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Wheat is the predominant crop worldwide, contributing approximately 20% of protein and calories to the human diet. However, the yield potential of wheat faces limitations due to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses. Although conventional breeding has improved desirable traits, the use of modern transgenesis technologies has been limited in wheat in comparison to other crops such as maize and soybean. Recent advances in wheat gene cloning and transformation technology now enable the development of a super wheat consistent with the One Health goals of sustainability, food security, and environmental stewardship. This variety combines traits to enhance pest and disease resistance, elevate grain nutritional value, and improve resilience to climate change. In this review, we explore ways to leverage current technologies to combine and transform useful traits into wheat. We also address the requirements of breeders and legal considerations such as patents and regulatory issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to transfer information about the performance, safety, and environmental impacts of a genetically modified (GM) crop from confined field trials (CFTs) conducted in one location to another is increasingly gaining importance in biosafety regulatory assessment and decision-making. The CFT process can be expensive, time-consuming, and logistically challenging. Data transportability can help overcome these challenges by allowing the use of data obtained from CFTs conducted in one country to inform regulatory decision-making in another country. Applicability of transported CFT data would be particularly beneficial to the public sector product developers and small enterprises that develop innovative GM events but cannot afford to replicate redundant CFTs, as well as regulatory authorities seeking to improve the deployment of limited resources. This review investigates case studies where transported CFT data have successfully been applied in biosafety assessment and decision-making, with an outlook of how African countries could benefit from a similar approach.

Ghana’s parliament in 2011 passed the Biosafety Act to allow for the application of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology in the country’s agriculture. In a vibrant democracy, there have been extensive media discussions on whether GM crops will benefit or harm citizens. In June 2022, the state GMO regulator, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), approved the country’s first GM crop (Bt cowpea) for environmental release, declaring the crop does not present an altered environmental risk or a food/feed safety concern. This study identified 3 of the country’s most vibrant digital news outlets and did a content analysis of all GMO stories reported 18 months pre- and post-approval to assess whether the approval changed the focus of GMO issues the media reports on. 91 articles were identified. The results show media reports on the likely impact of GMOs on the country’s food security shot up after the approval. However, media reports on the possible health, sociocultural, and environmental impact of GMOs declined. We observe the media and the public appear interested in deliberations on how the technology could address or worsen food insecurity and urge agricultural biotechnology actors in Ghana to focus on that in their sensitization activities.

Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.

Main conclusion: The review offers insights into the current state of research on insect pest-resistant GM crops and the regulations governing the cultivation of GM crops in India. India has a rich crop diversity of more than 160 major and minor crops through its diverse agroclimatic conditions. Insect pests alone cause around USD 36 billion in crop loss annually in India. The last two decades witnessed considerable progress in managing insect pests by adopting innovative techniques including transgenics. In research, significant advancement has been brought in insect pest-resistant transgenics in India since its inception in 2002. However, any events have not been endorsed owing to biosafety impediments, except Bt cotton reaching the commercial release stage. A landmark decision to exempt certain types of gene-edited plants from genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations offers great promise for developing novel insect-resistant crops in India. The article reviews the current research on insect pest-resistant transgenics and its regulations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of IPR's ability in the progress of society is undisputable. Such protections are be instrumental in making sure that adequate investment in terms of money and time are made for food security and sustainable agriculture ecosystem. Revolutionary technologies of genetic transformation leading to the products like genetically modified crops (GM) have glamorized an otherwise rustic industry. There is a general consensus in relation to the complexity of the issue and granting gene patents which in themselves (isolation) are worthless. Only in conjugation with complex biological system of a plant can they show their effect. Super crops are now possible through various plant biotechnological interventions to obtain the desired traits by changing the genome of plants. Such techniques are research intensive and demand high investment, hence legal protection through intellectual property rights is imperative. But it is complicated to grant a patent or similar monopoly on plant genetic resources as it has direct implications on food affordability and security especially in developing countries. Additionally, giant seed companies of developed countries have gained many patents on genes of plants, misappropriating the plant genetic resources of poor or undeveloped countries which are rich in biodiversity giving rise to biopiracy. The purpose of the article is to examine the legal framework for gene patenting in reference to plant variety protection (PVP) in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought-tolerant transgenic [genetically modified (GM)] HB4® wheat carrying the drought-responsive sunflower gene Hahb4 was first developed in Argentina in 2019 and has already been approved for marketing and consumption as food/feed in at least ten countries. It has also been approved in Argentina and Brazil for commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major global crop. Genetic modification of this crop can contribute to enhance yields, reduce pesticide use, and facilitate sustainability, but there is a need for locally adapted genetically modified varieties. Glyphosate tolerant soybean developed under an agbiogeneric model is an attractive prospect as the technology is now mostly in the public domain. This research evaluates the potential for transformation of three soybean varieties (BR1, BR2, and FNS) and an established variety (SK7). The study investigates the interaction between these genotypes and two A. tumefaciens strains, establishes a selection protocol using glyphosate, compares two explant types and evaluates a bacterial removal protocol. Our findings highlight the importance of plant genotype and bacterial strain specificity in the transformation process, with variety BR1 consistently showing the best performance. While challenges remain, this study advances in the development of glyphosate-tolerant soybean varieties as agbiogenerics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTMany African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations.

