Viewpoint: Biotechnology rejectionists claim the Green Revolution caused more harm than good. Here are the facts. – Genetic Literacy Project

After the Second World War, regional famines began to occur. Believing that increasing agricultural performance can be the solution to the problem, individuals and organizations have rolled up their sleeves to develop new varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests and are highly productive, as this can be overcome with innovations in agriculture.
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2023/04/03/viewpoint-biotechnology-rejectionists-claim-the-green-revolution-caused-more-harm-than-good-here-are-the-facts/

Grower partners with ag tech firm for fresher, greener cucumbers

Grower partners with ag tech firm for fresher, greener cucumbers
— Read on www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9515178/grower-partners-with-ag-tech-firm-for-fresher-greener-cucumbers/

Peru to reduce citrus crops and opt for more profitable cultivars

Peru is rethinking the citrus business and opting for more profitable crops amid uncertainty and political turmoil.
— Read on www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2023/01/19/peru-to-reduce-citrus-crops-and-opt-for-more-profitable-cultivars/

Viewpoint: NY Times collaborates with Greenpeace in front page ‘hit piece’ targeting professor working to reduce the sustainability footprint of animal agriculture. Here’s his response – Genetic Literacy Project

There’s a shocking revelation out there, and I am at the heart of it. Are you prepared for this? Animal scientists work with animal agriculture. That’s it. That’s the exposé, the conspiracy that so many activists and journalists want to share with you.
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2022/11/01/viewpoint-ny-times-collaborates-with-greenpeace-in-front-page-hit-piece-targeting-professor-working-to-reduce-the-sustainability-footprint-of-animal-agriculture-heres-his/

Driscoll’s launches Tropical Bliss strawberries alongside new sensory wheel – ‘ FreshFruitPortal.com

Driscoll’s announced the release of another premium strawberry and unveiled its new Sensory Wheels, which map the full sensory spectrum of the berry eating experience.
— Read on www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2022/05/26/driscolls-launches-tropical-blis-strawberries-alongside-new-sensory-wheel/

Frontiers | Testing Domestication Scenarios of Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) in Mesoamerica: Insights from Genome-Wide Genetic Markers | Plant Science

Plant domestication can be seen as a long-term process that involves a complex interplay among demographic processes and evolutionary forces. Previous studies have suggested two domestication scenarios for Lima bean in Mesoamerica: two separate domestication events, one from gene pool MI in central-western Mexico and another one from gene pool MII in the area Guatemala-Costa Rica, or a single domestication from gene pool MI in central-western Mexico followed by post-domestication gene flow with wild populations. In this study we evaluated the genetic structure of the wild gene pool and tested these two competing domestication scenarios of Lima bean in Mesoamerica by applying an ABC approach to a set of genome-wide SNP markers. The results confirm the existence of three gene pools in wild Lima bean, two Mesoamerican gene pools (MI and MII) and the Andean gene pool (AI), and suggest the existence of another gene pool in central Colombia. The results indicate that although both domestication scenarios may be supported by genetic data, higher statistical support was given to the single domestication scenario in central-western Mexico followed by admixture with wild populations. Domestication would have involved strong founder effects reflected in loss of genetic diversity and increased LD levels in landraces. Genomic regions affected by selection were detected and these may harbor candidate genes related to domestication.
— Read on www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2017.01551/full

Frontiers | Domestication and Genetics of Papaya: A Review | Ecology and Evolution

A wealth of plant species used by humans for different purposes, but mainly as food, originated and domesticated in the Mesoamerican region. Papaya (Carica papaya) is the third most cultivated tropical crop worldwide, and it has been hypothesized that Mesoamerica is the most likely center of its origin and domestication. In support of it, many wild populations of papaya occur throughout Mesoamerica and hence represent the gene pool of genetic variability for further evolution and future crop management. Despite its importance, a dearth of information exists regarding the status of wild populations of papaya, as compared to the extent of knowledge, and interest, on domesticated varieties. We review the evidence on the extant wild populations of papaya, as well as its origin and distribution. Also, we synthetize what is known on the domestication history of the species, including the domestication syndrome that distinguishes wild and domesticated papayas. Moreover, we make an account of the use of genetic markers to assess genetic diversity of wild and domesticated papaya, and discuss the importance of papaya as the first species with a transgenic cultivar to be released for human consumption, and one that has its complete genome sequenced. Evidence from different disciplines strongly suggest that papaya originated and was domesticated in Mesoamerica, and that wild populations in the region possess, still, high genetic diversity compared to the domesticated papaya. Finally, we outline papaya as an excellent model species for genomic studies that will help gain insight into the domestication process and improvement of papaya and other tropical crops.
— Read on www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2017.00155/full

Viewpoint: Obsolete regulations block using CRISPR to develop safer potatoes, healthier tomatoes and climate resistant crops – Genetic Literacy Project

CRISPR technology is a major technological breakthrough compared to the genome modification technologies that preceded it; developed then published by
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2022/01/14/viewpoint-obsolete-regulations-block-using-crispr-to-develop-safer-potatoes-healthier-tomatoes-and-climate-resistant-crops/

Brazil approves transgenic drought-tolerant wheat – Genetic Literacy Project

The Brazilian government has approved the drought-tolerant transgenic wheat, HB4, developed by the Argentine firm Bioceres, for sale as flour. It is an
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2021/11/15/brazil-approves-transgenic-drought-tolerant-wheat/

Pesticide residues ‘do not pose a concern for public health’ — FDA reaffirms safety of conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables – Genetic Literacy Project

On October 20, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report. According to FDA, their
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2021/10/25/pesticide-residues-do-not-pose-a-concern-for-public-health-fda-reaffirms-safety-of-conventionally-grown-fruits-and-vegetables/