in particular, genome editing, offer useful strategies for genetic improvement of crops, and therefore, recently, they have been receiving increasingly more attention. The number of traits improved through transgenesis and genome editing technologies is growing, ranging from resistance to herbicides and insects to traits capable of coping with human population growth and climate change, such as nutritional quality or resistance to climatic stress and diseases. Research on both technologies has reached an advanced stage of development and, for many biotech crops, phenotypic evaluations in the open field are already underway. In addition, many approvals regarding main crops have been granted. Over time, there has been an increase in the areas cultivated with crops that have been improved through both approaches, but their use in various countries has been limited by legislative restrictions according to the different regulations applied which affect their cultivation, marketing, and use in human and animal nutrition. In the absence of specific legislation, there is an on-going public debate with favorable and unfavorable positions. This review offers an updated and in-depth discussion on these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marone
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mastrangelo
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Borrelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Mullins E, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Firbank LG, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Naegeli H, Nogué F, Serrano JJS, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Casacuberta J, Dumont AF, Gennaro A, Lenzi P, Lewandowska A, Guajardo IPM, Papadopoulou N, Rostoks N. Updated scientific opinion on plants developed through cisgenesis and intragenesis. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07621. [PMID: 36274982 PMCID: PMC9583739 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2012, EFSA issued an opinion on plants developed through cisgenesis and intragenesis. With the development of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in the last decade, cisgenic and intragenic plants can now be obtained with the insertion of a desired sequence in a precise location of the genome. EFSA has been requested by European Commission to provide an updated scientific opinion on the safety and the risk assessment of plants developed through cisgenesis and intragenesis, in order to (i) identify potential risks, comparing them with those posed by plants obtained by conventional breeding and Established Genomic Techniques (EGTs) and (ii) to determine the applicability of current guidelines for the risk assessment of cisgenic and intragenic plants. The conclusions of the previous EFSA opinion were reviewed, taking into consideration the new guidelines and the recent literature. The GMO panel concludes that no new risks are identified in cisgenic and intragenic plants obtained with NGTs, as compared with those already considered for plants obtained with conventional breeding and EGTs. There are no new data since the publication of the 2012 EFSA opinion that would challenge the conclusions raised in that document. The conclusions of the EFSA 2012 Scientific Opinion remain valid. The EFSA GMO Panel reiterates from these conclusions that with respect to the source of DNA and the safety of the gene product, the hazards arising from the use of a related plant‐derived gene by cisgenesis are similar to those from conventional plant breeding, whereas additional hazards may arise for intragenic plants. Furthermore, the EFSA GMO Panel considers that cisgenesis and intragenesis make use of the same transformation techniques as transgenesis, and therefore, with respect to the alterations to the host genome, cisgenic, intragenic and transgenic plants obtained by random insertion do not cause different hazards. Compared to that, the use of NGTs reduces the risks associated with potential unintended modifications of the host genome. Thus, fewer requirements may be needed for the assessment of cisgenic and intragenic plants obtained through NGTs, due to site‐directed integration of the added genetic material. Moreover, the GMO panel concludes that the current guidelines are partially applicable and sufficient. On a case‐by‐case basis, a lesser amount of data might be needed for the risk assessment of cisgenic or intragenic plants obtained through NGTs. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7618/full
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Zimny T. New genomic techniques and their European Union reform. Potential policy changes and their implications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1019081. [PMID: 36246372 PMCID: PMC9562193 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1019081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The article discusses amendment options (no significant change, lowering of administrative burdens or exemption of certain products from the legislation) for the European Union (EU) authorization procedures of New Genomic Techniques’ (NGT) products and their consequences for the sector and research institutions, particularly in the context of internal functioning, placing products on the market and international trade. A reform of the EU regulatory system requires a change in the procedures for the authorization of NGT products, otherwise EU researchers and investors may still be at a competitive disadvantage (as compared to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, United States or the United Kingdom) due to the inefficiency of the current system and the committee procedure for authorization. New legislation, currently being adopted in the United Kingdom is also presented for comparison.
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Spök A, Sprink T, Allan AC, Yamaguchi T, Dayé C. Towards social acceptability of genome-edited plants in industrialised countries? Emerging evidence from Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:899331. [PMID: 36120531 PMCID: PMC9473316 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.899331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The agricultural biotechnology world has been divided into two blocks; countries adopting GM crops for commercial cultivation (adopters) and others without any or without relevant cultivation of such crops (non-adopters). Meanwhile, an increasing number of adopter countries have exempted certain genome-edited (GE) crops from legal GMO pre-market approval and labelling requirements. Among them are major exporters of agricultural commodities such as United States, Canada, and Australia. Due to the relaxed legislation more GE plants are expected to enter the market soon. Many countries in the non-adopter group, however, depend on import of large volumes of agricultural commodities from adopter countries. Unlike first generation GM, certain GE crops cannot be identified as unambiguously originating from genome editing using available techniques. Consequently, pressure is mounting on non-adopter jurisdictions to reconsider their policies and legislations. Against this backdrop, the paper explores recent developments relevant for social acceptability in selected non-adopters, Japan, New Zealand, the EU, Norway, and Switzerland in contrast to United States, Canada, and Australia. While Japan is already opening-up and Norway and Switzerland are discussing revisions of their policies, the EU and New Zealand are struggling with challenges resulting from high court decisions. In an attempt to take a closer look into the inner dynamics of these developments, the concept of social acceptability proposed by Wüstenhagen et al. (Energy Policy, 2007, 35(5), 2683-2691) is employed. This aids the understanding of developments in the jurisdictions considered and identifies specific or cross-cutting challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Spök
- Science, Technology and Society Unit, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Thorben Sprink
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Center for Cultivated Plants, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Andrew C. Allan
- New Cultivar Innovation, Plant & Food Research, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tomiko Yamaguchi
- College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christian Dayé
- Science, Technology and Society Unit, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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More S, Bampidis V, Benford D, Bragard C, Halldorsson T, Hernández‐Jerez A, Bennekou SH, Koutsoumanis K, Lambré C, Machera K, Mullins E, Nielsen SS, Schlatter J, Schrenk D, Turck D, Younes M, Herman L, Pelaez C, van Loveren H, Vlak J, Revez J, Aguilera J, Schoonjans R, Cocconcelli PS. Evaluation of existing guidelines for their adequacy for the food and feed risk assessment of microorganisms obtained through synthetic biology. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07479. [PMID: 35991959 PMCID: PMC9380697 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
EFSA was asked by the European Commission to evaluate synthetic biology (SynBio) developments for agri-food use in the near future and to determine whether or not they are expected to constitute potential new hazards/risks. Moreover, EFSA was requested to evaluate the adequacy of existing guidelines for risk assessment of SynBio and if updated guidance is needed. The scope of this Opinion covers food and feed risk assessment, the variety of microorganisms that can be used in the food/feed chain and the whole spectrum of techniques used in SynBio. This Opinion complements a previously adopted Opinion with the evaluation of existing guidelines for the microbial characterisation and environmental risk assessment of microorganisms obtained through SynBio. The present Opinion confirms that microbial SynBio applications for food and feed use, with the exception of xenobionts, could be ready in the European Union in the next decade. New hazards were identified related to the use or production of unusual and/or new-to-nature components. Fifteen cases were selected for evaluating the adequacy of existing guidelines. These were generally adequate for assessing the product, the production process, nutritional and toxicological safety, allergenicity, exposure and post-market monitoring. The comparative approach and a safety assessment per se could be applied depending on the degree of familiarity of the SynBio organism/product with the non-genetically modified counterparts. Updated guidance is recommended for: (i) bacteriophages, protists/microalgae, (ii) exposure to plant protection products and biostimulants, (iii) xenobionts and (iv) feed additives for insects as target species. Development of risk assessment tools is recommended for assessing nutritional value of biomasses, influence of microorganisms on the gut microbiome and the gut function, allergenic potential of new-to-nature proteins, impact of horizontal gene transfer and potential risks of living cell intake. A further development towards a strain-driven risk assessment approach is recommended.
