scholarly journals All Plant Breeding Technologies Are Equal, but Some Are More Equal Than Others: The Case of GM and Mutagenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Batalha ◽  
Francesco Foroni ◽  
Brian Joseph Jones
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Genetic Modification ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Consumer Attitudes ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Genetic Development ◽  
Sexual Crosses

A pervasive opposition to genetically modified (GM) foods has developed from the notion that they pose a risk to human and environmental health. Other techniques for the genetic modification of plants, such as sexual crossing and mutagenesis breeding, have mostly remained unchallenged. This research aims to investigate public perception of plant breeding technologies. Specifically, sexual crossing, mutagenesis, transgenics (GM) and gene editing. It was expected that attitudes and intentions would be most positive and the perception of risk lowest for plant genetic modification through sexual crosses. Scores on these variables were expected to be similar between mutagenesis, GM and gene editing. It was also expected that attitudes, intentions and risk perception would change (becoming more positive) once participants learned about foods developed through these technologies. Participants reported their attitudes, intentions and risk perception at two points in time. At Time 2, they were presented with pictures of food items developed through sexual crossing, GM and mutagenesis. The results showed that mutagenesis stood out as the most negatively perceived technology, whereas genetic development via sexual crosses was generally perceived as positive. The results highlight the importance of messaging, framing in consumer attitudes.

scholarly journals Expert and public perceptions of gene-edited crops: attitude changes in relation to scientific knowledge

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Kato-Nitta ◽  
Tadahiko Maeda ◽  
Yusuke Inagaki ◽  
Masashi Tachikawa
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Genetic Modification ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Conventional Breeding ◽  
Value Perceptions ◽  
Lay Public

Abstract This study empirically examined expert and public attitudes toward applying gene editing to agricultural crops compared with attitudes toward other genetic modification and conventional breeding technologies. Regulations regarding the application of gene editing on food are being debated around the world. New policy measures often face issues of public acceptance and consensus formation; however, reliable quantitative evidence of public perception toward such emerging breeding technologies is scarce. To fill this gap, two web-based surveys were conducted in Japan from December 2016 to February 2017. Participants (N = 3197) were categorised into three groups based on the domain-specific scientific knowledge levels (molecular biology experts, experts in other fields, and lay public). Statistical analysis revealed group differences in risk, benefit, and value perceptions of different technologies. Molecular biology experts had higher benefit and value perceptions, as well as lower risk perceptions regarding new technologies (gene editing and genetic modification). Although the lay public tended to have more favourable attitudes toward gene editing than toward genetic modification, such differences were much smaller than the differences between conventional breeding and genetic modification. The experts in other fields showed some characteristics that are similar to the experts in molecular biology in value perceptions, while showing some characteristics that are similar to the lay public in risk perceptions. The further statistical analyses of lay attitudes revealed the influence of science literacy on attitudinal change toward crops grown with new breeding technologies in benefit perceptions but not in risk or value perceptions. Such results promoted understanding on distinguishing conditions where deficit model explanation types are valid and conditions where they are not.

scholarly journals Public Perception on Labeling Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Ghana: Implications for Food Policy

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw ◽  
Johnny Owusu-Arthur ◽  
Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere
Keyword(s):  
Public Perception ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
The Public ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Choice Variable

Labeling of genetically modified (GM) food and other food ingredients from GM source has become an important national policy issues receiving serious attention not only in Ghana but globally.   This paper focused on public perceptions of labeling of GM foods in Ghana as a way of garnering a view of the public understanding of the technology that has become so much controversial for which several millions of public sector money is spent on education in the last few years. The survey which elapsed over a period of three months, shows results that indicate a dearth of knowledge on the technology and yet a high demand for labelling of the products, even though not many people read the labels on food products. This leads to the question as to ‘who is doing the listening’. The authors conclude that the limited knowledge and technology essentials among others explain why the public seems to reject the technology and call for labelling of the products in spite of the fact that labelling is nothing but a choice variable, which has nothing to do with safety measure. Modifying the present attitude of the opponents of the technology and the demanders of labelling ignoring the cost that may be involved require extensive education and awareness creations throughout the country using tailor made communication forms to address various different groups.

Extreme events, risk perception, communication, and adaptation in the context of climate change: the case of an Andean community in Peru

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredy S. Monge-Rodríguez ◽  
Andy Alvarado- Yepez
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Extreme Events ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Severe Storms ◽  
Local Risk ◽  
Adaptive Behaviours

