Is Implementing a Biotech Ban Correct or Not? Analysis of Farmer Perceptions and Attitudes on the Philippine Supreme Court’s Ban on Biotech Crops

Tracing scientific and technological development in genetically modified crops

Genetically Modified (GM) Organisms have been used in various domains since their introduction in the 1980s. According to ISAAA data, the use of GM crops in agriculture has also increased significantly in the past 30 years. However, even after 3 decades of commercialisation, GM crops are still surrounded with controversies with different countries adopting varying approaches to their introduction in the consumer markets, owing to different stances of various stakeholders. Motivated by this multitude of opinions, and absence of knowledge mapping, this study has undertaken scientometric analysis of the publication (Web of Science) and patent (Lens.org) data about genetically modified technology use in agriculture to explore the changing knowledge patterns and technological advancements in the area. It explores both scientific and technological perspectives regarding the use of Genetically Modified Crops, by using publication as well as patent data. The findings of this study highlight the major domains of research, technology development, and leading actors in the ecosystem. These findings can be helpful in taking effective policy decisions, and furthering the research activities. It presents a composite picture using both publications and patent data. Further, it will be of utility to explore the other technologies which are replacing GM technology in agriculture in future studies.

Conventional and new genetic resources for an eggplant breeding revolution

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a major vegetable crop with great potential for genetic improvement owing to its large and mostly untapped genetic diversity. It is closely related to over 500 species of Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum that belong to its primary, secondary, and tertiary genepools and exhibit a wide range of characteristics useful for eggplant breeding, including traits adaptive to climate change. Germplasm banks worldwide hold more than 19 000 accessions of eggplant and related species, most of which have yet to be evaluated. Nonetheless, eggplant breeding using the cultivated S. melongena genepool has yielded significantly improved varieties. To overcome current breeding challenges and for adaptation to climate change, a qualitative leap forward in eggplant breeding is necessary. The initial findings from introgression breeding in eggplant indicate that unleashing the diversity present in its relatives can greatly contribute to eggplant breeding. The recent creation of new genetic resources such as mutant libraries, core collections, recombinant inbred lines, and sets of introgression lines will be another crucial element and will require the support of new genomics tools and biotechnological developments. The systematic utilization of eggplant genetic resources supported by international initiatives will be critical for a much-needed eggplant breeding revolution to address the challenges posed by climate change.