Biotech & Genetics: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Silica Nanoparticles Alter Plant-Insect Interactions in Corn

A recent study shows that the foliar application of silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) induces a legacy effect in the soil, reprogramming corn volatiles and reducing oviposition by the fall armyworm. While plant growth remains unaffected, the findings suggest a soil-mediated feedback mechanism driven by nanoparticles, paving the way for innovative pest management strategies in agriculture.

The United States Approves GMO Corn Tolerant to Four Herbicides ⭐

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the deregulation of Monsanto's MON 87429 corn, a genetically modified variety designed to withstand multiple herbicides. This decision, based on a thorough assessment of phytosanitary risks, could facilitate the production of hybrid corn seeds. Documents related to this assessment will be publicly accessible starting August 2026.

India Faces Risk of Losing Competitiveness in Cotton Without GM Technologies

India's growing dependence on cotton imports highlights the urgent need to adopt genetically modified technologies to enhance productivity. Dr. R.S. Paroda emphasizes that science-based regulatory reforms are necessary to restore India's position in the global cotton market, while also supporting farmers' incomes and strengthening the textile value chain.

Upstream Biotechnology Secures Funding for SwitchBlade Platform

Upstream Biotechnology, Inc., a leader in plant biotechnology, has announced the closing of a seed funding round for its SwitchBlade platform, aimed at enhancing crop resistance to diseases while maintaining optimal yields. This funding, led by LeVert Ventures and supported by major players like Corteva, will accelerate the development of innovative gene regulation technologies, essential for addressing the growing environmental challenges faced by farmers.

Patents on GMOs/NTGs Present Issues the EU May Refuse to Address

Limagrain and Qi Biodesign: Global Agreement for Crop Genome Editing

Limagrain strengthens its genome editing capabilities by signing a global licensing agreement with Chinese biotech Qi Biodesign. This partnership provides the French seed company access to new technologies for major crops and vegetables, as the evolving European regulatory framework on new genomic techniques (NGT) could accelerate their deployment.

Genvor Develops Antimicrobial Peptides for Sugar Beet Research

American biotech company Genvor is evaluating its antimicrobial peptides in a research program focused on sugar beets, in partnership with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The goal is to better control microbial contamination throughout the production chain, from field to processing, in order to improve yields and the sustainability of the sector.

InterGrain Leads National Faba Bean Breeding Program in Australia

InterGrain, an Australian plant breeding company, has been selected to lead a national faba bean breeding program in collaboration with the GRDC and the University of Adelaide. This $9.5 million program over 2.5 years aims to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, thereby consolidating breeding efforts for improved efficiency. InterGrain is committed to quickly translating breeding results into benefits for farmers while addressing the growing demand for plant-based proteins.

Impact of New EU Rules on Plant Genome Editing

Adopted in June 2026, the new European legislation on certain plants derived from new genomic techniques (NGT) introduces a two-tier regulatory framework. NGT-1 plants, which exhibit limited modifications, will now be treated as conventional varieties, while NGT-2 will remain subject to GMO regulations. In this interview, Professor Jürgen Kleine-Vehn analyzes the implications of this reform.

Agragene Partners with Pairwise to Use CRISPR for Pest Control

American biotechnology company Agragene has teamed up with fellow U.S. firm Pairwise to integrate the Fulcrum® CRISPR platform into its technology for controlling spotted wing drosophila. This approach, based on the production of sterile male insects, aims to provide fruit producers with a more targeted biocontrol solution against a pest that has become difficult to manage with conventional insecticides.