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Poort LM, Swart JAA, Mampuys R, Waarlo AJ, Struik PC, Hanssen L. Restore politics in societal debates on new genomic techniques. AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES 2022; 39:1207-1216. [PMID: 35818437 PMCID: PMC9261119 DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
End of April 2021, the European Commission published its study on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). The study involved a consultation of Member States and stakeholders. This study reveals a split on whether current legislation should be maintained or adapted to take account of scientific progress and the risk level of NGT products. This split was predictable. New technological developments challenge both ethical viewpoints and regulatory institutions; and contribute to the growing divide between science and society that value 'technological innovations' differently. Such controversies are often characterized as 'unstructured' because of nearly unbridgeable positions on entangled scientific and value-laden issues. Initiatives for stakeholder involvement, such as consultation or participation, often focus on reaching a 'shared vision' without exploring the diverse societal concerns and values behind these positions. To resolve the EU stalemate in NGT regulation, we advocate to bring back politics in the EU decision-making process instead of hiding it under the veil of science, the need for regulatory change and public support. A more productive and justified use of genuine stakeholder participation is possible, if participants and deliberation design meet the criteria of what we call participation ethics. Drawing from our applied experience exploring the ethics of genetic modification, we believe that this approach can lead to more robust political decision-making and restore societal confidence in the governance of contested issues such as NGTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonneke M. Poort
- Erasmus School of Law, Sociology, Theory and Methodology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Postbus 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jac. A. A. Swart
- Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Mampuys
- The Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy, The Hague, Postbus, 20004, 2500 EA The Netherlands
| | - Arend J. Waarlo
- Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University, PO Box 85.170, 3508 AD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C. Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Bornsesteeg 48, Wageningen, Gelderland 6708 PE The Netherlands
| | - Lucien Hanssen
- Deining Societal Communication & Technology Governance, Peter Scheersstraat 26, 6525 DE Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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A CRISPR/Cas9-Based System with Controllable Auto-Excision Feature Serving Cisgenic Plant Breeding and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105597. [PMID: 35628407 PMCID: PMC9143149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenic or genetically modified crops have great potential in modern agriculture but still suffer from heavy regulations worldwide due to biosafety concerns. As a promising alternative route, cisgenic crops have received higher public acceptance and better reviews by governing authorities. To serve the purpose of cisgenic plant breeding, we have developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based vector system, which is capable of delivering target gene-of-interest (GOI) into recipient plants while removing undesired genetic traces in the plants. The new system features a controllable auto-excision feature, which is realized by a core design of embedded multi-clonal sequence and the use of inducible promoters controlling the expression of Cas9 nuclease. In the current proof-of-concept study in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., we have successfully incorporated a GOI into the plant and removed the selection marker and CRISPR/Cas9 components from the final product. Following the designed workflow, we have demonstrated that novel cisgenic plant germplasms with desired traits could be developed within one to two generations. Further characterizations of the vector system have shown that heat treatment at 37 °C could significantly improve the editing efficiency (up to 100%), and no off-target mutations were identified in the Arabidopsis background. This novel vector system is the first CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing tool for cisgenic plant breeding and should prove powerful for other similar applications in the bright future of precision molecular breeding.
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Medina-Lozano I, Díaz A. Applications of Genomic Tools in Plant Breeding: Crop Biofortification. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3086. [PMID: 35328507 PMCID: PMC8950180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Crop breeding has mainly been focused on increasing productivity, either directly or by decreasing the losses caused by biotic and abiotic stresses (that is, incorporating resistance to diseases and enhancing tolerance to adverse conditions, respectively). Quite the opposite, little attention has been paid to improve the nutritional value of crops. It has not been until recently that crop biofortification has become an objective within breeding programs, through either conventional methods or genetic engineering. There are many steps along this long path, from the initial evaluation of germplasm for the content of nutrients and health-promoting compounds to the development of biofortified varieties, with the available and future genomic tools assisting scientists and breeders in reaching their objectives as well as speeding up the process. This review offers a compendium of the genomic technologies used to explore and create biodiversity, to associate the traits of interest to the genome, and to transfer the genomic regions responsible for the desirable characteristics into potential new varieties. Finally, a glimpse of future perspectives and challenges in this emerging area is offered by taking the present scenario and the slow progress of the regulatory framework as the starting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Medina-Lozano
- Departamento de Ciencia Vegetal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Aurora Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencia Vegetal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Súnico V, Higuera JJ, Molina-Hidalgo FJ, Blanco-Portales R, Moyano E, Rodríguez-Franco A, Muñoz-Blanco J, Caballero JL. The Intragenesis and Synthetic Biology Approach towards Accelerating Genetic Gains on Strawberry: Development of New Tools to Improve Fruit Quality and Resistance to Pathogens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:plants11010057. [PMID: 35009061 PMCID: PMC8747664 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Under climate change, the spread of pests and pathogens into new environments has a dramatic effect on crop protection control. Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one the most profitable crops of the Rosaceae family worldwide, but more than 50 different genera of pathogens affect this species. Therefore, accelerating the improvement of fruit quality and pathogen resistance in strawberry represents an important objective for breeding and reducing the usage of pesticides. New genome sequencing data and bioinformatics tools has provided important resources to expand the use of synthetic biology-assisted intragenesis strategies as a powerful tool to accelerate genetic gains in strawberry. In this paper, we took advantage of these innovative approaches to create four RNAi intragenic silencing cassettes by combining specific strawberry new promoters and pathogen defense-related candidate DNA sequences to increase strawberry fruit quality and resistance by silencing their corresponding endogenous genes, mainly during fruit ripening stages, thus avoiding any unwanted effect on plant growth and development. Using a fruit transient assay, GUS expression was detected by the two synthetic FvAAT2 and FvDOF2 promoters, both by histochemical assay and qPCR analysis of GUS transcript levels, thus ensuring the ability of the same to drive the expression of the silencing cassettes in this strawberry tissue. The approaches described here represent valuable new tools for the rapid development of improved strawberry lines.
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Paraskevopoulos K, Federici S. Overview of EFSA and European national authorities' scientific opinions on the risk assessment of plants developed through New Genomic Techniques. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06314. [PMID: 33968240 PMCID: PMC8083879 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Commission requested EFSA to provide an overview on the risk assessment of plants developed through new genomic techniques (NGTs), taking into account its previous scientific opinions, its ongoing work on the topic as well as opinions published by competent authorities and national institutions since 2012, where available. In this report, NGTs are defined as techniques capable to change the genetic material of an organism and have emerged or developed since the adoption of the 2001 genetically modified organism (GMO) legislation. EFSA considered 16 scientific opinions issued by European member states ('MS opinions') as well as three EFSA GMO Panel scientific opinions on NGTs. A procurement to evaluate and summarise the MS opinions was conducted. Relevant information on the description of each NGT and information on the risk assessment of plants developed through one or a combination of the defined NGTs was extracted and summarised. The baseline for the types and nature of NGTs to be included in this report was defined based on the JRC, 2011 report on new plant breeding techniques as well as on the Explanatory Note on New Techniques in Agricultural Biotechnology from the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (EC-SAM, 2017) for some more recently developed NGTs, taking into account the NGT definition provided by the European Commission for this mandate. EFSA was not requested to develop new opinions on plants developed through specific NGTs, and thus, no critical appraisal of the reviewed scientific opinions was carried out.
