Summary of The 7th International Conference on Plant Genetics and Genomics by Anukriti Srivastava. This conference convened experts to explore GM crops and genome editing’s impact on agriculture. Discussions highlighted CRISPR technology’s potential, sustainability in agriculture, ethical considerations, and global food security. Notable presentations addressed climate resilience and Indian agricultural progress. Attendees left inspired by breakthroughs in precision editing and stress resistance, emphasizing collaboration and ethical innovation.
In this reflective piece, the author contemplates the evolving role and relevance of scientific societies in today’s landscape. Delving into ASPS’s journey from its humble beginnings to navigating challenges like declining membership and adapting to changing scientific paradigms. Furthermore, the author advocates for the pivotal role of scientific societies in combating scientific skepticism and misinformation, highlighting their potential as influential voices in shaping informed public discourse.
The Global Plant Council, represented by board member Prof KC Bansal and Chief Communications Officer Isabel Mendoza recently had the privilege of attending the UN Conference on Climate Change held in Dubai from 8th to 12th December 2023. Hosted by UNFCCC, this conference brought together policymakers, observers, experts, researchers, and indigenous nations from around the globe to address the most critical issue of our times—climate change.
The European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) jointly with over 60 National Coordinators across the globe proudly announce the launch of the seventh edition of the Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD), scheduled to take place on and around May 18, 2024. A celebration of the captivating world of plants, FoPD invites individuals of all ages to engage in plant-based interactive events and activities organised by scientific institutions, universities, botanical gardens, museums, schools, farmers, and companies worldwide.
COP28 in Dubai marks a pivotal moment in human history as unprecedented environmental challenges demand urgent collective action. Key focuses include the critical transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the operationalization of climate funds for vulnerable nations, addressing the $3 trillion climate financing gap, and tackling methane emissions and food systems. The summit is crucial for shaping a sustainable future and ensuring the world meets climate goals.
COP stands for Conference of the Parties, referring to the 198 parties including the European Union that have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, originally adopted in Brazil in 1992.
In the field of agricultural science, understanding the intricacies of soybean resilience holds profound significance. Soybeans (Glycine max) are a pivotal crop species, highly regarded for their versatility and their substantial contribution to global food and feed supplies, as well as biofuel production. New research aims to shed light on the intricate mechanisms that govern the BONZAI genes, illuminating their pivotal role and the complexities of their regulated expression within saline environments.
A team of researchers has made significant strides in understanding how a tiny molecule, known as MicroRNA397, can play a crucial role in enhancing chickpea’s resilience against drought and dry root rot disease.
Wikifarmer and the Global Plant Council organized a joint webinar that brought together leading speakers in the field of new breeding technologies and gene-edited crops. With a focus on geographical specificities, each expert shared their unique perspectives and expertise, aiming to inspire advancements in the agricultural industry and pave the way for sustainable and productive crops in the future.
The conversion of energy from the sun into biochemical energy by plants and other photosynthetically competent organisms drives and sustains life on the earth. While the ability to perform photosynthesis provides autotrophic growth, it can be a double-edged sword.