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Altering the DNA of living organisms, also genetic modification, genetic engineering, or genetic manipulation, is playing an increasing and significant role in our lives, our food, and our environment. At the same time, the societal acceptance of this technology varies widely, and scientific uncertainties play a recurring role in the safety assessment of applications. In Europe, decision-making about genetically modified (GM) crops has become a laborious process in which scientific uncertainty and societal controversy are used as reasons to delay or halt GM crop authorizations as well as decisions about the legal status of new techniques such as gene editing. This article discusses the contributions and limitations of technocratic, participatory, and regulatory strategies that have been used to mitigate the situation. I will argue why scientific knowledge, input from participatory activities, and regulatory measures alone or all together are insufficient to resolve the deadlock in decision-making about biotechnology. I highlight the essential role of politics in this process because without political prioritization, gene editing in Europe will end up in the same deadlock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crops that have been genetically modified (GM) include additional beneficial traits that present fresh approaches to boosting yield productivity and sustainable agriculture. Transformation and regeneration are the two main steps in the production of GM crops. Antibiotic resistance marker genes (ARMGs) must be used for selection because crops have very little ability to transform. Significant global concerns about the security of both human health and the environment have been raised by the use of ARMGs in the production of GM foods or for therapeutic purposes. A rise in antimicrobial resistance is the biggest danger, according to recent research. Due to a lack of information on alternate methods, ARMGs are still employed in the production of GM crops today. The creation of GM crops without ARMGs using alternative methods is crucial to addressing the safety issue. This review discusses current methods for producing GM crops free of ARMGs, or "clean-gene" technology. These methods' benefits and drawbacks are also discussed. One of them, positive selection by phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) system of different plants, has been optimized and subjected to full risk assessment and is more productive than conventional protocols that employ ARMGs. This information will be useful for enhancing breeding programs, producing safe human food, and increasing support for GM crops among the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified crops provide stronger resistance to diseases, pests, insects and herbicides along with higher tolerance to drought and salinity. GM crops are the improved crop plants with one or two genes from unrelated organisms that are introduced for insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, virus resistance, delayed ripening etc. The GM crops are doing extremely well in the introduced regions but there is no equivalent acceptance among consumers and have stirred up controversy across the globe. A study was undertaken to assess the knowledge level and perception of teachers and students towards genetically modified crops. The survey was carried out in science, engineering and agriculture colleges in Mandya district of Karnataka with closed questionnaire method using three-point Likert scale. Sample size constituted 38 teachers, 173 agriculture students and 159 non-agriculture students. The questionnaire constituted 5 parts viz., Knowledge, Safety, Acceptance, Need for GM crops and Need for Awareness. Only 12.71% of respondents had complete knowledge on GM crops and 79.95% felt that awareness programmes are essential. About 3.36% expressed that GM crops are not safe, while around 82% of respondents expressed their acceptance for GM crops and they think that GM crops are needed for sustainable agriculture and economic improvement of farmers. Though we cannot correlate the awareness level with acceptance, complete understanding about merits and demerits of GM crops, it is indispensable for tactful selection of the product of preference. Disregarding the technology out of ignorance and lack of knowledge would finally deceive the farmers. Therefore, awareness programmes and campaigns are pivotal for effective dissemination and utilization of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, high-yield production has gained importance due to the decrease in agricultural fields in the world and the rapid increase in the population. Cotton is an important source of income for farmers worldwide and is an important crop, especially for the textile industry. Bt-cotton technology, which entered our lives in 1996, has been quickly adopted in many developed and developing countries. It has been shown to provide advantages in many areas. In particular, the economic growth is gaining importance every year. Additionally, it has also brought an environmentally friendly solution to the crop losses caused by insects and pests over the years, by decreasing chemical spraying. Thus, the cost of farmers was reduced and their health was preserved. It enables farmers to be more profitable by shortening the working hours in the fields and reducing labor force. Moreover, this technology has been shown to increase the yield in cotton production. Fifteen years since the commercialization of Bt-cotton technology was first approved and planted, farmers made profit of million dollars from reduced pesticide use. This study includes detailed information about the contribution of Bt-cotton technology to the leading cotton-producing countries’ economies, their commercialization, and explores the current methods used in plants transformation. Although there are some conflicts about whether this technology will provide sustainability and long-term benefits, currently, there are 15 countries that have adopted this technology including India, China and the United States. Also, many more countries are expected to be included in this list in the coming years.