<p><strong>Abstract:</strong></p><p><em>Introduction and theoretical background: </em>The increase in extreme events as a result of climate change has serious consequences for the world (Bevacqua, Yu, & Zhang, 2018; Clark et al., 1998), with higher impacts on Andean communities, which are more vulnerable to its effects due to the scarce resources they have to cope with its effects. The study on local risk perception, as a strategy that allows people to be more aware of the hazard and therefore be more willing to deal with the eventuality of the hazard (Lopez and Marvan, 2018). Our study analyses experience with extreme events: severe storms, avalanches, droughts and floods. Furthermore, we analyze how experiences with extreme weather can be related to risk perception, communication, and adaptive behaviours.</p><p><em>Methods:</em> After a thorough pilot. We selected two interviewers, from the same community. To comply with COVID-19 health protocols, the questionnaire was implemented online. All questions were presented in a closed format. The total number of participants (N=200) belonged to the Phinaya community located at the bottom of the Quelccaya glacier (5650 mamsl). All gave their consent to participate voluntarily in the study.</p><p><em>Results:</em> 86% indicated having experienced drought or water shortage in the last 5 years between 1 and more than 3 times, 14% did not. Then 59% indicated that they had experienced storms between 1 and more than 3 times in the last 5 years, 41% indicated that they had not experienced any. Regarding floods, 21.5% indicated that they had experienced them, while 78.5% had not. 34.9 % indicated that they had experienced avalanches. 97.5% said they were very concerned about climate change. 82% received information on storms, 90% received information on droughts, 82% received information on floods, 51% received information on avalanches. There is a relationship between people who have had experiences with severe storms and those who have experienced landslides and avalanches. Regarding the perception of risk, we found differences between men and women. No clear relationship was identified between risk perception and extreme events. It is observed that communications about droughts influenced negatively on risk perception, the other extreme events did not show significant relations. Finally, with respect to adaptation behaviours, we found a positive relationship between experiences with storms, and perceptions of risk of climate change, greater perception of risk, greater willingness to develop adaptive behaviours.</p><p><em>Conclusions: </em>Most people have been exposed to more than one type of extreme events such as droughts and storms. This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between public perception of climate change in Andean communities and corroborates the important role of communication and adaptive behaviors in the context of risk perceptions.</p>

Plant breeding for resilient pastures

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Caradus ◽  
Joseph Bouton ◽  
Charles Brummer ◽  
Marty Faville ◽  
Richard George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Plant Introductions

Plant breeding has had, and continues to have, an important role in providing farmers with resilient pastures. Early breeding relied on improvement of ecotype populations and this was accelerated by crossing with selected introduced germplasm. The primary traits under selection have targeted speed of establishment, total and/or seasonal dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value or feed quality, flowering time and reduced aftermath heading, disease resistance, persistence and seed yield. Continued improvement through plant breeding to meet environmental concerns and tolerances to both biotic and abiotic stresses will be achieved through ongoing plant introductions, exploiting heterosis, speed breeding, genomic selection, improvements in phenotyping, metabolomics, improved compatibility with beneficial microbes, and potentially the use of transgenic and gene editing technologies.

CRISPR-Cas9 and Food in the European Union: An Organic Solution to an Undetectable Problem for Food Business Operators

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Shane Michael Hughes
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Genetic Modification ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Targeted Mutagenesis ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Organic Solution ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Various methods of genetic modification have been applied to plant breeding as an integral part of agriculture. This article examines a method of targeted mutagenesis – CRISPR-Cas9 – and its dysregulation in the European Union (EU). It provides clarity for food business operators relating to the traceability and labelling of food products induced using this biotechnology. In addition, it outlines policy recommendations to improve the regulation of such food products in the EU.

scholarly journals Risk Perception of COVID−19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8967
Author(s):  
José Miguel Mansilla Domínguez ◽  
Isabel Font Jiménez ◽  
Angel Belzunegui Eraso ◽  
David Peña Otero ◽  
David Díaz Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Set Up

On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV−2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID−19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID−19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.

scholarly journals GM Foods and the Misperception of Risk Perception

Risk Analysis ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Gaskell ◽  
Nick Allum ◽  
Wolfgang Wagner ◽  
Nicole Kronberger ◽  
Helge Torgersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Gm Foods

Honey produced from genetically modified canola (Brassica napus) nectar will not need to be labelled as a GM food under current Australian guidelines

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hornitzky ◽  
A. Ghalayini
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Genetic Modification ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Pollen Content

Food or ingredients labelled as genetically modified (GM) contain either new genetic material or protein as a result of genetic modification. In Australia, a 1% threshold, below which labelling is not required, exists for the unintended presence of GM material in non-GM foods. The canola pollen content by dry weight in a range of canola honey samples from diverse geographical areas in Australia was determined to be 0.2 ± 0.12%, well below the 1% threshold. Two GM canola honey samples sourced from Canada contained 0.19 and 0.24% of canola pollen. This work indicates honey derived from GM canola crops will not need to be labelled as a GM food.

scholarly journals Use of Crispr/Cas9 for Development of Disease Resistant Cultivars in Plant Breeding

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bikal Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Resistant Cultivars ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Disease Resistant ◽  
Pathogenic Genes ◽  
F1 Generation

Crop protection against pests and diseases is a major challenge in agriculture. Plant breeding is a key solution for the development of disease resistant cultivars. Gene editing is an indispensable part of plant breeding to obtain desirable traits in crops. CRISPR (Clustered Regular Interspaced Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR- associated protein) is a recent breakthrough in gene editing technology. It can be utilized to exploit defensive mechanism in plants against pathogen attack with recognition and degradation of the invading pathogenic genes by bacterial immune system. Advances in plant breeding with integration of CRISPR/Cas9 have facilitated the production of cultivars with heritable resistance to viral and bacterial disease. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetically engineered resistance can be inherited to further generation of crops after segregation of Cas9/sgRNA transgene in F1 generation. The segregation of Cas9/sgRNA transgene prevents undesirable genome modification in successive generation and makes use of CRISPR/Cas9 safe in plant breeding. CRISPR/Cas9 proves itself as a fascinating tool to revolutionize plant breeding for the development of various disease resistant cultivars however, effects of CRISPR/Cas9 system on different physiological process of plants still needs to be studied.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(4): 403-409

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