Field trials of GM trees in the USA: activity and regulatory developments

Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) soybeans dominate the world soybean market. These plants have triggered increased use of, as well as increased residues of, glyphosate in soybean products. We present data that show farmers have doubled their glyphosate applications per season (from two to four) and that residues of late season spraying of glyphosate (at full bloom of the plant) result in much higher residues in the harvested plants and products. GT soybeans produced on commercial farms in the USA, Brazil and Argentina accumulate in total an estimated 2500–10,000 metric tonnes of glyphosate per year, which enter global food chains. We also review studies that have compared the quality of GT soybeans with conventional and organic soybeans. Feeding studies in Daphnia magna have shown dose-related adverse effects (mortality, reduced fecundity and delayed reproduction) of glyphosate residues in soybeans, even at glyphosate concentrations below allowed residue levels. We argue that GT soybeans need to be tested in fully representative and realistic contexts. However, the current risk assessment system has only required and received data from field trials with beans that were sprayed with much lower doses of glyphosate as compared to contemporary commercial farms. This has left knowledge gaps and a potentially serious underestimation of health risks to consumers.

Download Full-text

Testing a novel technique, geotubes with mycotechnosoil, to mitigate post-fire erosion and enhance ecosystem recovery

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-20618 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dalila Serpa ◽

Jan J. Keizer ◽

Ana I. Machado ◽

Martha Santos ◽

Bruna R. F. Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surface Water Quality ◽

Field Trials ◽

Catchment Scale ◽

Ecosystem Recovery ◽

North Central ◽

Monitoring Period ◽

Soil Burn Severity ◽

The Usa ◽

Central Portugal ◽

Burnt Areas

<p>Recently burnt areas have frequently been documented to produce strong to extreme catchment-scale hydrological and erosion responses to major rainfall events, even if these responses have rarely been quantified. These responses have raised important concerns, both among forest owners and managers on the on-site implications of soil (fertility) loss and among water resources managers for the off-side impacts on downstream values-at-risk such as road and hydraulic infrastructures, flood zones, and surface water quality in reservoirs or at river intake points. State-of-the-art emergency stabilization management, as practiced in the USA and Galicia, aims at reducing the hydrological and erosion response at its main source, i.e. the hillslopes. Based on years and decades of experience and pain-staking field monitoring in both the USA and Galicia, mulching is typically preferred over barrier-based methods, especially for being more effective in the case of high-intensity rainfall storms. Even so, the LIFE-REFOREST consortium (LIFE17 ENV/ES/000248) has developed an innovative barrier-based technique that is designed to be implemented easier and faster than log and shrub barriers and, at the same time, to improve vegetation recovery, using seeds of plant species that establish vegetation strips against runoff and erosion and/or seeds of tree and shrub species for re- or afforestation. The REFOREST barriers consists of geotubes containing, besides seeds, a mycotechnosoil as well as straw. The effectiveness of the LIFE-REFOREST geotubes is current being tested under field conditions in summer-2019 burnt areas in north-central Portugal and Galicia, in contrasting forest types (eucalypt vs. pine) on contrasting parent materials (schist vs. granite). Both field trials involve, besides 3 control plots and 3 plots with geotubes, also 3 plots mulched with either eucalypt logging residues or pine needles. The present poster will show preliminary results of the field trial in north-central Portugal, in a second-rotation eucalypt stand where tree crowns were scorched by the fire and soil burn severity was classified as moderate. These results concern the initial monitoring period till early spring 2020. However, this monitoring period has been quite rainy so far, arguably providing rather ideal conditions for testing the effectiveness of barrier-based solutions such as that of LIFE-REFOREST.</p>

Download Full-text

Potential for foliar phosphorus fertilisation of dryland cereal crops: a review

Crop and Pasture Science ◽

10.1071/cp10080 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 61 (8) ◽

pp. 659 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

S. R. Noack ◽

T. M. McBeath ◽

M. J. McLaughlin

Keyword(s):