Many African nations place a high priority on enhancing food security and nutrition. However, unfavorable environmental conditions interfere with the achievement of food security in Africa. The production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) presents intriguing possibilities for improving food security on the continent. In Africa, countries in the same regions have different GMO usage policies and laws. While some nations are updating their laws and policies to allow GMOs, others are still debating whether they are worth the risk. However, there is still little information available regarding the most recent status of GMO applications in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The current review summarizes the state of GMO applications for enhancing food security in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Currently, Tanzania and Uganda do not accept GMOs, but Kenya does. This study can assist governments, academics, and policymakers in enhancing GMO acceptance for boosting nutrition and food security in their nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining genetically modified (GM) organisms, with superior biological and productive performances, represents the priority objective of modern applied genetics research, oriented towards the development of effective procedures for increasing genetic variability, according to the requirements of breeding programs of economically interesting species. GM crops can contribute essentially to the millennium development goal, that of reducing poverty and increasing food security, by optimizing agricultural productivity. GM plants have improved traits that include herbicide tolerance, disease and pest resistance, drought tolerance, health or nutritional benefits, a longer shelf life, or a more efficient industrial use. Also, the GM crops contribute to sustainable environmental protection by reduction of the pesticides application amount and reduction of CO2 emissions. In this context, the aim of the present paper is the worldwide brief radiography of transgenesis, in terms of surfaces, the main producing countries, but also of the main GM crops and their market. The research method consisted in selecting of several scientific results from the WOS, Clarivate Analytics, Scopus and Springer databases. Also, were accessed several statistical data of the ISAAA, USDA, Research and Market, MADR, etc. The main producing countries of GM crops are USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, India, Paraguay and China. The largest GM areas are occupied by soybean, maize, cotton, canola and alfalfa. The global agricultural biotechnology market for transgenic crops is expected to reach 12.07 billion USD in 2026, growing by 18.2% compared with 2021. Genetic transformation and GM agricultural crops represent an effective strategy and real chance to counteract climate change and food insecurity, and recently developed genetic engineering techniques will play an important role in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collectivus. Revista de Ciencias Sociales is the property of Universidad del Atlantico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, high-yield production has gained importance due to the decrease in agricultural fields in the world and the rapid increase in the population. Cotton is an important source of income for farmers worldwide and is an important crop, especially for the textile industry. Bt-cotton technology, which entered our lives in 1996, has been quickly adopted in many developed and developing countries. It has been shown to provide advantages in many areas. In particular, the economic growth is gaining importance every year. Additionally, it has also brought an environmentally friendly solution to the crop losses caused by insects and pests over the years, by decreasing chemical spraying. Thus, the cost of farmers was reduced and their health was preserved. It enables farmers to be more profitable by shortening the working hours in the fields and reducing labor force. Moreover, this technology has been shown to increase the yield in cotton production. Fifteen years since the commercialization of Bt-cotton technology was first approved and planted, farmers made profit of million dollars from reduced pesticide use. This study includes detailed information about the contribution of Bt-cotton technology to the leading cotton-producing countries' economies, their commercialization, and explores the current methods used in plants transformation. Although there are some conflicts about whether this technology will provide sustainability and long-term benefits, currently, there are 15 countries that have adopted this technology including India, China and the United States. Also, many more countries are expected to be included in this list in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background One of the parameters required for the assessment of food and feed safety is detection and identification of genetically modified organisms. Legislation in some countries necessitates detection and quantification of modification in food and feed samples. Scientists have raised concern about safety of antibiotic resistance marker (ARM) genes used for transformation of crops intended for human and animal consumption. In the present work two molecular approaches have been adopted: one exploratory; for detection and quantification of ARM genes in tested plant samples and the other confirmatory; to determine the specificity/reliability of the obtained results. Results Results revealed that primers for neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) and aminoglycoside 3″ adenyl-transferase (aadA) were amplified in the majority of the 36 DNA screened samples. Melting curve analysis using hygromycin phosphotransferase (aphIV) gene as target sequence for the fluorescent-based detection approach was performed to ensure reliability and specificity of this procedure and to confirm results obtained by using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative RT-PCR results and validation analysis followed, revealed that all of the tested DNA samples were not violating the European legislation for GMOs labeling (0.9%). Conclusions The results fully demonstrated the reproducibility, sensitivity/specificity of the adopted approaches for detection and quantification of even traces of GMO contents. Applying measurement uncertainty (MU) procedures presented in this work will help decision makers to ensure compliance with International Legislation and Regulations. This in its turn will facilitate and enhance trading with countries having compelling labeling regulations.

