This document reviews how biotechnology can be used for climate change adaptation and mitigation through improving agricultural productivity and food security. It discusses how both conventional biotechnology methods like organic farming and modern methods like genetic engineering can help address the negative impacts of climate change by making crops more tolerant to stresses and increasing yields. Specifically, it outlines how biotechnology approaches can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, decrease fertilizer usage, and develop stress-resistant crop varieties to adapt to climate change effects.
Abstract:Biodiversity is one of the earth’s greatest treasures. Compared to plants and animals, microbes are least explored since they are mostly considered as pathogens and very little is known about their beneficial potentiality. Hence, there arises an urgent need to raise the public awareness about its economic value by taking effective measures in exploiting and conserving the microbial diversity. An attempt has been made to discuss about the strategy of microbial screening and its applications along with future innovative practices that has to be undertaken in order to conserve its diversity. Microbiologists have just begun to isolate and study microbial life for a better understanding of its role in ecology. Only <1% of microbes in the world have been explored. Proper strategy has to be followed to study the microbial diversity which includes habitat selection, microbial isolation methods, polyphasic taxonomy studies and its application in varied fields. Apart from ex situ and in situ conservation, several innovative initiatives such as new long-term infrastructure funding mechanisms to foster multidisciplinary involvement of microbial biodiversity research centers in collaboration with collections, education and training programmes on taxonomic studies in schools and colleges, creation of repository for cultivated collections and a reference library creation of integrated center for data management and analysis, ultimately leading to national microbial diversity management policy creation.
Keyword: application, innovative initiatives. polyphasic taxonomy, screening, strategy, management policy.
Role of Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry for Bioremediation to Clean the E...CrimsonpublishersEAES
Role of Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry for Bioremediation to Clean the Environment by Durgesh Kumar Jaiswal and Jay Prakash Verma* Environmental Analysis & Ecology Studies
Abstract:Biodiversity is one of the earth’s greatest treasures. Compared to plants and animals, microbes are least explored since they are mostly considered as pathogens and very little is known about their beneficial potentiality. Hence, there arises an urgent need to raise the public awareness about its economic value by taking effective measures in exploiting and conserving the microbial diversity. An attempt has been made to discuss about the strategy of microbial screening and its applications along with future innovative practices that has to be undertaken in order to conserve its diversity. Microbiologists have just begun to isolate and study microbial life for a better understanding of its role in ecology. Only <1% of microbes in the world have been explored. Proper strategy has to be followed to study the microbial diversity which includes habitat selection, microbial isolation methods, polyphasic taxonomy studies and its application in varied fields. Apart from ex situ and in situ conservation, several innovative initiatives such as new long-term infrastructure funding mechanisms to foster multidisciplinary involvement of microbial biodiversity research centers in collaboration with collections, education and training programmes on taxonomic studies in schools and colleges, creation of repository for cultivated collections and a reference library creation of integrated center for data management and analysis, ultimately leading to national microbial diversity management policy creation.
Keyword: application, innovative initiatives. polyphasic taxonomy, screening, strategy, management policy.
Role of Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry for Bioremediation to Clean the E...CrimsonpublishersEAES
Role of Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry for Bioremediation to Clean the Environment by Durgesh Kumar Jaiswal and Jay Prakash Verma* Environmental Analysis & Ecology Studies
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies affect over one-half of the world’s population and contribute to a number of human chronic disease conditions. Economic, social and food technological processing factors can contribute to lower nutrient intake. Progress has been made to overcome those nutritional deficiencies in human body mainly through supplementation and food fortification.
Another option to commercially marketed products is biofortification: a strategy aimed at developing nutrient- and vitamin-dense crops through conventional breeding or biotechnological engineering.
Determining how plants regulate mineral nutrient uptake from the rhizophere, as well as transport and allocate nutrients to organs can have significant implications for human health. With the knowledge of genes governing mineral homeostasis and pathways of nutritional importance, it is possible to develop biofortification strategies. This requires a multidisciplinary research approach with funding strategies to support such research and to ultimately disseminate crop varieties with improved nutritional characteristics. One of Christian Hermans’ research theme is on magnesium, which is a disregarded element both in human and crop nutrition (a paradox in view of the essential roles it plays in every cell of every organism). He is aiming at identifying key genetic controls, which could ameliorate magnesium content of plant tissues.
