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Sadikiel Mmbando G. The Adoption of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: the Public's Current Perception, the Regulatory Obstacles, and Ethical Challenges. GM CROPS & FOOD 2024; 15:1-15. [PMID: 38651587 PMCID: PMC11042066 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2024.2345401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Sadikiel Mmbando
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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2
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Patel P, Benzle K, Pei D, Wang GL. Cell-penetrating peptides for sustainable agriculture. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024:S1360-1385(24)00144-4. [PMID: 38902122 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short (typically 5-30 amino acids), cationic, amphipathic, or hydrophobic peptides that facilitate the cellular uptake of diverse cargo molecules by eukaryotic cells via direct translocation or endocytosis across the plasma membrane. CPPs can deliver a variety of bioactive cargos, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules into the cell. Once inside, the delivered cargo may function in the cytosol, nucleus, or other subcellular compartments. Numerous CPPs have been used for studies and drug delivery in mammalian systems. Although CPPs have many potential uses in plant research and agriculture, the application of CPPs in plants remains limited. Here we review the structures and mechanisms of CPPs and highlight their potential applications for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Patel
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kyle Benzle
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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3
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Zhao J, Li X, Ji D, Bae J. Extrusion-based 3D printing of soft active materials. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024. [PMID: 38894652 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc01889c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Active materials are capable of responding to external stimuli, as observed in both natural and synthetic systems, from sensitive plants to temperature-responsive hydrogels. Extrusion-based 3D printing of soft active materials facilitates the fabrication of intricate geometries with spatially programmed compositions and architectures at various scales, further enhancing the functionality of materials. This Feature Article summarizes recent advances in extrusion-based 3D printing of active materials in both non-living (i.e., synthetic) and living systems. It highlights emerging ink formulations and architectural designs that enable programmable properties, with a focus on complex shape morphing and controllable light-emitting patterns. The article also spotlights strategies for engineering living materials that can produce genetically encoded material responses and react to a variety of environmental stimuli. Lastly, it discusses the challenges and prospects for advancements in both synthetic and living composite materials from the perspectives of chemistry, modeling, and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhao
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Xiao Li
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Donghwan Ji
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jinhye Bae
- Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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4
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Miller SA, Testen AL, Jacobs JM, Ivey MLL. Mitigating Emerging and Reemerging Diseases of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in a Changing Climate. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:917-929. [PMID: 38170665 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-10-23-0393-kc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Fruit and vegetable crops are important sources of nutrition and income globally. Producing these high-value crops requires significant investment of often scarce resources, and, therefore, the risks associated with climate change and accompanying disease pressures are especially important. Climate change influences the occurrence and pressure of plant diseases, enabling new pathogens to emerge and old enemies to reemerge. Specific environmental changes attributed to climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations and intense rainfall events, greatly alter fruit and vegetable disease incidence and severity. In turn, fruit and vegetable microbiomes, and subsequently overall plant health, are also affected by climate change. Changing disease pressures cause growers and researchers to reassess disease management and climate change adaptation strategies. Approaches such as climate smart integrated pest management, smart sprayer technology, protected culture cultivation, advanced diagnostics, and new soilborne disease management strategies are providing new tools for specialty crops growers. Researchers and educators need to work closely with growers to establish fruit and vegetable production systems that are resilient and responsive to changing climates. This review explores the effects of climate change on specialty food crops, pathogens, insect vectors, and pathosystems, as well as adaptations needed to ensure optimal plant health and environmental and economic sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Miller
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691
| | - Anna L Testen
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Application Technology Research Unit, Wooster, OH 44691
| | - Jonathan M Jacobs
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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Verma KK, Joshi A, Song XP, Singh S, Kumari A, Arora J, Singh SK, Solanki MK, Seth CS, Li YR. Synergistic interactions of nanoparticles and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria enhancing soil-plant systems: a multigenerational perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1376214. [PMID: 38742215 PMCID: PMC11089215 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1376214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Sustainable food security and safety are major concerns on a global scale, especially in developed nations. Adverse agroclimatic conditions affect the largest agricultural-producing areas, which reduces the production of crops. Achieving sustainable food safety is challenging because of several factors, such as soil flooding/waterlogging, ultraviolet (UV) rays, acidic/sodic soil, hazardous ions, low and high temperatures, and nutritional imbalances. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely employed in in-vitro conditions because they are widely recognized as a more environmentally and sustainably friendly approach to increasing crop yield in contaminated and fertile soil. Conversely, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) as an amendment in the soil has recently been proposed as an economical way to enhance the texture of the soil and improving agricultural yields. Nowadays, various research experiments have combined or individually applied with the PGPR and NPs for balancing soil elements and crop yield in response to control and adverse situations, with the expectation that both additives might perform well together. According to several research findings, interactive applications significantly increase sustainable crop yields more than PGPR or NPs alone. The present review summarized the functional and mechanistic basis of the interactive role of PGPR and NPs. However, this article focused on the potential of the research direction to realize the possible interaction of PGPR and NPs at a large scale in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan K. Verma
