-
GM Crops & Food Dec 2023CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system is recently developed robust genome editing technology for accelerating plant breeding. Various modifications of this editing system have... (Review)
Review
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system is recently developed robust genome editing technology for accelerating plant breeding. Various modifications of this editing system have been established for adaptability in plant varieties as well as for its improved efficiency and portability. This review provides an in-depth look at the various strategies for synthesizing gRNAs for efficient delivery in plant cells, including chemical synthesis and transcription. It also covers traditional analytical tools and emerging developments in detection methods to analyze CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutation in plant breeding. Additionally, the review outlines the various analytical tools which are used to detect and analyze CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutations, such as next-generation sequencing, restriction enzyme analysis, and southern blotting. Finally, the review discusses emerging detection methods, including digital PCR and qPCR. Hence, CRISPR/Cas9 has great potential for transforming agriculture and opening avenues for new advancements in the system for gene editing in plants.
Topics: CRISPR-Cas Systems; Gene Editing; Plant Breeding; Agriculture; Blotting, Southern
PubMed: 37725519
DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2023.2256930 -
BMC Plant Biology Nov 2023Developing sustainable agricultural practices is currently becoming an increasingly relevant challenge. As the worldwide population rises and climate change affects...
Developing sustainable agricultural practices is currently becoming an increasingly relevant challenge. As the worldwide population rises and climate change affects agriculture globally, new and sustainable approaches must be adopted to ensure food security. In this editorial, we invite contributions to a BMC Plant Biology collection on 'Sustainable agriculture,' covering research on the environmental and socioeconomic factors that affect sustainable agricultural practices and their management.
Topics: Agriculture; Plants; Climate Change
PubMed: 38001443
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04626-9 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Ongoing climate change poses a great risk to the natural environment and the sustainability of agriculture [...].
Ongoing climate change poses a great risk to the natural environment and the sustainability of agriculture [...].
Topics: Climate Change; Environment; Agriculture; Crops, Agricultural
PubMed: 37958884
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115902 -
Annual Review of Nutrition Aug 2023An interview with James M. Ntambi, professor of biochemistry and the Katherine Berns Van Donk Steenbock Professor in Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Life... (Review)
Review
An interview with James M. Ntambi, professor of biochemistry and the Katherine Berns Van Donk Steenbock Professor in Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, took place via Zoom in April 2022. He was interviewed by Patrick J. Stover, director of the Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture and professor of nutrition and biochemistry and biophysics at Texas A&M University. Dr. James Ntambi is a true pioneer in the field of nutritional biochemistry. He was among the very first to discover and elucidate the role that diet and nutrients play in regulating metabolism through changes in the expression of metabolic genes, focusing on the de novo lipogenesis pathways. As an African immigrant from Uganda, his love of science and his life experiences in African communities suffering from severe malnutrition molded his scientific interests at the interface of biochemistry and nutrition. Throughout his career, he has been an academic role model, a groundbreaking nutrition scientist, and an educator. His commitment to experiential learning through the many study-abroad classes he has hosted in Uganda has provided invaluable context for American students in nutrition. Dr. Ntambi's passion for education and scientific discovery is his legacy, and the field of nutrition has benefited enormously from his unique perspectives and contributions to science that are defined by his scientific curiosity, his generosity to his students and colleagues, and his life experiences. The following is an edited transcript.
Topics: Humans; Agriculture; Metabolism; Nutritional Sciences; Nutritional Status; Uganda; United States; Wisconsin; African People; Malnutrition; Biochemistry
PubMed: 37253680
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061021-020321 -
BMC Ecology and Evolution Jul 2023The global food system is the predominant driver of biodiversity loss. Consequently, there is an increasing need to transition towards more sustainable and resilient...
The global food system is the predominant driver of biodiversity loss. Consequently, there is an increasing need to transition towards more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems to protect, restore and promote biodiversity. To help address this issue, BMC Ecology and Evolution has launched a new article Collection on agroecology.
Topics: Ecology; Biodiversity; Agriculture
PubMed: 37403030
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02140-y -
Current Biology : CB Dec 2023Climate change threatens global food and nutritional security through negative effects on crop growth and agricultural productivity. Many countries have adopted... (Review)
Review
Climate change threatens global food and nutritional security through negative effects on crop growth and agricultural productivity. Many countries have adopted ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation targets that will exacerbate the problem, as they require significant changes in current agri-food systems. In this review, we provide a roadmap for improved crop production that encompasses the effective transfer of current knowledge into plant breeding and crop management strategies that will underpin sustainable agriculture intensification and climate resilience. We identify the main problem areas and highlight outstanding questions and potential solutions that can be applied to mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop growth and productivity. Although translation of scientific advances into crop production lags far behind current scientific knowledge and technology, we consider that a holistic approach, combining disciplines in collaborative efforts, can drive better connections between research, policy, and the needs of society.
