UF Breeds Wine Grapes with Precision

Kelly MarshallGenetics, Grapes, Plant Science, Research, University

A University of Florida researcher, Dennis Gray, is using what he terms “precision breeding” to develop disease-resistant grapes.  Powdery mildew and black rot are torment of grape growers, but Gray has successfully bred three varieties that resist these diseases.  Thompson Seedless, Seyval Blanc and Syrah are three out of only 35 varieties of grapes that are grown on 66 percent … Read More

NRGene Maps Maize Genome in Just 34 Hours

John DavisAgribusiness, Corn, Genetics, International, Research, University

An Israeli company specializing in big data genomic analysis has mapped the maize W22’s genome in just 34 hours. NRGene‘s speed and accuracy contributed to the entire mapping process being done exceptionally cost effectively. “NRGene’s expertise in both plant genomics and IT allows us to create tools that deliver practical, useful results for scientists,” said Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO, NRGene. … Read More

Upland Cotton Genome Sequenced

John DavisAgribusiness, Cotton, Genetics, Government, USDA

A joint effort by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their international partners have sequenced the genome of the world’s most widely cultivated and genetically complex species of cotton. This USDA news release says the discovery will make it easier to address increasing threats to cotton by tapping into its natural defenses. Sequencing the genome of Upland cotton (Gossypium … Read More

Evogene Optimizes Genes for Monsanto Products

John DavisAgribusiness, Canola, Corn, Cotton, Genetics, Monsanto, Soybeans

A new gene optimization from Evogene is being incorporated into its multi-year collaboration with Monsanto. This Evogene news release says the addition of these new capabilities, designed to optimize desired trait efficacy and potentially accelerate product development, is part of a long identification and validation program by Evogene that has put more than 1,000 genes into Monsanto’s product development pipeline. … Read More

NRGene Tech Speeds CIMMYT Maize Mapping

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Corn, Genetics

NRGene, a leader in agricultural big data genomic analysis, and The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) are collaborating to generate the denovo genome assemblies of 20 tropical, subtropical, and highland maize genomes as part of CIMMYT’s collaborative Seeds of Discovery project (SeeD). They anticipate that this work will augment the existing temperate reference for maize and significantly enhance … Read More

Monsanto One Step Closer to Next-Gen Trait Launch

John DavisAgribusiness, Genetics, Monsanto

Monsanto is one step closer to getting regulatory approval for its next-generation trait technology used in its soybean and cotton varieties. This company news release says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), concluding that Monsanto’s Roundup Ready® 2 Xtend™ soybeans and Bollgard II® XtendFlex™ cotton should be fully deregulated. “The final EIS moves … Read More

Crop Health Laboratories Presents Sap Analysis Seminar

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, agronomy, Genetics

Available for the first time in North America, Plant Sap Analysis is transforming the landscape of American agriculture. With proven success in Europe for over 10 years, this technology reveals nutrient deficiency four to six weeks before standard tissue analysis. Crop Health Laboratories is hosting a Power Growers Seminar, November 7-8, 2014 in Santa Clara, inviting growers, researchers, and consultants … Read More

Fargo Selected as Site for National Agricultural Genotyping Center

Jamie JohansenAg Group, agronomy, Events, Genetics, NCGA

The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board announced that Fargo, N.D., will be the site of the National Agricultural Genotyping Center. The final decision follows careful deliberations by the site selection committee, who visited Illinois and North Dakota to assess the possibility of locating the center in either Decatur or Fargo, and NCGA’s Research and Business Development Action Team. “This … Read More