South Australia extends ban The South Australian Government says its moratorium on genetically modified crops will remain, even though the Bureau of Rural Sciences has found that genetically modified canola crops would make the industry more sustainable. More†

Business

Monsanto Acquires CanaVialis and Alellyx Monsanto Co. has completed its proposed acquisition of Aly Participacoes Ltda., which operates the sugarcane breeding and technology companies, CanaVialis S.A. and Alellyx S.A., both of which are based in Brazil. Monsanto's $290 million (R$616 million) acquisition of Aly Participacoes Ltda. from Votorantim Novos Negocios Ltda. and its sister company, Votorantim Industrial S.A., was consummated with existing excess cash. More†

US farmers growing GM white maize Millers, food companies and export markets have changed their minds. More†

Sci/Tech

How Botrytis cenerea produces its toxin The fungus Botrytis cinerea is a scourge to more than 200 agricultural and ornamental plant species, including staples such as tomatoes, strawberries, snap and lima beans, cabbage, lettuce and endive, peas, peppers, and potatoes.Now Brown University chemist David Cane, working with researchers in France and Spain, has figured out how the fungus's deadly toxin is made and how it might be disarmed naturally. More†

Insecticides more damaging than Bt crops Non-target insects are probably affected more by conventional insecticides than by crops that contain genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), according to the findings of a study by US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators. More†

Development

Arcadia Biosciences to develop crops in India Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. has received a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the development of Nitrogen Use Efficient (NUE), Salt-Tolerant and Water Use Efficient (WUE) rice and wheat in India. Under terms outlined in the grant, Arcadia receives a total of $3.6 million over the next three years. Arcadia will work with its partner in India, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Ltd. (MAHYCO), on product development and implementation for the program. More†

S. Korea, Myanmar to cooperate on biotech Myanmar and South Korea are set to cooperate on the development of improved crops, by sharing plant genetic resources and applying biotechnology. "Under this five-year memorandum of agreement, we aim to promote cooperation on biotechnology and plant genetic resources and develop and strengthen the respective technical competence on biotechnology and plant genetic resources," said Mr Cho Yang-Hee, the deputy director of the Rural Development Administration. More†

NGO Watch

Drink organic, plant a tree Modern Spirits, a maker of organic vodka and gin, has added a "TRU" lineup to their offerings. This specially-labeled group of distilled beverages comes in recyclable/biodegradable packaging, and the company will plant a tree in a tropical zone for every bottle purchased.  More†

Potpourri

EC to allow sale of mis-shapen fruits, vegetables Rules governing the size and shape of fruit and vegetables will be consigned to history after European Union Member States today voted on Commission proposals to repeal specific marketing standards for 26 types of fruit and vegetables. Is this part of a deal made with the International Atomic Energy Agency to promote "radiation breeding"? More†

GM California Raisin on killing spree A genetically engineered California Raisin goes on a killing spree in a small southern town in Alabama. More†

IAEA pushes for mutant plant breeding Saying the technique of blasting seeds with ionizing radiation "mimics nature", the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is calling for renewed interest and investment  in this 80-year-old process.  More†