Topics: Crops, Agricultural; Climate Change; Plant Breeding; Agriculture; Crop Production
PubMed: 38052178
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.028 -
Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Dec 2023In the current scenario of climate change, global agricultural systems are facing remarkable challenges in order to increase production, while reducing the negative... (Review)
Review
In the current scenario of climate change, global agricultural systems are facing remarkable challenges in order to increase production, while reducing the negative environmental impact. Nano-enabled technologies have the potential to revolutionise farming practices by increasing the efficiency of inputs and minimising losses, as well as contributing to sustainable agriculture. Two promising applications of nanotechnology in agriculture are nanobiosensors and nanoformulations (NFs). Nanobiosensors can help detect biotic and abiotic stresses in plants before they affect plant production, while NFs can make agrochemicals, more efficient and less polluting. NFs are becoming new-age materials with a wide variety of nanoparticle-based formulations such as fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. They facilitate the site-targeted controlled delivery of agrochemicals enhancing their efficiency and reducing dosages. Smart farming aims to monitor and detect parameters related to plant health and environmental conditions in order to help sustainable agriculture. Nanobiosensors can provide real-time analytical data, including detection of nutrient levels, metabolites, pesticides, presence of pathogens, soil moisture, and temperature, aiding in precision farming practices, and optimising resource usage. In this review, we summarise recent innovative uses of NFs and nanobiosensors in agriculture that may boost crop protection and production, as well as reducing the negative environmental impact of agricultural activities. However, successful implementation of these smart technologies would require two special considerations: (i) educating farmers about appropriate use of nanotechnology, (ii) conducting field trials to ensure effectiveness under real conditions.
Topics: Agriculture; Pesticides; Agrochemicals; Nanotechnology; Farms; Plants
PubMed: 37921102
DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20230070 -
Current Opinion in Microbiology Aug 2023Metabolic interactions are fundamental to the assembly and functioning of microbiomes, including those of plants. However, disentangling the molecular basis of these... (Review)
Review
Metabolic interactions are fundamental to the assembly and functioning of microbiomes, including those of plants. However, disentangling the molecular basis of these interactions and their specific roles remains a major challenge. Here, we review recent applications of experimental and computational methods toward the elucidation of metabolic interactions in plant-associated microbiomes. We highlight studies that span various scales of taxonomic and environmental complexity, including those that test interaction outcomes in vitro and in planta by deconstructing microbial communities. We also discuss how the continued integration of multiple methods can further reveal the general ecological characteristics of plant microbiomes, as well as provide strategies for applications in areas such as improved plant protection, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Microbiota; Plants; Agriculture
PubMed: 37062173
DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102317 -
Journal of Environmental Management Dec 2023Regenerative agriculture is an alternative approach to farming that has been gaining traction and interest among farmers due to its potential to reduce input costs,...
Regenerative agriculture is an alternative approach to farming that has been gaining traction and interest among farmers due to its potential to reduce input costs, improve soil health, and increase the resilience of farming systems. This paper undertakes a practice-based analysis of farmers, applying a lens of regenerative agriculture. Surveys were developed as a part of a broader project using an established methodological framework. Topics were developed and adapted with input from local stakeholders before being mailed out to three farming regions across Australia (the Western Australian Wheatbelt, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and Central West New South Wales). The research clustered farmers into two groups: those who are using best-practices that fall inside the scope of regenerative agriculture, and those who are not. The similarities and differences in farmer attributes, as well as self-reported knowledge levels and information sources used by each group are explored. Results indicate that a belief in anthropogenic climate change may be one of the primary divides between the two groups, and therefore a possible driver of best-practice implementation. The findings provide insight into perceptions of regenerative agriculture for Australian farmers, and may assist with knowledge dissemination amongst those managing our environment.
Topics: Humans; Australia; Agriculture; Farms; Farmers; Soil; Climate Change
PubMed: 37804633
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119063 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... May 2024Digital Twins have emerged as an outstanding opportunity for precision farming, digitally replicating in real-time the functionalities of objects and plants. A virtual... (Review)
Review
Digital Twins have emerged as an outstanding opportunity for precision farming, digitally replicating in real-time the functionalities of objects and plants. A virtual replica of the crop, including key agronomic development aspects such as irrigation, optimal fertilization strategies, and pest management, can support decision-making and a step change in farm management, increasing overall sustainability and direct water, fertilizer, and pesticide savings. In this review, Digital Twin technology is critically reviewed and framed in the context of recent advances in precision agriculture and Agriculture 4.0. The review is organized for each step of agricultural lifecycle, edaphic, phytotechnologic, postharvest, and farm infrastructure, with supporting case studies demonstrating direct benefits for agriculture production and supply chain considering both benefits and limitations of such an approach. Challenges and limitations are disclosed regarding the complexity of managing such an amount of data and a multitude of (often) simultaneous operations and supports.
Topics: Crops, Agricultural; Agriculture; Fertilizers; Crop Production
PubMed: 38709011
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01934