Which are the approaches in basic research? When will biofortified crops be available? Will be a change in consumer habits?
Biological Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and its impact - a Reviewinventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Enhancing ecosystem services and indicatorsExternalEvents
http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/agroecology-symposium-china/en/
Presentation of Etienne Hainzelin, from CIRAD, on enhancing ecosystem services and indicators to measure ecosystem services. Examples are given from Brazil and the Sahel. The presentation was prepared and delivered in occasion of the International Symposium on Agroecology in China, held in Kunming, China on 29-31 August 2016.
Bioaerosols are small, airborne biological materials & are subcategories of particles released from terrestrial and marine ecosystems into the atmosphere. They are ubiquitous in the environment comprised of aerosols that originated biologically such as live or dead microorganism and their metabolites, toxins, or fragments that exist widely in the environment.
ENEA: Why is soil biodiversity so important in keeping soil healthy? A case s...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Annamaria Bevinino
Siderophores are compounds from ancient Greek words, sidero ‘iron’ and phore ‘carriers’ meaning ‘iron carriers’. These are low-molecular-weight iron-chelating compounds, produced by ‘rhizospheric bacteria’ under iron-limited conditions. They are small, high affinity iron chelating compounds secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi etc. Siderophore usually form a stable hexahendate, octahedral complex with Fe3+.
Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil by MicroorganismIJEAB
India is agricultural based country where 70% of the population survives on it. In order to increase the production of field various pesticides are used. Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphate pesticide which is widely used as insecticide for crop protection. But due to its persistent nature into the environment, it is leading to various hazards including neurotoxic effects, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. Bioremediation is a technology to eliminate chlorpyrifos efficiently from the environment. In bioremediation of chlorpyrifos the potential degradative microorganisms possess opd (organophosphate degrading) gene which hydrolyses the chlorpyrifos and utilizes it as a sole carbon source.Thus the present review discusses about how through bioremediation the pesticide chlorpyrifos can be degraded using potential soil microorganisms.
assessing heterogeneous influences on partial deposition of virus in lateriticIJCMESJOURNAL
This paper monitored the rate of partial deposition of virus on heterogeneous formation, the study were able to monitor the behaviour of virus in heterogeneous deposition influencing partial concentration of virus in Lateritic and silty formation. The study was able to observe the rate of partial deposition base on its rate of fluctuation through variation observed from deposited void ratio and permeability, such formation developed fluctuation on these parameters thus generated partial deposition of virus in the study area. Linear deposition were also experienced in graphical representation, the result obtained ranged from [1.97E-12-2.35E-11],[3-30M], [1.97E-12-2.36E-11[10-100] Predictive 1.97E-12, Experimental 1.87E-12 [3-36m], predictive, [1,97E-12], Experimental [2.26E-11] [10-120 Days] predictive 2.36E-12, Experimental 2.24E-11,[10-120Days] [1.31E-12-2.36E11], Predictive1.31E-12, Experimental, 2.36E-11 [2-30m], predictive,[2.36E-11-2.2E-11]; [2-30m] ,for Time 1.31E-12-2.36E-11[4-60days] while predictive and Experimental,[2,36E-11] [1.37E-12-2,22E-11] [2-30m] The prediction rate of partial deposition of virus was possible through mathematical modeling techniques, the system were developed base on the parameters from predominant formation characteristics in study location, these parameters generated the derived model through the developed governing equation, simulation generated theoretical values that were compared with experimental results, both parameters developed best fits validating the model, experts will definitely applied this approach in monitoring and evaluation of virus deposits in the study area.
CNR: Sustainable Soil Management to reduce agricultural inputs: What is the r...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Raffaella M. Balestrini
Bioremediation is the process in which the micro-organisms are used to degrade the pollutants from the environment. Plants and micro-organisms are used to clean up the environment. Bioremediation is carried out by microbes and their metabolisms are used to remove the contaminants. Microbes have the ability to resolve the issue of contaminated ecosystem1. To improve or better living style the degradation of contaminated areas is very important. Importance of the biodegradation is increasing due to the expensiveness of the chemicals. So bioremediation is the best choice. The effluents should be degraded from the environment because they are very dangerous and have a bad impact on human beings. These pollutants sink into the water and cause pollution. These pollutants are treated with the help of microbes in bioremediation process. It is the best method because it is cost effective and eco-friendly. Different techniques of bioremediation are used to convert toxic substances into less toxic substances.
