'The world's entire gene-pool is open for manipulation'
INDRA VASIL was one of the first scientists to successfully manipulate wheat plants using genetic engineering techniques. Before he came in, …
Solving poverty
Gurdev S Khush is the principal plant breeder in the Plant breeding, genetics and biochemistry division of the International Rice Research …
A plant breeder comes into his own
Awards are finally coming to K Vinod Prabhu, 54, a plant breeder, for his work on building resistance in wheat, mustard and rice through the …
Saving rice
Rice is at the heart of a fierce strategy debate as the country prepares to launch the second Green Revolution in the eastern states. …
ITPGRFA: Decisions on key issues deferred at meet of treaty on plant genetic resources
One positive outcome at the ITPGRFA meet was the recognition of the contribution of farmers in preserving the diversity of crops that feed …
Supreme Court stays commercial release of GM Mustard; to hear the matter on October 17
The apex court is hearing a petition which seeks moratorium on the release of any genetically modified organisms into the environment pending a …
The mysterious existence of a leafless kauri stump, kept alive by its forest neighbours
Whatever happens on their journey from feeding themselves to being fed happens out of sight — likely below ground
Plant microbiomes are not exactly a ‘treasure-trove’
Breeding plants with more beneficial bacteria to feed the world won’t be simple, study says
Genetically engineered foods safe for health, environment: Study
The report recommended that new crop varieties should be regulated on a plant’s characteristics rather than the process by which it was …
Making sunlight liquid – a brief history of sunflowers
If we continue to adapt sunflowers to our needs as climates change, we must ensure diverse genes are conserved for future generations
Equal rights
The largest collection of germplasm in the world will be handed over to the Food and Agriculture Organisation to ensure equal accessibility
Dal hybrid beneficial but costly
The hybridisation of tur dal has made it higher-yielding and less vulnerable to disease. But only rich farmers will be able to buy the seeds.
Flowery woes
The crisis of pollination assumes greater significance in the face of declining numbers of species which act as useful pollinators
Who will play Cupid?
Pollinators, small insects like bees and butterflies, animals like bats and small birds such as the hummingbird, play a big role in helping …
Scientists develop bio-fortified maize to address ‘hidden hunger’
The new hybrids have 4.5 folds more vitamin A content and similar amounts of lysine and tryptophan as earlier varieties
Sweet ’n’ sour
Moringa and tamarind are popularly known as the trees of life for Indians. Moringa is in fashion as the world eyes India to feed its frenzy for …
Fighting hidden hunger
Dr Howarth E Bouis, director of HarvestPlus, is a doctorate from Stanford University. He is promoting biofortification within the Consultative …
New global standard adopted for making trade in plants and seeds safer
There is an increasing risk that pests carried by seeds could establish themselves and spread after planting
The Himalayan herb grower
Arun Kumar Badoni has taken upon himself the task of conserving medicinal and aromatic plants in the Garhwal Himalaya
Farmer’s pod luck
A Sehore farmer finds a unique pigeon pea variety that bears pods three to four times in a row
Seeds bill doesn't matter in India's horticulture capital
sopan joshi meets farmer-tycoons oblivious of the Seeds Bill 2004, but hooked to a biotech future
WHO OWNS OUR VEGGIES?
The patenting of a broccoli developed through conventional breeding in Europe is a disturbing trend since it violates the law on plant life
In Search of the Forgotten Rice Varieties
If the current trend towards genetic uniformity in rice varities continues, our food security will be severely imperilled
India to confront Monsanto in US
Biodiversity Authority will oppose Monsanto’s patent application involving Indian melon
Birds of a feather
BIRDS AND PLANT REGENERATION·Tara Gandhi· Orient Longman Ltd· New Delhi·2000·pp81
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