Genetic modification of crops has substantially focused on improving traits for desirable outcomes. It has resulted in the development of crops with enhanced yields, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. With the advent of introducing favorable traits into crops, biotechnology has created a path for the involvement of genetically modified (GM) crops into sustainable food production systems. Although these plants heralded a new era of crop production, their widespread adoption faces diverse challenges due to concerns about the environment, human health, and moral issues. Mitigating these concerns with scientific investigations is vital. Hence, the purpose of the present review is to discuss the deployment of GM crops and their effects on sustainable food production systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the cultivation of GM crops and the issues preventing their widespread adoption, with appropriate strategies to overcome them. This review also presents recent tools for genome editing, with a special focus on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. An outline of the role of crops developed through CRSIPR/Cas9 in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 is discussed in detail. Some perspectives on the approval of GM crops are also laid out for the new age of sustainability. The advancement in molecular tools through plant genome editing addresses many of the GM crop issues and facilitates their development without incorporating transgenic modifications. It will allow for a higher acceptance rate of GM crops in sustainable agriculture with rapid approval for commercialization. The current genetic modification of crops forecasts to increase productivity and prosperity in sustainable agricultural practices. The right use of GM crops has the potential to offer more benefit than harm, with its ability to alleviate food crises around the world.

The lady beetle Propylea japonica is a dominant natural predator of insect pests in farmland ecosystems and an important non-target indicator insect for the environmental safety assessment of GM crops. The commercial cultivation of GM crops may cause P. japonica to frequently be exposed to the Bt protein environment. In this study, the biological characteristics, enzyme activity, and expression levels of detoxification and metabolism in P. japonica were studied after Cry1B protein treatment. No significant differences were observed in developmental duration, emergence rate, or body weight at different ages after feeding larvae 0.5 mg/mL of Cry1B protein compared with the control. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) after feeding 0.25 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL Cry1B protein. However, when the concentration of Cry1B protein increased to 1.0 mg/mL, the activities of the GST, CAT, and POD increased significantly. Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the expression levels of most detoxification metabolism related genes; only a few genes had changed expression levels at the individual concentrations (CYP345B1, CYP4Q2, CYP9F2, GST, and microsomal GST). Overall, these results suggest that Cry1B protein has little or no effect on the biological characteristics of P. japonica. Genes related to enzyme activity and detoxification are differentially expressed at high concentration stimulation. Therefore, this research suggests that the potential risks of Cry1B for the predator P. japonica are negligible.