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Naegeli H, Bresson J, Dalmay T, Dewhurst IC, Epstein MM, Firbank LG, Guerche P, Hejatko J, Moreno FJ, Mullins E, Nogué F, Sánchez Serrano JJ, Savoini G, Veromann E, Veronesi F, Casacuberta J, Gennaro A, Paraskevopoulos K, Raffaello T, Rostoks N. Applicability of the EFSA Opinion on site-directed nucleases type 3 for the safety assessment of plants developed using site-directed nucleases type 1 and 2 and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06299. [PMID: 33281977 PMCID: PMC7684970 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) to assess whether section 4 (hazard identification) and the conclusions of EFSA's Scientific opinion on the risk assessment of plants developed using zinc finger nuclease type 3 technique (ZFN-3) and other site-directed nucleases (SDN) with similar function are valid for plants developed via SDN-1, SDN-2 and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM). In delivering this Opinion, the GMO Panel compared the hazards associated with plants produced via SDN-1, SDN-2 and ODM with those associated with plants obtained via both SDN-3 and conventional breeding. Unlike for SDN-3 methods, the application of SDN-1, SDN-2 and ODM approaches aims to modify genomic sequences in a way which can result in plants not containing any transgene, intragene or cisgene. Consequently, the GMO Panel concludes that those considerations which are specifically related to the presence of a transgene, intragene or cisgene included in section 4 and the conclusions of the Opinion on SDN-3 are not relevant to plants obtained via SDN-1, SDN-2 or ODM as defined in this Opinion. Overall, the GMO Panel did not identify new hazards specifically linked to the genomic modification produced via SDN-1, SDN-2 or ODM as compared with both SDN-3 and conventional breeding. Furthermore, the GMO Panel considers that the existing Guidance for risk assessment of food and feed from genetically modified plants and the Guidance on the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants are sufficient but are only partially applicable to plants generated via SDN-1, SDN-2 or ODM. Indeed, those guidance documents' requirements that are linked to the presence of exogenous DNA are not relevant for the risk assessment of plants developed via SDN-1, SDN-2 or ODM approaches if the genome of the final product does not contain exogenous DNA.
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Kumar K, Gambhir G, Dass A, Tripathi AK, Singh A, Jha AK, Yadava P, Choudhary M, Rakshit S. Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects. PLANTA 2020; 251:91. [PMID: 32236850 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
While transgenic technology has heralded a new era in crop improvement, several concerns have precluded their widespread acceptance. Alternative technologies, such as cisgenesis and genome-editing may address many of such issues and facilitate the development of genetically engineered crop varieties with multiple favourable traits. Genetic engineering and plant transformation have played a pivotal role in crop improvement via introducing beneficial foreign gene(s) or silencing the expression of endogenous gene(s) in crop plants. Genetically modified crops possess one or more useful traits, such as, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional improvement. To date, nearly 525 different transgenic events in 32 crops have been approved for cultivation in different parts of the world. The adoption of transgenic technology has been shown to increase crop yields, reduce pesticide and insecticide use, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease the cost of crop production. However, widespread adoption of transgenic crops carrying foreign genes faces roadblocks due to concerns of potential toxicity and allergenicity to human beings, potential environmental risks, such as chances of gene flow, adverse effects on non-target organisms, evolution of resistance in weeds and insects etc. These concerns have prompted the adoption of alternative technologies like cisgenesis, intragenesis, and most recently, genome editing. Some of these alternative technologies can be utilized to develop crop plants that are free from any foreign gene hence, it is expected that such crops might achieve higher consumer acceptance as compared to the transgenic crops and would get faster regulatory approvals. In this review, we present a comprehensive update on the current status of the genetically modified (GM) crops under cultivation. We also discuss the issues affecting widespread adoption of transgenic GM crops and comment upon the recent tools and techniques developed to address some of these concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Geetika Gambhir
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Abhishek Dass
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Amit Kumar Tripathi
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, 462001, India
| | - Alla Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Jha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Pranjal Yadava
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Mukesh Choudhary
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
| | - Sujay Rakshit
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, 141004, India
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Broll H, Braeuning A, Lampen A. European Court of Justice decision for genome editing: Consequences on food/feed risk assessment and detection. Food Control 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Anderson JA, Brustkern S, Cong B, Deege L, Delaney B, Hong B, Lawit S, Mathesius C, Schmidt J, Wu J, Zhang J, Zimmermann C. Evaluation of the History of Safe Use of the Maize ZMM28 Protein. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:7466-7474. [PMID: 31184886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The ZMM28 protein encoded by the zmm28 gene is endogenous to maize. DP202216 maize was genetically modified to increase and extend expression of the zmm28 gene relative to native zmm28 gene expression, resulting in plants with enhanced grain yield potential. Evaluation of the history of safe use (HOSU) is one component of the safety assessment framework for a newly expressed protein in a GM crop. The deduced amino acid sequence of the introduced ZMM28 protein in DP202216 maize is identical to the ZMM28 protein in nonmodified conventional maize. The ZMM28 protein has also been found in selected varieties of sweet corn kernels, and closely related proteins are found in other commonly consumed food crops. Concentrations of the ZMM28 protein in event DP202216 maize, conventional maize, and sweet corn are reported. This information supports, in part, the evaluation of HOSU, which can be leveraged in the safety assessment of the ZMM28 protein. Additional studies will be considered in the food and feed safety assessment of the DP202216 maize event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Anderson
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Sarah Brustkern
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Bin Cong
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Lora Deege
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Bryan Delaney
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Bonnie Hong
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Shai Lawit
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Carey Mathesius
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Jean Schmidt
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Jingrui Wu
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - John Zhang
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
| | - Cindi Zimmermann
- Corteva Agriscience , Agriculture Division of DowDuPont , Johnston , Iowa 50131 , United States
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Kok EJ, Glandorf DC, Prins TW, Visser RG. Food and environmental safety assessment of new plant varieties after the European Court decision: Process-triggered or product-based? Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Novel biotechnological approaches to produce biological compounds: challenges and opportunities for science communication. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 56:43-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Eckerstorfer MF, Dolezel M, Heissenberger A, Miklau M, Reichenbecher W, Steinbrecher RA, Waßmann F. An EU Perspective on Biosafety Considerations for Plants Developed by Genome Editing and Other New Genetic Modification Techniques (nGMs). Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:31. [PMID: 30891445 PMCID: PMC6413072 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The question whether new genetic modification techniques (nGM) in plant development might result in non-negligible negative effects for the environment and/or health is significant for the discussion concerning their regulation. However, current knowledge to address this issue is limited for most nGMs, particularly for recently developed nGMs, like genome editing, and their newly emerging variations, e.g., base editing. This leads to uncertainties regarding the risk/safety-status of plants which are developed with a broad range of different nGMs, especially genome editing, and other nGMs such as cisgenesis, transgrafting, haploid induction or reverse breeding. A literature survey was conducted to identify plants developed by nGMs which are relevant for future agricultural use. Such nGM plants were analyzed for hazards associated either (i) with their developed traits and their use or (ii) with unintended changes resulting from the nGMs or other methods applied during breeding. Several traits are likely to become particularly relevant in the future for nGM plants, namely herbicide resistance (HR), resistance to different plant pathogens as well as modified composition, morphology, fitness (e.g., increased resistance to cold/frost, drought, or salinity) or modified reproductive characteristics. Some traits such as resistance to certain herbicides are already known from existing GM crops and their previous assessments identified issues of concern and/or risks, such as the development of herbicide resistant weeds. Other traits in nGM plants are novel; meaning they are not present in agricultural plants currently cultivated with a history of safe use, and their underlying physiological mechanisms are not yet sufficiently elucidated. Characteristics of some genome editing applications, e.g., the small extent of genomic sequence change and their higher targeting efficiency, i.e., precision, cannot be considered an indication of safety per se, especially in relation to novel traits created by such modifications. All nGMs considered here can result in unintended changes of different types and frequencies. However, the rapid development of nGM plants can compromise the detection and elimination of unintended effects. Thus, a case-specific premarket risk assessment should be conducted for nGM plants, including an appropriate molecular characterization to identify unintended changes and/or confirm the absence of unwanted transgenic sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marion Dolezel