Cropping Systems ◽

Water Status ◽

Field Trials ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Soil P ◽

Crop Type ◽

Foliar Phosphorus ◽

The Usa ◽

Added Benefit ◽

Phosphorus Fertilisation

Although not commonly used in dryland cropping systems to date, foliar phosphorus (P) fertilisation may allow a tactical response to prevailing seasonal climatic conditions, with the added benefit of reduced input costs at sowing. However, variable outcomes have been reported from field trials predominantly conducted in the USA, and to a lesser degree in Australia. The effectiveness of foliar P is dependent on soil P status, soil water status, crop type, fertiliser formulation and prevailing climatic conditions. This review argues that the potential of foliar P fertilisation in Australian dryland cereal cropping could be enhanced by altering formulations for enhanced leaf penetration using adjuvants, and by accurately assessing the responsiveness of sites before application. This review demonstrates that it is important to use appropriate techniques such as isotopic labelling, to measure the efficacy and mode of action of foliar formulations.

Download Full-text

Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean A5547-127

European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety ◽

10.9734/ejnfs/2021/v13i130362 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 130-131

Author(s):

Åshild Kristin Andreassen ◽

Anne Marie Bakke ◽

Knut Kelkås Dahl ◽

Knut Thomas Dalen ◽

Merethe Aasmo Finne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Assessment ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Animal Health ◽

Field Trials ◽

Genetically Modified Soybean ◽

Bioinformatics Analyses ◽

Pat Gene ◽

The Usa ◽

Flanking Sequences ◽

Pat Protein

Soybean A5547-127 expresses the phosphinothricin - N - acetyltransferase (pat) gene from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes. The encoded PAT protein confers tolerance to the active herbicidal substance glufosinate-ammonium. Bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in soybean A5547-127 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the pat gene have been shown over several generations of soybean A5547-127. With the exception of the intended changes caused by the trans-genetically introduced trait, data from field trials performed in the USA show that soybean A5547-127 is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and other commercial soybean varieties. A repeated dose toxicity study with rats and a nutritional assessment trial with broilers have not revealed adverse effects of soybean A5547-127. These studies indicate that soybean A5547-127 is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as conventional soybean varieties. The PAT protein produced in soybean A5547-127 does not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor has it been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Soybean is not cultivated in Norway, and there are no crosscompatible wild or weedy relatives of soybean in Europe. Based on current knowledge the VKM GMO Panel concludes that with the intended usage, there are no discernible safety concerns associated with soybean A5547-127 regarding human or animal health or to the environment in Norway.

Download Full-text

Quantifying the Flexibility of Electric Vehicles in Germany and California—A Case Study

Energies ◽

10.3390/en13215617 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (21) ◽

pp. 5617

Author(s):

Michel Zade ◽

Zhengjie You ◽

Babu Kumaran Nalini ◽

Peter Tzscheutschler ◽

Ulrich Wagner

Keyword(s):

Electric Vehicles ◽

User Behavior ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Early Morning ◽

Field Trials ◽

Heat Pumps ◽

Future Research ◽

Mobility Data ◽

The Usa

The adoption of electric vehicles is incentivized by governments around the world to decarbonize the mobility sector. Simultaneously, the continuously increasing amount of renewable energy sources and electric devices such as heat pumps and electric vehicles leads to congested grids. To meet this challenge, several forms of flexibility markets are currently being researched. So far, no analysis has calculated the actual flexibility potential of electric vehicles with different operating strategies, electricity tariffs and charging power levels while taking into account realistic user behavior. Therefore, this paper presents a detailed case study of the flexibility potential of electric vehicles for fixed and dynamic prices, for three charging power levels in consideration of Californian and German user behavior. The model developed uses vehicle and mobility data that is publicly available from field trials in the USA and Germany, cost-optimizes the charging process of the vehicles, and then calculates the flexibility of each electric vehicle for every 15 min. The results show that positive flexibility is mostly available during either the evening or early morning hours. Negative flexibility follows the periodic vehicle availability at home if the user chooses to charge the vehicle as late as possible. Increased charging power levels lead to increased amounts of flexibility. Future research will focus on the integration of stochastic forecasts for vehicle availability and electricity tariffs.