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Xiu-Peng Song
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shraddha Singh
- Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, MH, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, MH, India
| | - Aradhna Kumari
- College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Ganj Basoda, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Jaya Arora
- Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Solanki
- Department of Life Sciences and Biological Sciences, IES University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Plant Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Group, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Yang-Rui Li
- Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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DeLoose M, Cho H, Bouain N, Choi I, Prom-U-Thai C, Shahzad Z, Zheng L, Rouached H. PDR9 allelic variation and MYB63 modulate nutrient-dependent coumarin homeostasis in Arabidopsis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 117:1716-1727. [PMID: 38361338 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Plant roots release phytochemicals into the soil environment to influence nutrient availability and uptake. Arabidopsis thaliana roots release phenylpropanoid coumarins in response to iron (Fe) deficiency, likely to enhance Fe uptake and improve plant health. This response requires sufficient phosphorus (P) in the root environment. Nonetheless, the regulatory interplay influencing coumarin production under varying availabilities of Fe and P is not known. Through genome-wide association studies, we have pinpointed the influence of the ABC transporter G family member, PDR9, on coumarin accumulation and trafficking (homeostasis) under combined Fe and P deficiency. We show that genetic variation in the promoter of PDR9 regulates its expression in a manner associated with coumarin production. Furthermore, we find that MYB63 transcription factor controls dedicated coumarin production by regulating both COUMARIN SYNTHASE (COSY) and FERULOYL-CoA 6'-HYDROXYLASE 1 (F6'H1) expression while orchestrating secretion through PDR9 genes under Fe and P combined deficiency. This integrated approach illuminates the intricate connections between nutrient signaling pathways in coumarin response mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan DeLoose
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Huikyong Cho
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Nadia Bouain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48823, USA
| | - Ilyeong Choi
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | | | - Zaigham Shahzad
- Department of Life Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, 54792, Pakistan
| | - Luqing Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Hatem Rouached
- The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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7
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Nogueira A, Puga H, Gerós H, Teixeira A. Seed germination and seedling development assisted by ultrasound: gaps and future research directions. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:583-597. [PMID: 37728938 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Since the early 1930s, when the first corn hybrids were grown commercially, innovations in the agriculture industry have had an unprecedent impact worldwide, helping to meet the demands for food of an exponentially growing population. In particular, seed technology research has contributed substantially to the improvement of crop performance over the years. Ultrasonic treatment of seeds is a green technology that promises to have an impact on the food industry, enhancing germination and seedling development in different species through the stimulation of water and oxygen uptake and seed metabolism. The increase in starch degradation has been associated with the stimulation of the α-amylases of the endosperm, but relatively few reports focus on how ultrasound affects seed germination at the biochemical and molecular levels. For instance, the picture is still unclear regarding the impact of ultrasound on transcriptional reprogramming in seeds. The purpose of this review is to assess the literature on ultrasound seed treatment accurately and critically, ultimately aiming to encourage new scientific and technological breakthroughs with a real impact on worldwide agricultural production while promoting sustainable practices on biological systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Nogueira
- CMEMS-UMinho - Centre for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- CBMA-UMinho - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Hélder Puga
- CMEMS-UMinho - Centre for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Hernâni Gerós
- CBMA-UMinho - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - António Teixeira
- CBMA-UMinho - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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8
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Prado GS, Rocha DC, dos Santos LN, Contiliani DF, Nobile PM, Martinati-Schenk JC, Padilha L, Maluf MP, Lubini G, Pereira TC, Monteiro-Vitorello CB, Creste S, Boscariol-Camargo RL, Takita MA, Cristofani-Yaly M, de Souza AA. CRISPR technology towards genome editing of the perennial and semi-perennial crops citrus, coffee and sugarcane. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1331258. [PMID: 38259920 PMCID: PMC10801916 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1331258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Souza Prado
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
| | - Dhiôvanna Corrêia Rocha
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Lucas Nascimento dos Santos
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Danyel Fernandes Contiliani
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paula Macedo Nobile
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Padilha
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Mirian Perez Maluf
- Coffee Center of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Embrapa Coffee, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Greice Lubini
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tiago Campos Pereira
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Creste
- Sugarcane Research Center – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Aurélio Takita
- Citrus Research Center “Sylvio Moreira” – Agronomic Institute (IAC), Cordeirópolis, Brazil
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Caradus JR. Processes for regulating genetically modified and gene edited plants. GM CROPS & FOOD 2023; 14:1-41. [PMID: 37690075 PMCID: PMC10761188 DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2252947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Innovation in agriculture has been essential in improving productivity of crops and forages to support a growing population, improving living standards while contributing toward maintaining environment integrity, human health, and wellbeing through provision of more nutritious, varied, and abundant food sources. A crucial part of that innovation has involved a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. However, some techniques used for generating new variation for plant breeders to exploit are deemed higher risk than others despite end products of both processes at times being for all intents and purposes identical for the benefits they provide. As a result, public concerns often triggered by poor communication from innovators, resulting in mistrust and suspicion has, in turn, caused the development of a range of regulatory systems. The logic and motivations for modes of regulation used are reviewed and how the benefits from use of these technologies can be delivered more efficiently and effectively is discussed.