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies affect over one-half of the world’s population and contribute to a number of human chronic disease conditions. Economic, social and food technological processing factors can contribute to lower nutrient intake. Progress has been made to overcome those nutritional deficiencies in human body mainly through supplementation and food fortification.
Another option to commercially marketed products is biofortification: a strategy aimed at developing nutrient- and vitamin-dense crops through conventional breeding or biotechnological engineering.
Determining how plants regulate mineral nutrient uptake from the rhizophere, as well as transport and allocate nutrients to organs can have significant implications for human health. With the knowledge of genes governing mineral homeostasis and pathways of nutritional importance, it is possible to develop biofortification strategies. This requires a multidisciplinary research approach with funding strategies to support such research and to ultimately disseminate crop varieties with improved nutritional characteristics. One of Christian Hermans’ research theme is on magnesium, which is a disregarded element both in human and crop nutrition (a paradox in view of the essential roles it plays in every cell of every organism). He is aiming at identifying key genetic controls, which could ameliorate magnesium content of plant tissues.
Which are the approaches in basic research? When will biofortified crops be available? Will be a change in consumer habits?
Biological Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and its impact - a Reviewinventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Enhancing ecosystem services and indicatorsExternalEvents
http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/agroecology-symposium-china/en/
Presentation of Etienne Hainzelin, from CIRAD, on enhancing ecosystem services and indicators to measure ecosystem services. Examples are given from Brazil and the Sahel. The presentation was prepared and delivered in occasion of the International Symposium on Agroecology in China, held in Kunming, China on 29-31 August 2016.
Bioaerosols are small, airborne biological materials & are subcategories of particles released from terrestrial and marine ecosystems into the atmosphere. They are ubiquitous in the environment comprised of aerosols that originated biologically such as live or dead microorganism and their metabolites, toxins, or fragments that exist widely in the environment.
ENEA: Why is soil biodiversity so important in keeping soil healthy? A case s...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Annamaria Bevinino
Siderophores are compounds from ancient Greek words, sidero ‘iron’ and phore ‘carriers’ meaning ‘iron carriers’. These are low-molecular-weight iron-chelating compounds, produced by ‘rhizospheric bacteria’ under iron-limited conditions. They are small, high affinity iron chelating compounds secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi etc. Siderophore usually form a stable hexahendate, octahedral complex with Fe3+.
Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil by MicroorganismIJEAB
India is agricultural based country where 70% of the population survives on it. In order to increase the production of field various pesticides are used. Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphate pesticide which is widely used as insecticide for crop protection. But due to its persistent nature into the environment, it is leading to various hazards including neurotoxic effects, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. Bioremediation is a technology to eliminate chlorpyrifos efficiently from the environment. In bioremediation of chlorpyrifos the potential degradative microorganisms possess opd (organophosphate degrading) gene which hydrolyses the chlorpyrifos and utilizes it as a sole carbon source.Thus the present review discusses about how through bioremediation the pesticide chlorpyrifos can be degraded using potential soil microorganisms.
assessing heterogeneous influences on partial deposition of virus in lateriticIJCMESJOURNAL
This paper monitored the rate of partial deposition of virus on heterogeneous formation, the study were able to monitor the behaviour of virus in heterogeneous deposition influencing partial concentration of virus in Lateritic and silty formation. The study was able to observe the rate of partial deposition base on its rate of fluctuation through variation observed from deposited void ratio and permeability, such formation developed fluctuation on these parameters thus generated partial deposition of virus in the study area. Linear deposition were also experienced in graphical representation, the result obtained ranged from [1.97E-12-2.35E-11],[3-30M], [1.97E-12-2.36E-11[10-100] Predictive 1.97E-12, Experimental 1.87E-12 [3-36m], predictive, [1,97E-12], Experimental [2.26E-11] [10-120 Days] predictive 2.36E-12, Experimental 2.24E-11,[10-120Days] [1.31E-12-2.36E11], Predictive1.31E-12, Experimental, 2.36E-11 [2-30m], predictive,[2.36E-11-2.2E-11]; [2-30m] ,for Time 1.31E-12-2.36E-11[4-60days] while predictive and Experimental,[2,36E-11] [1.37E-12-2,22E-11] [2-30m] The prediction rate of partial deposition of virus was possible through mathematical modeling techniques, the system were developed base on the parameters from predominant formation characteristics in study location, these parameters generated the derived model through the developed governing equation, simulation generated theoretical values that were compared with experimental results, both parameters developed best fits validating the model, experts will definitely applied this approach in monitoring and evaluation of virus deposits in the study area.
