Drought-tolerant wheat from Argentina
Heat waves are posing a major challenge to cultivation around the world. Water shortages and droughts are resulting in heavy crop losses for the agricultural industry. Because droughts will be more frequent in the future, the search for plant varieties that consume less water is a top priority. One drought-tolerant wheat variety from Argentina is showing great potential.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Europe is currently suffering from severe heat and drought. Some areas have seen no rain for weeks or even months. The south of the continent has been particularly affected. In Italy, where the river Po has all but dried up due to drought, five regions have declared a state of emergency through the end of the year. And water is also scarce in Portugal, Spain, and southern France. Water scarcity is a particular threat to agricultural. Droughts cause large-scale destruction of crops, jeopardizing food security in many countries. Breeding plant varieties that require less water is therefore an important goal for both European and global agricultural industries.
Gene involved in drought stress response identified
There is some good news from Argentina, however, where the company Bioceres is working on developing a drought-resistant variety of wheat. Several years ago, researchers at the company identified the regulatory gene HB4 in sunflowers, which—in addition to its many other functions—controls and coordinates the plant’s drought stress response. Field trials involving soybean plants that had the HB4 sunflower gene introduced showed that the plants produced around ten percent higher yields during drought than conventional varieties. The transgenic soybean plant has been approved for cultivation in Argentina since 2015.
Twenty percent higher yields during drought
Genetically modified soybeans are grown in approximately three-quarters of the world’s soybean producing areas, and they play a vital role in animal feed production and trade. Wheat is considerably more important when it comes to crops for human consumption. Yet genetically modified varieties of wheat for human consumption have so far largely failed to catch on. This could change with the drought-resistant wheat variety from Bioceres. In field trials, the company’s HB4 wheat produced 20 percent higher yields during drought than conventional varieties. It has been approved for cultivation in Argentina since 2021.
Acceptance in importing countries crucial
Importing countries will need to be receptive to the wheat before large-scale cultivation can begin. Since 2021, a number of important agricultural countries such as Brazil, Colombia, New Zealand, Australia and, not least, the USA have authorized the import of HB4 wheat for animal and human consumption, and 53,000 hectares of HB4 wheat were already being cultivated in Argentina by 2021–22. As this example shows, openness to new varieties and technologies is crucial for securing the future of agriculture in the face of climate change.
Related articles
When surveys create fear
Surveys on technologies such as genetic engineering often focus on risks and spread panic instead of promoting a balanced discussion of the pros and cons. A striking example is the environmental indicator of the Federal Statistical Office. Social scientist Angela Bearth is highly critical of the survey. The public debate on new technologies such as genetic engineering or 5G mobile communications is often conducted emotionally. Current surveys encourage this by stirring up fears instead of enabling an objective consideration of risks and benefits. One example of this is the environmental indicator, a survey conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on the subject of hazards. Using simplistic questions, it generates distorted perceptions. In an article on the progressive Agrarwende.ch platform of the Eco-Progressive Network association, social scientist Angela Bearth addresses the issue.
More agrobiodiversity thanks to genome editing
It is often wrongly claimed that new breeding technologies such as genome editing restrict diversity in the seed market. A new study shows that the opposite is the case. Genome editing promotes agrobiodiversity.
Genetic engineering has long been on Swiss plates
As a consumer, you often don't know: products advertised as GMO-free have long contained genetic engineering. This is a thorn in the side of opponents of genetic engineering. But it is easier to keep quiet about the ‘scandal’ – because something we have been eating for a long time no longer scares us.
Migros and the opportunities of genome editing
The demand for new breeding technologies is growing. Experts see an urgent need for action in order to utilise technological progress without jeopardising safety. Companies such as Migros also recognise the importance of these developments and are addressing the opportunities and challenges they bring. Meanwhile, contrary to scientific findings, opponents are continuing to tell the same horror stories as they did 30 years ago.