- Department Landuse & Biosafety, Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marianne Miklau
- Department Landuse & Biosafety, Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Reichenbecher
- Department GMO Regulation, Biosafety, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Waßmann
- Department GMO Regulation, Biosafety, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn, Germany
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22
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Halford NG. Legislation governing genetically modified and genome-edited crops in Europe: the need for change. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2019; 99:8-12. [PMID: 29952140 PMCID: PMC6492171 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The European Commission's assessment and approval process for genetically modified (GM) crops has resulted in only two GM crop varieties being licensed for cultivation in the European Union, one of which has been withdrawn. Unable to define GM crops satisfactorily, the European Commission has fallen back on a definition based on process. The shortcomings of this approach are all too clear as the Commission grapples with the advent of genome editing. This has led to a long and damaging delay in the Commission issuing an opinion on how genome-edited crops should be regulated. At the same time, national bans imposed by member states on GM crops without any evidence of safety concerns have been legalized. The Commission also faces the prospect of assessing an increasing number of GM and genome-edited crops with deliberately altered composition. In this article, the operation of regulations covering GM crops in the European Union and the effect they have had on the development of plant biotechnology are reviewed, while the issues raised by new technologies are discussed. It is argued that there is an urgent need for the European Union to shift its position on plant biotechnology if agriculture is to meet the challenges of coming decades. © 2018 The Author. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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23
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Hamburger DJS. Normative Criteria and Their Inclusion in a Regulatory Framework for New Plant Varieties Derived From Genome Editing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:176. [PMID: 30619841 PMCID: PMC6305715 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Any legal regulation has to take into account fundamental interests and concerns, whether of private or public nature. This applies in particular to the politically and socially sensitive question of regulating plant biotechnology. With the advent of new breeding techniques, such as genome editing, new challenges are arising for legislators around the world. However, in coping with them not only the technical particularities of the new breeding techniques must be taken into account but also the diverse and sometimes conflicting interests of the various stakeholders. In order to be able to draft a suitable regulatory regime for these new techniques, the different interests and concerns at play are identified. Subsequently, a determination is made on how these interests relate to each other, before regulatory concepts to reconcile the conflicting demands are presented. The examined normative criteria, which can have an impact on regulatory decisions regarding genome edited plants and products derived from them, include: industry interests, farmer interests, public opinion, consumer rights and interests, human health and food safety, food security, environmental protection, consistency, and coherence of the regulatory framework and ethical or religious convictions. Since those interests differ from country to country depending on the respective political, economic, and social circumstances, the respective legislator has the task of identifying these normative criteria and must find a suitable balance between them. To this end, a concept is developed on how the different interests can be related to each other and how to deal with conflicting and irreconcilable demands. Additionally, a legislator may have recourse to a number of further analyzed regulatory measures. An approval or notification procedure can be used for a risk assessment or a socio-economic evaluation. Coexistence measures and labeling provisions are able to reconcile interests that are at odds with each other and the precautionary principle can justify certain safeguard measures. As a result, the individual country-specific regulatory outcomes regarding genome edited plants are likely to be as manifold as the interests and regulatory measures at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. S. Hamburger
- Faculty of Law, Chair of Constitutional and Administrative Law, Public International Law, European and International Economic Law, University of Passau, Passau, Germany
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24
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Casacuberta JM, Puigdomènech P. Proportionate and scientifically sound risk assessment of gene-edited plants. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:embr.201846907. [PMID: 30185424 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Casacuberta
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Puigdomènech
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Dalla Costa L, Malnoy M, Gribaudo I. Breeding next generation tree fruits: technical and legal challenges. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2017; 4:17067. [PMID: 29238598 PMCID: PMC5717367 DOI: 10.1038/hortres.2017.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The new plant breeding technologies (NPBTs) have recently emerged as powerful tools in the context of 'green' biotechnologies. They have wide potential compared to classical genetic engineering and they are attracting the interest of politicians, stakeholders and citizens due to the revolutionary impact they may have on agriculture. Cisgenesis and genome editing potentially allow to obtain pathogen-resistant plants or plants with enhanced qualitative traits by introducing or disrupting specific genes in shorter times compared to traditional breeding programs and by means of minimal modifications in the plant genome. Grapevine, the most important fruit crop in the world from an economical point of view, is a peculiar case for NPBTs because of the load of cultural aspects, varietal traditions and consumer demands, which hinder the use of classical breeding techniques and, furthermore, the application of genetic engineering to wine grape cultivars. Here we explore the technical challenges which may hamper the application of cisgenesis and genome editing to this perennial plant, in particular focusing on the bottlenecks of the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. In addition, strategies to eliminate undesired sequences from the genome and to choose proper target sites are discussed in light of peculiar features of this species. Furthermore is reported an update of the international legislative frameworks regulating NPBT products which shows conflicting positions and, in the case of the European Union, a prolonged lack of regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Dalla Costa
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, via E Mach 1, San Michele a/Adige 38010, Italy
| | - Mickael Malnoy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, via E Mach 1, San Michele a/Adige 38010, Italy
| | - Ivana Gribaudo
- IPSP-CNR, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Strada delle Cacce 73, Torino I-10135, Italy
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Limera C, Sabbadini S, Sweet JB, Mezzetti B. New Biotechnological Tools for the Genetic Improvement of Major Woody Fruit Species. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1418. [PMID: 28861099 PMCID: PMC5559511 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The improvement of woody fruit species by traditional plant breeding techniques has several limitations mainly caused by their high degree of heterozygosity, the length of their juvenile phase and auto-incompatibility. The development of new biotechnological tools (NBTs), such as RNA interference (RNAi), trans-grafting, cisgenesis/intragenesis, and genome editing tools, like zinc-finger and CRISPR/Cas9, has introduced the possibility of more precise and faster genetic modifications of plants. This aspect is of particular importance for the introduction or modification of specific traits in woody fruit species while maintaining unchanged general characteristics of a selected cultivar. Moreover, some of these new tools give the possibility to obtain transgene-free modified fruit tree genomes, which should increase consumer's acceptance. Over the decades biotechnological tools have undergone rapid development and there is a continuous addition of new and valuable techniques for plant breeders. This makes it possible to create desirable woody fruit varieties in a fast and more efficient way to meet the demand for sustainable agricultural productivity. Although, NBTs have a common goal i.e., precise, fast, and efficient crop improvement, individually they are markedly different in approach and characteristics from each other. In this review we describe in detail their mechanisms and applications for the improvement of fruit trees and consider the relationship between these biotechnological tools and the EU biosafety regulations applied to the plants and products obtained through these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Limera