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Pexas G, Kyriazakis I. Hotspots and bottlenecks for the enhancement of the environmental sustainability of pig systems, with emphasis on European pig systems. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:53. [PMID: 37974286 PMCID: PMC10652603 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pig systems start from a favourable baseline of environmental impact compared to other livestock systems, there is still scope to reduce their emissions and further mitigate associated impacts, especially in relation to nitrogen and phosphorous emissions. Key environmental impact hotspots of pig production systems are activities associated with feed production and manure management, as well as direct emissions (such as methane) from the animals and energy use. A major contributor to the environmental impacts associated with pig feed is the inclusion of soya in pig diets, especially since European pig systems rely heavily on soya imported from areas of the globe where crop production is associated with significant impacts of land use change, deforestation, carbon emissions, and loss of biodiversity. The "finishing" pig production stage contributes most to these environmental impacts, due to the amount of feed consumed, the efficiency with which feed is utilised, and the amount of manure produced during this stage. By definition therefore, any substantial improvements pig system environmental impact would arise from changes in feed production and manure management. In this paper, we consider potential solutions towards system environmental sustainability at these pig system components, as well as the bottlenecks that inhibit their effective implementation at the desired pace and magnitude. Examples include the quest for alternative protein sources to soya, the limits (perceived or real) to the genetic improvement of pigs, and the implementation of alternative manure management strategies, such as production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. The review identifies and discusses areas that future efforts can focus on, to further advance understanding around the potential sustainability benefits of modifications at various pig system components, and key sustainability trade-offs across the environment-economy-society pillars associated with synergistic and antagonistic effects when joint implementation of multiple solutions is considered. In this way, the review opens a discussion to facilitate the development of holistic decision support tools for pig farm management that account for interactions between the "feed * animal * manure" system components and trade-offs between sustainability priorities (e.g., environmental vs economic performance of pig system; welfare improvements vs environmental impacts).
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pexas
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK.
| | - Ilias Kyriazakis
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Sarker PK, Paul AS, Karmoker D. Mitigating climate change and pandemic impacts on global food security: dual sustainable agriculture approach (2S approach). PLANTA 2023; 258:104. [PMID: 37878120 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-023-04257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Simultaneous application of two sustainability approaches such as the application of biofertilizers to GM plants and microbe bioengineering to enhance physiological response and beneficial interaction with GM plants may have a significant impact on strengthening global food security amid climate change and the pandemic. The second sustainable development goal (SDG 02, Zero Hunger) aims global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. The agriculture sector has been an integral part of developing countries for millions of farmers and their families. Their contribution provides stability of raw matter related to food availability. But climate change, higher population growth and worldwide pandemics are the main obstacles to food quality, higher crop productivity and global food security. Scientists are concerned with the manifestation of agriculture sustainability in the modern crop management approach to resolving the issues. It is the only way to higher yield productivity by protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and slowing climate change. Several strategies can be an option to implement, yet the proposed two sustainability approach or 2S approach will be the significant way toward the goal of zero hunger. The first sustainability approach is an application of genetically modified (S1: GMO) Plants and the other is an application of beneficiary plant growth-promoting microbes (S2: Biofertilizers) to the plants for both higher crops and maintenance of the environment. This study summarizes the essential points of S1 and S2 for the widespread utilization of the 2S approach in agriculture and recommends the potential alternatives to be implemented to produce food for all. Simultaneous application of the 2S approach can defeat all threats to gain sustainability in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Protup Kumer Sarker
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, 470-1192, Japan.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Archi Sundar Paul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin's, Milwaukee, WI53226, USA
| | - Dola Karmoker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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12
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Aroca A, García I. Advances in plant molecular biology: towards new challenges. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:5949-5954. [PMID: 37832938 PMCID: PMC10575696 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Aroca
- Departamento de Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González, 1, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, IBVF (Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Américo Vespucio, 49, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Irene García
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, IBVF (Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Américo Vespucio, 49, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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13