Summary: The Brassicaceae Camelina sativa (gold of pleasure) is now an established niche crop and being used as a transgenic host for a range of novel seed traits. Most notable of these is the accumulation of omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturates such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids normally only found in marine organisms. As part of continued efforts to optimize the accumulation of these non‐native fatty acids via seed‐specific expression of algal genes, a new series of iterative constructs was built and introduced into Camelina. Seed fatty acid composition was determined, and the presence of EPA and DHA was confirmed. To provide an additional level of evaluation, full environmental release was carried out on selected events, providing a real‐world gauntlet against which to assess the performance of these novel lines. Composition of the seed oil triacylglycerol was determined by mass spectrometry, allowing for conclusions as to the contribution of different activities to the final accumulation of EPA and DHA. Since these data were derived from field‐grown material, they also represent a robust demonstration of the stability of the omega‐3 LC‐PUFA trait in Camelina. We propose that field trialling should be routinely incorporated in the plant synthetic biology 'design–build–test–learn' cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the history of herbicide-resistant (HR) traits in U.S. cotton since the beginning, highlighting the shortcomings of each trait over time that has led to the development of their successor and emphasizing the importance of integrated weed management (IWM) going forward to ensure their long-term sustainability. Introduction of glyphosate-resistant cropping systems has allowed for expansion of no-till systems more reliant on herbicides, favored less diverse crop rotations, and heavily relied on a single herbicide mode of action (MOA). With repeated applications of glyphosate over the years, biotypes of glyphosate-resistant (GR) A. palmeri and other weeds became economically damaging pests in cotton production systems throughout the U.S. Moreover, the reported cases of weeds resistant to different MOA across various parts of the United States has increased. The dicamba- (XtendFlex®) and 2,4-D-resistant (Enlist®) cotton traits (with stacks of glyphosate and glufosinate resistance) were introduced and have been highly adopted in the U.S. to manage HR weeds. Given the current rate of novel herbicide MOA discovery and increase in new HR weed cases, the future of sustainable weed management relies on an integrated approach that includes non-herbicidal methods with herbicides to ensure long-term success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global use of genetically modified (GM) crops is rapidly expanding. While the advent of this agricultural biotechnology offers new promises to cater to the rising demand for Indonesia’s food security, the government should ensure its safety. This paper examines the regulatory regime over biosafety in Indonesia by considering the global fragmentation of biosafety regulation that debates its impact on environmental and health aspects. After Indonesia ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which both specifically become the global guideline on how domestic biosafety policies are regulated, environmental and health issues are among the priorities which the use of GM crops contests to the precautionary approach. Amidst the insufficient scientific ground on its safety, GM crops' use is supposed to result in adverse impacts, and the suspicion over the safety of such a new cutting-edge agricultural technology ended with a series of rejections. This paper's results reveal that amongst the global contention over the regulatory regime on biosafety, which resulted in the bifurcation of the biosafety regulation, Indonesia has added to the new polarization. This polarization includes the release of GM crops certification, and Indonesia's desire to regulating biosafety deliberates over the definition and translation of biosafety in the domestic regulatory regime against the global regulatory diversity of biosafety.

The development and consumption of genetically modified (GM) crops are surrounded by controversy. According to proponents, only molecular biology approaches and genetic engineering tools are realistic food shortage solutions for the world's ever-growing population. The main purpose of this study is to review the impact of GM products on human, animal, and environmental health. People still reject GM crops not only because of safety concerns, but also for moral reasons. Toxicity, allergies, and possible horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to the environment or to other species have been associated with the marketing of GM products. Moreover, the scarce data available about the long-term implications of using GM crops is another opponent concern. Nevertheless, science has evidenced no harm from GM crops use to date but has, instead, reported several benefits that result from their commercialization, such as economic, environmental, and health benefits for the general public. Legislation and policies about GM product labeling standards are being discussed. To overcome emerging food security challenges, considering quality scientific information is essential rather than leaving the issue and merely moving toward moral discussion. Hence, a risk–benefit analysis is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified (GM) crops are the most important agricultural commodities that can improve the yield of African smallholder farmers. The intricate circumstances surrounding the introduction of GM agriculture in Africa, however, underscore the importance of comprehending the moral conundrums, regulatory environments, and public sentiment that exist today. This review examines the current situation surrounding the use of GM crops in Africa, focusing on moral conundrums, regulatory frameworks, and public opinion. Only eleven of the fifty-four African countries currently cultivate GM crops due to the wide range of opinions resulting from the disparities in cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This review proposed that addressing public concerns, harmonizing regulations, and upholding ethical standards will improve the adoption of GM crops in Africa. This study offers ways to enhance the acceptability of GM crops for boosting nutrition and food security globally.

