b'INDUSTRYNEWSPRODUCT NEWS The report notes genome editing using site-specific nucleases such as EarthFresh Launches Biobased Packaging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeatCRISPR-associated Burlington, Ont.-based EarthFresh has switched its packaging to biobasedprotein 9 and TALENs are highly useful in crop breeding.material, the international produce company says in a news release. TheIn the study, the researchers infected a potato with Agrobacterium tumefa-switch was made based on consumer demand for environmentally responsibleciens harboring TALEN-expression vector targeting sterol side chain reductase and sustainable products. 2 (SSR2) gene and regenerated shoots without selection. As a result, they were "The mesh in these new bags is derived from a highly renewable resourceable to regenerate lines with disrupted-SSR2 gene and without transgene of and is 100 per cent recyclable. We are excited to bring sustainable products tothe TALEN gene, indicating transient gene expression.the market," Jessica Hughes, director of innovation at EarthFresh, says in theBased on the results, it was found Agrobacterial mutagenesis has the release. potential to accelerate the use of genome-editing technology to modify hete-The EarthFresh 1.5 lb Organic Mixed Baby Potatoes, one lb Organic Babyrozygous plant genomes.Sweet Potatoes and 1.5 lb Baby Sweet Potatoes are now all wrapped in biobased mesh packaging, the release says. These mesh packs are all USDA Certified Biobased Products made with CLAF Biobased FabricTM. The mesh bags are made with renewable raw materials derived from sugarcane, they areEuropean Researchers Working on Future-Proof, Resilient Potatoes96 per cent biobased and 100 per cent recyclable. A group of European academic research institutions have joined together to launch the Accelerated Development of multiple-stress tolerAnt PoTato (ADAPT), which will develop strategies to make potatoes fit for the challenging growth conditions of the future, the James Hutton Institute, says in a news RESEARCH NEWS release. The institute is part of the project.Protein Found in Potato Genome Key Component of Tuberization "The funding will allow us to build on our research findings about potato Plant scientists have found a specific protein encoded by the potato genome isstress responses and the involvement of major potato breeding companies will a key component of tuberization, which is the process potato plants use to ini- ensure translation of our science to end-users," Mark Taylor from the James tiate and develop tubers, a news release from the James Hutton Institute says. Hutton Institute team says in the release.The finding is relevant as it provides a key route to increasing productivityPotatoes are one of the most important food crops globally, but the crop of a crop which is consumed regularly by over one billion people worldwide, theis threatened by its vulnerability to environmental stresses; particularly to release notes. combinations of heat and drought, which are becoming increasingly prevalent "The earliness of tuberization dictates the time to crop maturity and so isdue to climate change, the release notes. Often these conditions are followed a crucial factor in potato agronomy," Mark Taylor, joint head of the Institutesby seasonal flooding, which can ruin the entire harvest within a few days.Potato Genetics and Physiology Group in Dundee and lead author of the studyThe ADAPT project, will see the complementary expertise of 10 academic says in the release. "For years, potato breeders have exploited the natural var- research institutions, four potato breeders, a screening technology developer, iation in the onset of tuberization to develop improved varieties for differenta government agency and a non-profit European Union association, come latitudes, harvest times and markets where the effects of environmental andtogether to investigate the mechanisms underlying multi-stress resilience in disease stresses are minimized." potato.It is hoped the genetic discovery will be used by potato breeders to developThe ADAPT project will take place over the next four years with a total fast-maturing, more resilient potato varieties which will safeguard productionbudget of five million euro from the EU Horizon 2020 program, the release in an era of climate change, work that is being taken forward with industrynotes.partners.The research is published in the latest issue of The Plant Journal and was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the European Unions Horizon 2020 programme and the ScottishPeeling, Boiling, Frying Potatoes Reduce Health Risks from Governments RESAS Strategic Research Programme, the release says. GlycoalkaloidsThe health risks from glycoalkaloids, which are found in potatoes and potato products, can be reduced by peeling, boiling and frying potatoes, a study from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says.Researchers use TALENs for Targeted Genome Editing of Potato The EFSA assessed the risks to human and animal health related to the Scientists at Osaka University in Japan and partners have used successfully tar- presence of glycoalkaloids in food and feed. Glycoalkaloids are a naturally oc-get genome editing in potato using transcription activator-like effector nucleasescurring compounds found in the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes (TALENs), according to results published in the Plant Biotechnology journal. potatoes, tomatoes and aubergines.DID you know that SODIUM will COMPETEwith POTASSIUM for plant UPTAKE?58 SPUDSMART.COM FALL 2020WWW.UAP.CA'