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle MarcheAncona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle MarcheAncona, Italy
| | - Jeremy B. Sweet
- J. T. Environmental Consultants LtdCambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle MarcheAncona, Italy
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van Hove L, Gillund F. Is it only the regulatory status? Broadening the debate on cisgenic plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2017; 29:22. [PMID: 28680789 PMCID: PMC5487859 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-017-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In current debates on emerging technologies for plant breeding in Europe, much attention has been given to the regulatory status of these techniques and their public acceptance. At present, both genetically modified plants with cisgenic approaches-using genes from crossable species-as well as transgenic approaches-using genes from different species-fall under GMO regulation in the EU and both are mandatorily labelled as GMOs. Researchers involved in the early development of cisgenic GM plants convey the message that the potential use and acceptance of cisgenic approaches will be seriously hindered if GMO regulations are not adjusted. Although the similar treatment and labelling of transgenic and cisgenic plants may be a legitimate concern for the marketability of a cisgenic GM plant, there are concerns around their commercialization that reach beyond the current focus on (de)regulation. In this paper, we will use the development of the cisgenic GM potato that aims to overcome 'late blight'-the most devastating potato disease worldwide-as a case to argue that it is important to recognize, reflect and respond to broader concerns than the dominant focus on the regulatory 'burden' and consumer acceptance. Based on insights we gained from discussing this case with diverse stakeholders within the agricultural sector and potato production in Norway during a series of workshops, we elaborate on additional issues such as the (technical) solution offered; different understandings of the late blight problem; the durability of the potato plant resistance; and patenting and ownership. Hence, this paper contributes to empirical knowledge on stakeholder perspectives on emerging plant breeding technologies, underscoring the importance to broaden the scope of the debate on the opportunities and challenges of agricultural biotechnologies, such as cisgenic GM plants. The paper offers policy-relevant input to ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of risk assessments of agricultural biotechnologies. We aim to contribute to the recognition of the complex socio-ecological, legal and political dimensions in which these technological developments are entangled as a means to acknowledge, discuss and respond to these concerns and thereby contribute to more comprehensive and responsible developments within agricultural biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian van Hove
- Society, Ecology and Ethics Department, GenØk Centre for Biosafety, SIVA Innovation Centre, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frøydis Gillund
- Society, Ecology and Ethics Department, GenØk Centre for Biosafety, SIVA Innovation Centre, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
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Arpaia S, Birch ANE, Kiss J, van Loon JJA, Messéan A, Nuti M, Perry JN, Sweet JB, Tebbe CC. Assessing environmental impacts of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms: The relevance of in planta studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:123-132. [PMID: 28095991 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In legal frameworks worldwide, genetically modified plants (GMPs) are subjected to pre-market environmental risk assessment (ERA) with the aim of identifying potential effects on the environment. In the European Union, the EFSA Guidance Document introduces the rationale that GMPs, as well as their newly produced metabolites, represent the potential stressor to be evaluated during ERA. As a consequence, during several phases of ERA for cultivation purposes, it is considered necessary to use whole plants or plant parts in experimental protocols. The importance of in planta studies as a strategy to address impacts of GMPs on non-target organisms is demonstrated, to evaluate both effects due to the intended modification in plant phenotype (e.g. expression of Cry proteins) and effects due to unintended modifications in plant phenotype resulting from the transformation process (e.g. due to somaclonal variations or pleiotropic effects). In planta tests are also necessary for GMPs in which newly expressed metabolites cannot easily be studied in vitro. This paper reviews the scientific literature supporting the choice of in planta studies as a fundamental tool in ERA of GMPs in cultivation dossiers; the evidence indicates they can realistically mimic the ecological relationships occurring in their receiving environments and provide important insights into the biology and sustainable management of GMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jozsef Kiss
- Plant Protection Institute, Szent Istvan University, Gödöllö, Hungary
| | - Joop J A van Loon
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Li R, Quan S, Yan X, Biswas S, Zhang D, Shi J. Molecular characterization of genetically-modified crops: Challenges and strategies. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:302-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Why Organic Farming Should Embrace Co-Existence with Cisgenic Late Blight–Resistant Potato. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Nalley L, Tsiboe F, Durand-Morat A, Shew A, Thoma G. Economic and Environmental Impact of Rice Blast Pathogen (Magnaporthe oryzae) Alleviation in the United States. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167295. [PMID: 27907101 PMCID: PMC5131998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) is a key concern in combating global food insecurity given the disease is responsible for approximately 30% of rice production losses globally-the equivalent of feeding 60 million people. These losses increase the global rice price and reduce consumer welfare and food security. Rice is the staple crop for more than half the world's population so any reduction in rice blast would have substantial beneficial effects on consumer livelihoods. In 2012, researchers in the US began analyzing the feasibility of creating blast-resistant rice through cisgenic breeding. Correspondingly, our study evaluates the changes in producer, consumer, and environmental welfare, if all the rice produced in the Mid-South of the US were blast resistant through a process like cisgenics, using both international trade and environmental assessment modeling. Our results show that US rice producers would gain 69.34 million dollars annually and increase the rice supply to feed an additional one million consumers globally by eliminating blast from production in the Mid-South. These results suggest that blast alleviation could be even more significant in increasing global food security given that the US is a small rice producer by global standards and likely experiences lower losses from blast than other rice-producing countries because of its ongoing investment in production technology and management. Furthermore, results from our detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) show that producing blast-resistant rice has lower environmental (fossil fuel depletion, ecotoxicity, carcinogenics, eutrophication, acidification, global warming potential, and ozone depletion) impacts per unit of rice than non-blast resistant rice production. Our findings suggest that any reduction in blast via breeding will have significantly positive impacts on reducing global food insecurity through increased supply, as well as decreased price and environmental impacts in production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawton Nalley
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Francis Tsiboe
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Alvaro Durand-Morat
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Aaron Shew
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Greg Thoma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
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Almeraya EV, Sánchez-de-Jiménez E. Intragenic modification of maize. J Biotechnol 2016; 238:35-41. [PMID: 27641689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of plant DNA recombination techniques triggered the development of a wide range of genetically modified crops. The transgenics were the first generation of modified plants; however, these crops were quickly questioned due to the artificial combination of DNA between different species. As a result, the second generation of modified plants known as cisgenic and/or intragenic crops arose as an alternative to genetic plant engineering. Cisgenic and/or intragenic crops development establishes the combination of DNA from the plant itself or related species avoiding the introduction of foreign genetic material, such as selection markers and/or reporter genes. Nowadays it has been made successful cisgenic and/or intragenic modifications in crops such as potato and apple. The present study shows the possibility of reaching similar approach in corn plants. This research was focused on achieve intragenic overexpression of the maize Rubisco activase (Rca) protein. The results were compared with changes in the expression of the same protein, in maize plants grown after 23 cycles of conventional selection and open field planting. Experimental evidence shows that maize intragenic modification is possible for increasing specific gene expression, preserving plant genome free of foreign DNA and achieving further significant savings in time and man labor for crop improvement.
