Genetically modified plants contribute to the fight against global warming
The large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops would counteract global warming. American and German researchers come to this conclusion in a study.
Honey bees not on brink of extinction
For about 15 years now, the story of alleged colony collapse disorder has persisted in the media, often attributed to pesticides and genetically modified plants. There is increasing evidence, however, that worldwide honey bee populations remain stable or are even growing.
Climate change: lower harvests starting as early as 2030?
Climate change affects the quality and quantity of harvests. According to a recently published study, there is a risk of significantly lower maize harvests as early as the mid-2030s. Africa and South America are primarily affected. However, Europe must also be careful that agricultural production is not neglected.
Productive agriculture helps the climate and biodiversity
There is a common belief that organic farming is good for the climate and that it promotes biodiversity. However, this notion is increasingly be proven incorrect.
Optimising nature
The romanticized conception of “natural” is deceptive. Very little of what we eat today developed naturally. “For 12,000 years, people have selected plants based on their characteristics, in an effort to make them edible and more productive,” says Bruno Studer, professor of Molecular Plant Breeding at ETH Zurich. Agriculture has developed through artificial selection.
Insect-resistant SmartStax maize does not harm water fleas
Farmers around the world are growing pest-resistant varieties of maize that contain additional genes that protect them against damage caused by insects.
Using CRISPR/Cas9 to fight potato blight
The Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR/Cas method now makes it possible to breed resistant varieties and may reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture.
Seven years of cutting-edge research – with the handbrake on
In its February 5 issue, the “BauernZeitung” newspaper looked at the only facility in Europe where field research involving genetically modified plants can be carried out.
Genetically modified maize – a success story, even in skeptical Europe
Europeans are still resisting the cultivation of genetically modified crops – but this doesn’t mean they want to forgo the benefits of these products.
Healthy eggplants thanks to Bacillus thuringiensis
Insect pests like fruit and shoot borers pose a significant threat to food security in many regions of the world. External application of chemical insecticides has proven unsuitable. Therefore, the research industry has high hopes for biologics.
Observing, understanding and improving on nature
Years of work go into developing a new crop protection product. It takes more than 10 years to move from the original idea to the market. In many cases, researchers draw inspiration from nature.