Ghana's parliament in 2011 passed the Biosafety Act to allow for the application of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology in the country's agriculture. In a vibrant democracy, there have been extensive media discussions on whether GM crops will benefit or harm citizens. In June 2022, the state GMO regulator, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), approved the country's first GM crop (Bt cowpea) for environmental release, declaring the crop does not present an altered environmental risk or a food/feed safety concern. This study identified 3 of the country's most vibrant digital news outlets and did a content analysis of all GMO stories reported 18 months pre- and post-approval to assess whether the approval changed the focus of GMO issues the media reports on. 91 articles were identified. The results show media reports on the likely impact of GMOs on the country's food security shot up after the approval. However, media reports on the possible health, sociocultural, and environmental impact of GMOs declined. We observe the media and the public appear interested in deliberations on how the technology could address or worsen food insecurity and urge agricultural biotechnology actors in Ghana to focus on that in their sensitization activities.

The ability to transfer information about the performance, safety, and environmental impacts of a genetically modified (GM) crop from confined field trials (CFTs) conducted in one location to another is increasingly gaining importance in biosafety regulatory assessment and decision-making. The CFT process can be expensive, time-consuming, and logistically challenging. Data transportability can help overcome these challenges by allowing the use of data obtained from CFTs conducted in one country to inform regulatory decision-making in another country. Applicability of transported CFT data would be particularly beneficial to the public sector product developers and small enterprises that develop innovative GM events but cannot afford to replicate redundant CFTs, as well as regulatory authorities seeking to improve the deployment of limited resources. This review investigates case studies where transported CFT data have successfully been applied in biosafety assessment and decision-making, with an outlook of how African countries could benefit from a similar approach.

The term 'genetically modified organisms (GMO)' is still an under-discussion topic since it was introduced decades ago. Beside public concerns against GM products, some of the scientists claim it is a vital tool to improve plant breeding in the future, while others emphasize potential harmful effects of the technology. In this paper, advantages, risks, and some technological developments of GMOs technology were discussed with old and recent studies to understand where we are at GMO technology in 2020s. GMO technology also has a great impact on global economy with a total of US$ 224.9 billion profit between 1996 and 2018. Its economic impact makes the technology inevitable in the future. Thus, this paper will also explain legal perspectives of the countries against GM crop breeding and marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the parameters required for the assessment of food and feed safety is detection and identification of genetically modified organisms. Legislation in some countries necessitates detection and quantification of modification in food and feed samples. Scientists have raised concern about safety of antibiotic resistance marker (ARM) genes used for transformation of crops intended for human and animal consumption. In the present work two molecular approaches have been adopted: one exploratory; for detection and quantification of ARM genes in tested plant samples and the other confirmatory; to determine the specificity/reliability of the obtained results. Results: Results revealed that primers for neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) and aminoglycoside 3″ adenyl-transferase (aadA) were amplified in the majority of the 36 DNA screened samples. Melting curve analysis using hygromycin phosphotransferase (aphIV) gene as target sequence for the fluorescent-based detection approach was performed to ensure reliability and specificity of this procedure and to confirm results obtained by using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative RT-PCR results and validation analysis followed, revealed that all of the tested DNA samples were not violating the European legislation for GMOs labeling (0.9%). Conclusions: The results fully demonstrated the reproducibility, sensitivity/specificity of the adopted approaches for detection and quantification of even traces of GMO contents. Applying measurement uncertainty (MU) procedures presented in this work will help decision makers to ensure compliance with International Legislation and Regulations. This in its turn will facilitate and enhance trading with countries having compelling labeling regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]