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Beker MP, Boari P, Burachik M, Cuadrado V, Junco M, Lede S, Lema MA, Lewi D, Maggi A, Meoniz I, Noé G, Roca C, Robredo C, Rubinstein C, Vicien C, Whelan A. Development of a construct-based risk assessment framework for genetic engineered crops. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:597-607. [PMID: 27339146 PMCID: PMC5023744 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Experience gained in the risk assessment (RA) of genetically engineered (GE) crops since their first experimental introductions in the early nineties, has increased the level of familiarity with these breeding methodologies and has motivated several agencies and expert groups worldwide to revisit the scientific criteria underlying the RA process. Along these lines, the need to engage in a scientific discussion for the case of GE crops transformed with similar constructs was recently identified in Argentina. In response to this need, the Argentine branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Argentina) convened a tripartite working group to discuss a science-based evaluation approach for transformation events developed with genetic constructs which are identical or similar to those used in previously evaluated or approved GE crops. This discussion considered new transformation events within the same or different species and covered both environmental and food safety aspects. A construct similarity concept was defined, considering the biological function of the introduced genes. Factors like environmental and dietary exposure, familiarity with both the crop and the trait as well as the crop biology, were identified as key to inform a construct-based RA process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Beker
- Bayer SA, Ricardo Gutierrez 3652, CP 1605, Munro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Boari
- Biotechnology Directorate, Secretariat of Value Adding, Av. Paseo Colón 922, 2nd, Of. 247, CP 1063, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Burachik
- Indear, Ocampo 210 bis Predio CCT Rosario (2000), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - V Cuadrado
- Monsanto Argentina, Maipu 1210, CP 1006, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Junco
- National Agri Food Health and Quality Service, SENASA, Azopardo 1020, 1st, CP 1107, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Lede
- BASF Argentina, Tucuman 1, 18th, CP 1049, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M A Lema
- Biotechnology Directorate, Secretariat of Value Adding, Av. Paseo Colón 922, 2nd, Of. 247, CP 1063, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National University of Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, CP 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Lewi
- National Agricultural Research Institute, INTA, Nicolas Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, CP 1686, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Maggi
- National Agri Food Health and Quality Service, SENASA, Azopardo 1020, 1st, CP 1107, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - I Meoniz
- National Agri Food Health and Quality Service, SENASA, Azopardo 1020, 1st, CP 1107, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Noé
- Syngenta Agro, Av. Libertador 1855, CP 1638, Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Roca
- Dow Agroscience SA, Cecilia Grierson 355, CP 1107, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Robredo
- Chacra Experimental Agricola Santa Rosa, Camino Vecinal Nº 8, Km 6, CP 4531, Colonia Santa Rosa, Salta, Argentina
| | - C Rubinstein
- Monsanto Argentina, Maipu 1210, CP 1006, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,ILSI Argentina, Ave Santa Fe 1145, 4th, C1059ABF, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - C Vicien
- University of Buenos Aires and CERA, Sr Consultant, Av. San Martín 4453, CP 1417, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Whelan
- Biotechnology Directorate, Secretariat of Value Adding, Av. Paseo Colón 922, 2nd, Of. 247, CP 1063, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National University of Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, CP 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Biotech Approaches to Overcome the Limitations of Using Transgenic Plants in Organic Farming. SUSTAINABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/su8050497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Shew AM, Nalley LL, Danforth DM, Dixon BL, Nayga RM, Delwaide AC, Valent B. Are all GMOs the same? Consumer acceptance of cisgenic rice in India. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:4-7. [PMID: 26242818 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
India has more than 215 million food-insecure people, many of whom are farmers. Genetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to alleviate this problem by increasing food supplies and strengthening farmer livelihoods. For this to occur, two factors are critical: (i) a change in the regulatory status of GM crops, and (ii) consumer acceptance of GM foods. There are generally two classifications of GM crops based on how they are bred: cisgenically bred, containing only DNA sequences from sexually compatible organisms; and transgenically bred, including DNA sequences from sexually incompatible organisms. Consumers may view cisgenic foods as more natural than those produced via transgenesis, thus influencing consumer acceptance. This premise was the catalyst for our study--would Indian consumers accept cisgenically bred rice and if so, how would they value cisgenics compared to conventionally bred rice, GM-labelled rice and 'no fungicide' rice? In this willingness-to-pay study, respondents did not view cisgenic and GM rice differently. However, participants were willing-to-pay a premium for any aforementioned rice with a 'no fungicide' attribute, which cisgenics and GM could provide. Although not significantly different (P = 0.16), 76% and 73% of respondents stated a willingness-to-consume GM and cisgenic foods, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Shew
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Lawton L Nalley
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Diana M Danforth
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Bruce L Dixon
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Rodolfo M Nayga
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
- Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne-Cecile Delwaide
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Barbara Valent
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Quétier F. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology: Closer to the ultimate toolkit for targeted genome editing. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2016; 242:65-76. [PMID: 26566825 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The first period of plant genome editing was based on Agrobacterium; chemical mutagenesis by EMS (ethyl methanesulfonate) and ionizing radiations; each of these technologies led to randomly distributed genome modifications. The second period is associated with the discoveries of homing and meganuclease enzymes during the 80s and 90s, which were then engineered to provide efficient tools for targeted editing. From 2006 to 2012, a few crop plants were successfully and precisely modified using zinc-finger nucleases. A third wave of improvement in genome editing, which led to a dramatic decrease in off-target events, was achieved in 2009-2011 with the TALEN technology. The latest revolution surfaced in 2013 with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, whose high efficiency and technical ease of use is really impressive; scientists can use in-house kits or commercially available kits; the only two requirements are to carefully choose the location of the DNA double strand breaks to be induced and then to order an oligonucleotide. While this close-to- ultimate toolkit for targeted editing of genomes represents dramatic scientific progress which allows the development of more complex useful agronomic traits through synthetic biology, the social acceptance of genome editing remains regularly questioned by anti-GMO citizens and organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Quétier
- University of Evry Val d'Essonne, Evry 91025, France; Genopole, Evry 91025, France.
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Tagliabue G. The meaningless pseudo-category of "GMOs": The trouble with the "new techniques" for genetically modifying crops demonstrates the illogical process-based definition of GMOs in EU regulation. EMBO Rep 2015; 17:10-3. [PMID: 26559524 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201541385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Nouri-Ellouz O, Zeghal N, Makni S, Makni-Ayadi F, Trigui M, Ellouz-Ghorbel R, Drira N, Sellami-Boudawara T, Gargouri-Bouzid R. New food from a potato somatic hybrid: nutritional equivalence and safety assessment by a feeding study on rats. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2015; 95:1911-1917. [PMID: 25199513 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potato tubers from the STBd somatic hybrid line that exhibited improved tolerance to salinity and resistance to fungal and PVY infections were characterised. They were compared for their chemical composition to the Spunta variety produced by conventional agronomic practices. This study aimed to compare nutritional value and safety by feeding rats with STBd or commercial tubers added to the standard diet (20/80 w/w). RESULTS The analysis of soluble sugar, fat, fibre and ash content of tubers did not reveal any significant differences between the hybrid line and the control Spunta variety. Small differences were observed in dry matter, starch and protein content of hybrid potatoes in comparison to controls. However, all values were within normal ranges reported in the literature. The feeding study on rats showed that overall health, weight gain, food consumption, morphological aspects and weights of organs were comparable between rat groups fed the STBd hybrid and the Spunta variety. CONCLUSION Taken together, 28 days of consumption of STBd hybrid potato did not exert any adverse effect on rats compared with commercial Spunta potato. The STBd potato line was therefore considered to be as safe for food utilisation as the commercial variety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumèma Nouri-Ellouz
- Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Biologie et Géologie, BP 1172, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Najiba Zeghal
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Laboratoire de Physiologie Animale, BP 1171, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Saloua Makni
- Université de Sfax, Département de Pathologie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Makni-Ayadi
- Université de Sfax, Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mouhanad Trigui
- Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Génie Biologique, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Raoudha Ellouz-Ghorbel
- Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Génie Biologique, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Noureddine Drira
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Végétales Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, BP 1171, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Radhia Gargouri-Bouzid
- Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Département de Génie Biologique, BP 1173, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