Download Full-text

Exploring cross-national public support for the use of enhanced weathering as a land-based carbon dioxide removal strategy

Climatic Change ◽

10.1007/s10584-021-03050-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 165 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

Elspeth Spence ◽

Emily Cox ◽

Nick Pidgeon

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Online Survey ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Public Attitudes ◽

Public Support ◽

Field Trials ◽

The Public ◽

The Usa ◽

Level Of Concern ◽

The Uk

AbstractThis study explores how public attitudes across three countries influence support towards terrestrial enhanced weathering, whereby silicate minerals are applied to agricultural land to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. An online survey was administered in Australia (N = 1000), the UK (N = 1000), and the USA (N = 1026) where there are ongoing field trials of this technique. Findings are similar across all three countries with many participants unfamiliar with enhanced weathering and unsure about supporting the use of enhanced weathering. Results show that positive affect is the main predictor for support of this technique, along with perceived benefits and level of concern about climate change. Open-ended questions asking why respondents would or would not support the use of enhanced weathering elicit mainly affective concepts, with enhanced weathering seen by individual respondents as either something mainly positive or mainly negative, with others saying it sounds risky and/or would have impacts on the environment. The way in which enhanced weathering is communicated is likely to influence support of the use of this strategy so must be undertaken carefully. Overall, our findings show that it is imperative to continue to engage the public, thereby allowing their views to be incorporated as enhanced weathering technology develops over time.

Download Full-text

When More is Less: Mosquito Population Suppression Using Sterile, Incompatible and Genetically Modified Male Mosquitoes

Journal of Medical Entomology ◽

10.1093/jme/tjab025 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stephen L Dobson

Keyword(s):

New Technologies ◽

Mosquito Control ◽

Field Trials ◽

Regulatory Agencies ◽

State Agencies ◽

Current Review ◽

The Usa ◽

Release Field ◽

Population Suppression ◽

Male Mosquitoes

Abstract The current review of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is motivated by new technologies and the recent renaissance of male release field trials, which is driving an evolution in mosquito control and regulation. Practitioners that are releasing male mosquitoes would do well to learn from past successes and failures, including political and public engagement complications. With examples that include nuanced integrations of the different technologies, e.g., combinations of Wolbachia and irradiation, it is critical that scientists understand and communicate accurately about the technologies, including their evolving management by different regulatory agencies in the USA. Some male release approaches are considered ‘pesticides’ and regulated by federal and state agencies, while other male release approaches are unregulated. It is important to consider how the new technologies fit with the more ‘traditional’ chemical applications of adulticides and larvicides. The economics of male release programs are substantially different from traditional control costs, which can be a challenge to their adoption by abatement districts. However, there is substantial need to overcome these complications and challenges, because the problem with invasive mosquitoes grows ever worse with factors that include insecticide resistance, globalization and climate change.

Download Full-text

Bacteriophage-Mediated Control of Phytopathogenic Xanthomonads: A Promising Green Solution for the Future

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051056 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1056

Author(s):

Emilio Stefani ◽

Aleksa Obradović ◽

Katarina Gašić ◽

Irem Altin ◽

Ildikó K. Nagy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Field Trials ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Host Bacterium ◽