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Subramanian A. Sustainable agriculture and GM crops: the case of Bt cotton impact in Ballari district of India. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1102395. [PMID: 37711290 PMCID: PMC10499354 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1102395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton are at the forefront of an intense debate on the benefits of genetically modified (GM) crops among smallholder farmers in developing countries. Existing studies fail to control for confounders, selection bias, or cultivation bias from preferential treatment in the initial adoption phase. Addressing these concerns in this paper, I examine the impact of Bt cotton employing an unbalanced panel fixed-effects model of a crop yield and profit function on newly collected plot-level data in the most recent decade. Results show that Bt cotton yields have stagnated, have a null effect on profits, and have become more sensitive to pest pressure in the most recent decade. Though many studies have demonstrated higher crop yield and profit gains in the first decade of Bt cotton adoption that raised the average returns to the technology, the second decade shows convergence in benefits, which raises obvious questions about the prospect of GM technology. Since Bt cotton is the only GM crop technology widely adopted by smallholder farmers, the findings of this paper contribute to the broader public debate on the future of agricultural biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjunan Subramanian
- Economics, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Abdul Aziz M, Masmoudi K. Insights into the Transcriptomics of Crop Wild Relatives to Unravel the Salinity Stress Adaptive Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9813. [PMID: 37372961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129813] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The narrow genomic diversity of modern cultivars is a major bottleneck for enhancing the crop's salinity stress tolerance. The close relatives of modern cultivated plants, crop wild relatives (CWRs), can be a promising and sustainable resource to broaden the diversity of crops. Advances in transcriptomic technologies have revealed the untapped genetic diversity of CWRs that represents a practical gene pool for improving the plant's adaptability to salt stress. Thus, the present study emphasizes the transcriptomics of CWRs for salinity stress tolerance. In this review, the impacts of salt stress on the plant's physiological processes and development are overviewed, and the transcription factors (TFs) regulation of salinity stress tolerance is investigated. In addition to the molecular regulation, a brief discussion on the phytomorphological adaptation of plants under saline environments is provided. The study further highlights the availability and use of transcriptomic resources of CWR and their contribution to pangenome construction. Moreover, the utilization of CWRs' genetic resources in the molecular breeding of crops for salinity stress tolerance is explored. Several studies have shown that cytoplasmic components such as calcium and kinases, and ion transporter genes such as Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) and High-affinity Potassium Transporters (HKTs) are involved in the signaling of salt stress, and in mediating the distribution of excess Na+ ions within the plant cells. Recent comparative analyses of transcriptomic profiling through RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) between the crops and their wild relatives have unraveled several TFs, stress-responsive genes, and regulatory proteins for generating salinity stress tolerance. This review specifies that the use of CWRs transcriptomics in combination with modern breeding experimental approaches such as genomic editing, de novo domestication, and speed breeding can accelerate the CWRs utilization in the breeding programs for enhancing the crop's adaptability to saline conditions. The transcriptomic approaches optimize the crop genomes with the accumulation of favorable alleles that will be indispensable for designing salt-resilient crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughair Abdul Aziz
- Integrative Agriculture Department, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled Masmoudi
- Integrative Agriculture Department, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Abdul Aziz M, Brini F, Rouached H, Masmoudi K. Genetically engineered crops for sustainably enhanced food production systems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1027828. [PMID: 36426158 PMCID: PMC9680014 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1027828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of crops has substantially focused on improving traits for desirable outcomes. It has resulted in the development of crops with enhanced yields, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. With the advent of introducing favorable traits into crops, biotechnology has created a path for the involvement of genetically modified (GM) crops into sustainable food production systems. Although these plants heralded a new era of crop production, their widespread adoption faces diverse challenges due to concerns about the environment, human health, and moral issues. Mitigating these concerns with scientific investigations is vital. Hence, the purpose of the present review is to discuss the deployment of GM crops and their effects on sustainable food production systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the cultivation of GM crops and the issues preventing their widespread adoption, with appropriate strategies to overcome them. This review also presents recent tools for genome editing, with a special focus on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. An outline of the role of crops developed through CRSIPR/Cas9 in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 is discussed in detail. Some perspectives on the approval of GM crops are also laid out for the new age of sustainability. The advancement in molecular tools through plant genome editing addresses many of the GM crop issues and facilitates their development without incorporating transgenic modifications. It will allow for a higher acceptance rate of GM crops in sustainable agriculture with rapid approval for commercialization. The current genetic modification of crops forecasts to increase productivity and prosperity in sustainable agricultural practices. The right use of GM crops has the potential to offer more benefit than harm, with its ability to alleviate food crises around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughair Abdul Aziz
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al−Ain, Abu−Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faical Brini
- Biotechnology and Plant Improvement Laboratory, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hatem Rouached
- Michigan State University, Plant and Soil Science Building, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Khaled Masmoudi
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al−Ain, Abu−Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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