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Ricroch A, Harwood W, Svobodová Z, Sági L, Hundleby P, Badea EM, Rosca I, Cruz G, Salema Fevereiro MP, Marfà Riera V, Jansson S, Morandini P, Bojinov B, Cetiner S, Custers R, Schrader U, Jacobsen HJ, Martin-Laffon J, Boisron A, Kuntz M. Challenges facing European agriculture and possible biotechnological solutions. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2015; 36:875-83. [PMID: 26133365 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2015.1055707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Agriculture faces many challenges to maximize yields while it is required to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner. In the present study, we analyze the major agricultural challenges identified by European farmers (primarily related to biotic stresses) in 13 countries, namely Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, UK and Turkey, for nine major crops (barley, beet, grapevine, maize, oilseed rape, olive, potato, sunflower and wheat). Most biotic stresses (BSs) are related to fungi or insects, but viral diseases, bacterial diseases and even parasitic plants have an important impact on yield and harvest quality. We examine how these challenges have been addressed by public and private research sectors, using either conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, transgenesis, cisgenesis, RNAi technology or mutagenesis. Both national surveys and scientific literature analysis followed by text mining were employed to evaluate genetic engineering (GE) and non-GE approaches. This is the first report of text mining of the scientific literature on plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology research. For the nine major crops in Europe, 128 BS challenges were identified with 40% of these addressed neither in the scientific literature nor in recent European public research programs. We found evidence that the private sector was addressing only a few of these "neglected" challenges. Consequently, there are considerable gaps between farmer's needs and current breeding and biotechnology research. We also provide evidence that the current political situation in certain European countries is an impediment to GE research in order to address these agricultural challenges in the future. This study should also contribute to the decision-making process on future pertinent international consortia to fill the identified research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Ricroch
- a AgroParisTech, Paris and Université Paris-Sud, Collége d'Etudes Interdisciplinaires , Sceaux , France
| | - Wendy Harwood
- b Crop Transformation Group, John Innes Centre (JIC) , Norwich Research Park , Norwich , UK
| | - Zdeňka Svobodová
- c Institute of Entomology BC AS CR, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia , České Budějovice , Czech Republic
| | - László Sági
- d Plant Cell Biology Department, Center for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences , Martonvásár , Hungary
| | - Penelope Hundleby
- b Crop Transformation Group, John Innes Centre (JIC) , Norwich Research Park , Norwich , UK
| | - Elena Marcela Badea
- e Biotechnology and Biosecurity Department , Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Ioan Rosca
- f University of Agronomic Science and Veterinary Medicine-Bucharest , Bucuresti , Romania
| | - Gabriela Cruz
- g APOSOLO - Associação Portuguesa de Mobilização e Conservação do Solo , Évora , Portugal
| | - Manuel Pedro Salema Fevereiro
- h Laboratory of Plant Cell Biotechnology , ITQB - Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa ITQB/IBET - Apt 127 , Oeiras , Portugal
| | - Victoria Marfà Riera
- i CRAG - Centre de Recerca en AgriGenòmica, Campus UAB - Edifici CRAG, Bellaterra - Cerdanyola del Vallès , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Stefan Jansson
- j Umeå Plant Science Center, Umeå University , UMEÅ , Sweden
| | - Piero Morandini
- k Department of Biosciences , Biophysics Institute of the National Research Council (CNR), Università di Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Bojin Bojinov
- l Faculty of Agronomy , Agricultural University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv , Bulgaria
| | - Selim Cetiner
- m Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences , Sabanci University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | | | - Uwe Schrader
- o InnoPlantae.V., OT Gatersleben , Stadt Seeland , Germany
| | - Hans-Joerg Jacobsen
- p Institut für Pflanzengenetik, Leibniz Universität Hannover , Hannover , Germany
| | - Jacqueline Martin-Laffon
- q Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale - CNRS , CEA, INRA, Université Grenoble-Alpes , Grenoble , France , and
| | - Audrey Boisron
- r INRA, Direction de la Valorisation, Information Scientifique et Technique , Versailles , France
| | - Marcel Kuntz
- q Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire Végétale - CNRS , CEA, INRA, Université Grenoble-Alpes , Grenoble , France , and
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Ilardi V, Tavazza M. Biotechnological strategies and tools for Plum pox virus resistance: trans-, intra-, cis-genesis, and beyond. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:379. [PMID: 26106397 PMCID: PMC4458569 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plum pox virus (PPV) is the etiological agent of sharka, the most devastating and economically important viral disease affecting Prunus species. It is widespread in most stone fruits producing countries even though eradication and quarantine programs are in place. The development of resistant cultivars and rootstocks remains the most ecologically and economically suitable approach to achieve long-term control of sharka disease. However, the few PPV resistance genetic resources found in Prunus germplasm along with some intrinsic biological features of stone fruit trees pose limits for efficient and fast breeding programs. This review focuses on an array of biotechnological strategies and tools, which have been used, or may be exploited to confer PPV resistance. A considerable number of scientific studies clearly indicate that robust and predictable resistance can be achieved by transforming plant species with constructs encoding intron-spliced hairpin RNAs homologous to conserved regions of the PPV genome. In addition, we discuss how recent advances in our understanding of PPV biology can be profitably exploited to develop viral interference strategies. In particular, genetic manipulation of host genes by which PPV accomplishes its infection cycle already permits the creation of intragenic resistant plants. Finally, we review the emerging genome editing technologies based on ZFN, TALEN and CRISPR/Cas9 engineered nucleases and how the knockout of host susceptibility genes will open up next generation of PPV resistant plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Ilardi
- Centro di Ricerca per la Patologia Vegetale, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Tavazza
- UTAGRI Centro Ricerche Casaccia, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile, Rome, Italy
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Delwaide AC, Nalley LL, Dixon BL, Danforth DM, Nayga RM, Van Loo EJ, Verbeke W. Revisiting GMOs: Are There Differences in European Consumers' Acceptance and Valuation for Cisgenically vs Transgenically Bred Rice? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126060. [PMID: 25973946 PMCID: PMC4431710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both cisgenesis and transgenesis are plant breeding techniques that can be used to introduce new genes into plant genomes. However, transgenesis uses gene(s) from a non-plant organism or from a donor plant that is sexually incompatible with the recipient plant while cisgenesis involves the introduction of gene(s) from a crossable--sexually compatible--plant. Traditional breeding techniques could possibly achieve the same results as those from cisgenesis, but would require a much larger timeframe. Cisgenesis allows plant breeders to enhance an existing cultivar more quickly and with little to no genetic drag. The current regulation in the European Union (EU) on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) treats cisgenic plants the same as transgenic plants and both are mandatorily labeled as GMOs. This study estimates European consumers' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for rice labeled as GM, cisgenic, with environmental benefits (which cisgenesis could provide), or any combination of these three attributes. Data were collected from 3,002 participants through an online survey administered in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom in 2013. Censored regression models were used to model consumers' WTP in each country. Model estimates highlight significant differences in WTP across countries. In all five countries, consumers are willing-to-pay a premium to avoid purchasing rice labeled as GM. In all countries except Spain, consumers have a significantly higher WTP to avoid consuming rice labeled as GM compared to rice labeled as cisgenic, suggesting that inserting genes from the plant's own gene pool is more acceptable to consumers. Additionally, French consumers are willing-to-pay a premium for rice labeled as having environmental benefits compared to conventional rice. These findings suggest that not all GMOs are the same in consumers' eyes and thus, from a consumer preference perspective, the differences between transgenic and cisgenic products are recommended to be reflected in GMO labeling and trade policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Cécile Delwaide
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lawton L. Nalley
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Bruce L. Dixon
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Diana M. Danforth
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Rodolfo M. Nayga
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America
- Adjunct professor, Korea University and Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute
| | - Ellen J. Van Loo
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Krens FA, Schaart JG, van der Burgh AM, Tinnenbroek-Capel IEM, Groenwold R, Kodde LP, Broggini GAL, Gessler C, Schouten HJ. Cisgenic apple trees; development, characterization, and performance. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:286. [PMID: 25964793 PMCID: PMC4410516 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Two methods were developed for the generation of cisgenic apples. Both have been successfully applied producing trees. The first method avoids the use of any foreign selectable marker genes; only the gene-of-interest is integrated between the T-DNA border sequences. The second method makes use of recombinase-based marker excision. For the first method we used the MdMYB10 gene from a red-fleshed apple coding for a transcription factor involved in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. Red plantlets were obtained and presence of the cisgene was confirmed. Plantlets were grafted and grown in a greenhouse. After 3 years, the first flowers appeared, showing red petals. Pollination led to production of red-fleshed cisgenic apples. The second method used the pM(arker)F(ree) vector system, introducing the scab resistance gene Rvi6, derived from apple. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, followed by selection on kanamycin, produced genetically modified apple lines. Next, leaves from in vitro material were treated to activate the recombinase leading to excision of selection genes. Subsequently, the leaf explants were subjected to negative selection for marker-free plantlets by inducing regeneration on medium containing 5-fluorocytosine. After verification of the marker-free nature, the obtained plants were grafted onto rootstocks. Young trees from four cisgenic lines and one intragenic line, all containing Rvi6, were planted in an orchard. Appropriate controls were incorporated in this trial. We scored scab incidence for three consecutive years on leaves after inoculations with Rvi6-avirulent strains. One cisgenic line and the intragenic line performed as well as the resistant control. In 2014 trees started to overcome their juvenile character and formed flowers and fruits. The first results of scoring scab symptoms on apple fruits were obtained. Apple fruits from susceptible controls showed scab symptoms, while fruits from cisgenic and intragenic lines were free of scab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans A. Krens