Industrial Property ◽

Promising Tool ◽

Agricultural Application ◽

The Future ◽

The Usa ◽

A Minor

Xanthomonads, members of the family Xanthomonadaceae, are economically important plant pathogenic bacteria responsible for infections of over 400 plant species. Bacteriophage-based biopesticides can provide an environmentally friendly, effective solution to control these bacteria. Bacteriophage-based biocontrol has important advantages over chemical pesticides, and treatment with these biopesticides is a minor intervention into the microflora. However, bacteriophages’ agricultural application has limitations rooted in these viruses’ biological properties as active substances. These disadvantageous features, together with the complicated registration process of bacteriophage-based biopesticides, means that there are few products available on the market. This review summarizes our knowledge of the Xanthomonas-host plant and bacteriophage-host bacterium interaction’s possible influence on bacteriophage-based biocontrol strategies and provides examples of greenhouse and field trials and products readily available in the EU and the USA. It also details the most important advantages and limitations of the agricultural application of bacteriophages. This paper also investigates the legal background and industrial property right issues of bacteriophage-based biopesticides. When appropriately applied, bacteriophages can provide a promising tool against xanthomonads, a possibility that is untapped. Information presented in this review aims to explore the potential of bacteriophage-based biopesticides in the control of xanthomonads in the future.

Download Full-text

High lipid perennial ryegrass growth under variable nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide supply

Journal of New Zealand Grasslands ◽

10.33584/jnzg.2018.80.349 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 219-224

Author(s):

Zac D Beechey-Gradwell ◽

Somrutai Winichayakul ◽

Nick J Roberts

Keyword(s):

Perennial Ryegrass ◽

Energy Content ◽

Field Trials ◽

High Lipid ◽

Pot Trials ◽

The Usa ◽

Metabolisable Energy ◽

Novel Strategy ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Ryegrass Growth

A novel strategy to increase the metabolisable energy content of pasture species has been the development of a GM technology (‘High metabolisable energy’ or HME), which when expressed in the leaves of perennial ryegrass, increases leaf lipids up to 6-7% of DW (approximately double ‘normal’ levels). Remarkably, increased rates of photosynthesis and growth also occur in these plants. The industry strategy is to perform field trials overseas to establish the value proposition for New Zealand. Here, results are presented from preliminary growth-chamber pot trials which reveal the influence of the HME technology on perennial ryegrass growth under different levels of N, H2O and CO2 supply. HME increased perennial ryegrass growth under high N supply, limiting and non-limiting H2O supply, and with ambient and elevated CO2 supply. Possible HME growth mechanisms and their practical implications are discussed. Progress on the 2017 field trial in the USA using offspring from the HME crossing programme is also discussed.

Download Full-text

Hosts of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Identified in Field Evaluations in Florida

Plant Health Progress ◽

10.1094/php-2008-1103-01-rs ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

T. L. Slaminko ◽

M. R. Miles ◽

J. J. Marois ◽

D. L. Wright ◽

G. L. Hartman

Keyword(s):

Field Trials ◽

Soybean Rust ◽

Broad Host Range ◽

Pueraria Lobata ◽

Phakopsora Pachyrhizi ◽

Legume Species ◽

Causal Organism ◽

The Usa ◽

New Hosts ◽

Phaseolus Species

Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal organism of soybean rust, was first found on Glycine max in the continental United States in 2004, and subsequently on Pueraria lobata, Desmodium tortuosum, three Phaseolus species, and Erythrina herbacea in the field. The pathogen has been reported to occur on over 150 legume species worldwide, and it is likely to infect native and introduced legume species in the USA. The objective of this study was to determine if USA-native or -naturalized legume species could become infected with P. pachyrhizi in field conditions. A total of 80 accessions representing 52 species in 29 genera were infected in the field trials. Crotalaria retusa, Lathyrus latifolius, Phaseolus angustissimus, P. polystachios, and Robinia hispida are new hosts. This is the first report showing the broad host range of P. pachyrhizi based on field infections in the USA. Some of these hosts grow in the southern USA, and could, like kudzu, overwinter P. pachyrhizi. Accepted for publication 18 August 2008. Published 3 November 2008.

Download Full-text