Epigenetics opens new pathway to producing climate-resilient crops
Epigenetics opens new pathway to producing climate-resilient crops
Genetic manipulations such as RNAi silencing and CRISPR are helping researchers and plant breeders enhance traits and characteristics.
The genomic mapping of corn, soybean, wheat and oat creates more opportunities to improve plant growth and desired properties in those crops.
Epigenetics could give plant breeders the ability to make crops more resilient to environmental stressors more quickly without sacrificing yield.
But what could be accomplished if researchers could effectively “read the minds” of plants and gauge their inherent abilities to respond to stresses around them?
Rather than altering the genetic code itself, epigenetics studies the changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression.
…
Genetically, nothing has changed in the plant, only the mechanism for how it reacts has been altered. The potential is extraordinary. Not only would growers benefit but this new branch of science could quell consumer and export concerns about genetic modifications and even enhance trade.
“Now, imagine a new pipeline where current companies are putting out the very best variety they have, and it goes into this epigenetic pipeline and comes out the other end with the same combination of genes,” says [Director of the Plant Institute at Pennsylvania State University Sally] Mackenzie.
This is an excerpt. Read the original post here
 | Videos | More... |
Video: Nuclear energy will destroy us? Global warming is an existential threat? Chemicals are massacring bees? Donate to the Green Industrial Complex!
 | Bees & Pollinators | More... |
GLP podcast: Science journalism is a mess. Here’s how to fix it
Mosquito massacre: Can we safely tackle malaria with a CRISPR gene drive?
Are we facing an ‘Insect Apocalypse’ caused by ‘intensive, industrial’ farming and agricultural chemicals? The media say yes; Science says ‘no’
 | Infographics | More... |
Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer
 | GMO FAQs | More... |
Why is there controversy over GMO foods but not GMO drugs?
How are GMOs labeled around the world?
How does genetic engineering differ from conventional breeding?
 | GLP Profiles | More... |
Alex Jones: Right-wing conspiracy theorist stokes fear of GMOs, pesticides to sell ‘health supplements’
Viewpoint — Fact checking MAHA mythmakers: How wellness influencers and RFK, Jr. undermine American science and health
Viewpoint: Video — Big Solar is gobbling up productive agricultural land and hurting farmers yet providing little energy or sustainabilty gains
Fighting deforestation with CO2: Biotechnology breakthrough creates sustainable palm oil alternative for cosmetics
Trust issues: What happens when therapists use ChatGPT?
30-year-old tomato line shows genetic resistance to devastating virus
California, Washington, Oregon forge immunization alliance to safeguard vaccine access against federal undermining
The free-range chicken dilemma: Better for birds, but with substantial costs
‘You have to treat the brain first’: Rethinking chronic pain with Sanjay Gupta