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Frans A. Krens, Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan G. Schaart
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Aranka M. van der Burgh
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Remmelt Groenwold
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Linda P. Kodde
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Cesare Gessler
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH ZürichZürich, Switzerland
| | - Henk J. Schouten
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University and Research CentreWageningen, Netherlands
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Hebelstrup KH, Sagnelli D, Blennow A. The future of starch bioengineering: GM microorganisms or GM plants? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:247. [PMID: 25954284 PMCID: PMC4407504 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Plant starches regularly require extensive modification to permit subsequent applications. Such processing is usually done by the use of chemical and/or physical treatments. The use of recombinant enzymes produced by large-scale fermentation of GM microorganisms is increasingly used in starch processing and modification, sometimes as an alternative to chemical or physical treatments. However, as a means to impart the modifications as early as possible in the starch production chain, similar recombinant enzymes may also be expressed in planta in the developing starch storage organ such as in roots, tubers and cereal grains to provide a GM crop as an alternative to the use of enzymes from GM microorganisms. We here discuss these techniques in relation to important structural features and modifications of starches such as: starch phosphorylation, starch hydrolysis, chain transfer/branching and novel concepts of hybrid starch-based polysaccharides. In planta starch bioengineering is generally challenged by yield penalties and inefficient production of the desired product. However, in some situations, GM crops for starch bioengineering without deleterious effects have been achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim H. Hebelstrup
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Kim H. Hebelstrup, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Domenico Sagnelli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Andreas Blennow
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Hartung F, Schiemann J. Precise plant breeding using new genome editing techniques: opportunities, safety and regulation in the EU. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 78:742-52. [PMID: 24330272 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Several new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) have been developed during the last decade, and make it possible to precisely perform genome modifications in plants. The major problem, other than technical aspects, is the vagueness of regulation concerning these new techniques. Since the definition of eight NPBTs by a European expert group in 2007, there has been an ongoing debate on whether the resulting plants and their products are covered by GMO legislation. Obviously, cover by GMO legislation would severely hamper the use of NPBT, because genetically modified plants must pass a costly and time-consuming GMO approval procedure in the EU. In this review, we compare some of the NPBTs defined by the EU expert group with classical breeding techniques and conventional transgenic plants. The list of NPBTs may be shortened (or extended) during the international discussion process initiated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. From the scientific point of view, it may be argued that plants developed by NPBTs are often indistinguishable from classically bred plants and are not expected to possess higher risks for health and the environment. In light of the debate on the future regulation of NPBTs and the accumulated evidence on the biosafety of genetically modified plants that have been commercialized and risk-assessed worldwide, it may be suggested that plants modified by crop genetic improvement technologies, including genetic modification, NPBTs or other future techniques, should be evaluated according to the new trait and the resulting end product rather than the technique used to create the new plant variety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Hartung
- Julius Kühn Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Erwin Baur Straße 27, D-06484, Quedlinburg, Germany
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Jo KR, Kim CJ, Kim SJ, Kim TY, Bergervoet M, Jongsma MA, Visser RGF, Jacobsen E, Vossen JH. Development of late blight resistant potatoes by cisgene stacking. BMC Biotechnol 2014; 14:50. [PMID: 24885731 PMCID: PMC4075930 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-14-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytophthora infestans, causing late blight in potato, remains one of the most devastating pathogens in potato production and late blight resistance is a top priority in potato breeding. The introduction of multiple resistance (R) genes with different spectra from crossable species into potato varieties is required. Cisgenesis is a promising approach that introduces native genes from the crops own gene pool using GM technology, thereby retaining favourable characteristics of established varieties. RESULTS We pursued a cisgenesis approach to introduce two broad spectrum potato late blight R genes, Rpi-sto1 and Rpi-vnt1.1 from the crossable species Solanum stoloniferum and Solanum venturii, respectively, into three different potato varieties. First, single R gene-containing transgenic plants were produced for all varieties to be used as references for the resistance levels and spectra to be expected in the respective genetic backgrounds. Next, a construct containing both cisgenic late blight R genes (Rpi-vnt1.1 and Rpi-sto1), but lacking the bacterial kanamycin resistance selection marker (NPTII) was transformed to the three selected potato varieties using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Gene transfer events were selected by PCR among regenerated shoots. Through further analyses involving morphological evaluations in the greenhouse, responsiveness to Avr genes and late blight resistance in detached leaf assays, the selection was narrowed down to eight independent events. These cisgenic events were selected because they showed broad spectrum late blight resistance due to the activity of both introduced R genes. The marker-free transformation was compared to kanamycin resistance assisted transformation in terms of T-DNA and vector backbone integration frequency. Also, differences in regeneration time and genotype dependency were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS We developed a marker-free transformation pipeline to select potato plants functionally expressing a stack of late blight R genes. Marker-free transformation is less genotype dependent and less prone to vector backbone integration as compared to marker-assisted transformation. Thereby, this study provides an important tool for the successful deployment of R genes in agriculture and contributes to the production of potentially durable late blight resistant potatoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Ryong Jo
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Research Institute of Agrobiology, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Chol-Jun Kim
- Research Institute of Agrobiology, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Kim
- Research Institute of Agrobiology, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Tok-Yong Kim
- Research Institute of Agrobiology, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Marjan Bergervoet
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten A Jongsma
- Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard GF Visser
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Evert Jacobsen
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack H Vossen
- Wageningen UR Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 386, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Swarupa V, Ravishankar KV, Rekha A. Plant defense response against Fusarium oxysporum and strategies to develop tolerant genotypes in banana. PLANTA 2014; 239:735-51. [PMID: 24420701 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-013-2024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Soil-borne fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum causes major economic losses by inducing necrosis and wilting symptoms in many crop plants. Management of fusarium wilt is achieved mainly by the use of chemical fungicides which affect the soil health and their efficiency is often limited by pathogenic variability. Hence understanding the nature of interaction between pathogen and host may help to select and improve better cultivars. Current research evidences highlight the role of oxidative burst and antioxidant enzymes indicating that ROS act as an important signaling molecule in banana defense response against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. The role of jasmonic acid signaling in plant defense against necrotrophic pathogens is well recognized. But recent studies show that the role of salicylic acid is complex and ambiguous against necrotrophic pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum, leading to many intriguing questions about its relationship between other signaling compounds. In case of banana, a major challenge is to identify specific receptors for effector proteins like SIX proteins and also the components of various signal transduction pathways. Significant progress has been made to uncover the role of defense genes but is limited to only model plants such as Arabidopsis and tomato. Keeping this in view, we review the host response, pathogen diversity, current understanding of biochemical and molecular changes that occur during host and pathogen interaction. Developing resistant cultivars through mutation, breeding, transgenic and cisgenic approaches have been discussed. This would help us to understand host defenses against Fusarium oxysporum and to formulate strategies to develop tolerant cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Swarupa
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru, 560089, India
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Hunter P. "Genetically Modified Lite" placates public but not activists: New technologies to manipulate plant genomes could help to overcome public concerns about GM crops. EMBO Rep 2014; 15:138-41. [PMID: 24451237 DOI: 10.1002/embr.201338365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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