(26/11/2012) -

The University of Manchester scientists have identified how the gaseous plant hormone ethylene can control the rate of cell division in vascular tissue, wood for example, which constitutes majority of the plant biomass. Vascular tissue is derived from a group of dividing cells concentrated in a structure called the procambium

(26/11/2012) -

Broa is a popular maize bread in Portugal and plays an important economic and social role in many rural communities around the country. Maize flour, maize semolina (course, purified maize middlings) are the main ingredients of broa, together with other cereals such as wheat and rye

(16/11/2005) -

The Philippines is developing a genetically modified (GM) coconut with at least as much lauric acid as canola to allow it to hold onto its leading share of the world's vegetable oil market.

Lauric acid, a medium-length long-chain fatty acid, is found in the form of glycerides in a number of natural fats, especially coconut and palm kernel. It offers advantages in food processing as it acts as a kind of preservative, staving off oxidation and spoiling.

Lauric acid is also believed to have antimicrobial properties and is frequently exploited by pharmaceutical companies as well.

(16/11/2005) -

LONDON — After just nine years of commercialization, biotech crops have made a significant, positive impact on the global economy and environment, decreasing pesticide spraying and reducing the environmental footprint associated with pesticide use by 14 percent, according to a study released today.

“Since 1996, adoption of biotech crops has contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and decreased pesticide spraying,” said Graham Brookes, director of PG Economics, and one of the authors who conducted the study. “While greatly enhancing the way farmers in 18 countries produce food, feed and fiber, biotech crops have reduced the environmental footprint associated with agricultural practices. This study offers the first quantifiable global look at the impact of biotech crop production.”

(18/08/2005) -

Rice is a most important food crop in Vietnam. With the increasing population, decreasing land for rice cultivation, the  applying of biotechnology in rice production is considered as a promising way to increase rice yield, tomeet future demand of food security and help Vietnam to achieve substainable development.