CNR: Sustainable Soil Management to reduce agricultural inputs: What is the r...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Raffaella M. Balestrini
Bioremediation is the process in which the micro-organisms are used to degrade the pollutants from the environment. Plants and micro-organisms are used to clean up the environment. Bioremediation is carried out by microbes and their metabolisms are used to remove the contaminants. Microbes have the ability to resolve the issue of contaminated ecosystem1. To improve or better living style the degradation of contaminated areas is very important. Importance of the biodegradation is increasing due to the expensiveness of the chemicals. So bioremediation is the best choice. The effluents should be degraded from the environment because they are very dangerous and have a bad impact on human beings. These pollutants sink into the water and cause pollution. These pollutants are treated with the help of microbes in bioremediation process. It is the best method because it is cost effective and eco-friendly. Different techniques of bioremediation are used to convert toxic substances into less toxic substances.
#20AWC PPT presented on 14sep2016 at 1120amPaweł Waryszak
The preliminary findings from the CO2 x Herbicide project that I presented at the 20th Australasian Weeds Conference, in Perth WA. You can learn more about the project here: https://sites.google.com/site/herbicideandelevatedco2/
Injections of Herbicide into Rhizomes of Knotweeds and Other Invasive Plant S...John Lampe
We ran trials on this method for a few years as did other organizations and individuals. Ultimately, we did not find its efficacy to outweigh the labor involved. Therefore, Green Shoots decided not to launch the product. We have however had real success with foliar applications using our Green Shoots Foam Herbicide Dispenser. John Lampe gave a presentation on that system at the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference: http://www.slideshare.net/johnlampe/how-to-kill-i.
Adverse Environment and Pest Management for Sustainable Plant ProductionRahulGupta2015
In the era of rapid industrialization, there is increasing global concerns pertaining to anthropogenic activities mediated massive enhancement in atmospheric greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, etc., thereby triggering global warming phenomenon. The global warming mediated climate change has been found to impose long-lasting detrimental impact on the environment. In contrast, adverse environment poses new unsightly challenges to agriculture sector like changes in precipitation pattern, temperature variations, pest infestation patterns and so on. Plant health management essentially contributes to socio-cultural sustainability, economic and environment sustainability as well as food security. The development of next-generation Integrated Pest Management programmes equipped with Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology based tools would be a milestone for the protection of water, soil/land, wild species, environmental safety, improved plant productivity and profitability. This chapter provides an overview on the scientific approaches/strategies towards the prevention of climate change mediated impacts on agricultural plant/crop health and productivity with some notable eco-friendly pest management solutions. Overall, the better global treaties of coordination, cooperation and collaboration would lead to improved management of adverse environment and pests and plant/crop production can sustain the life on earth.
Guest
Commentary
Valeria Jefferson,
R.E.H.S., C.F.S.P., M.P.A.
The Ethical Dilemma of
GeneticaUy Modified Food
w' ith an ever-increasing global pop-ulation, hunger in the developingworld, and the health risks of pesti-
cides, some experts view genetically modified
food as a panacea. Others view it as one of the
most serious threats to human civilization.
These diametrically opposing views point to an
ethical dilemma, that will certainly he difficult
to resolve; whether the benefits of develop-
ing and supplying the world with genetically
modified foods outweigh future consequences
that these products may have for the human
species, animal life, and the ecosystem.
Plant and animal modification is not a
new concept. Before genetic engineering,
gene modification was accomplished through
breeding. The traditional breeding method
ultimately produces the same desired effect
as genetic engineering, but it occurs over a
much longer time span and is self-limiting.
Selected individual genes are transferred from
one organism to another between plants and
between animals, hut not between plants and
animals. Through genetic engineering, genes
can be transferred between any organisms: A
hypothetical example might be a gene from a
fish that lives in cold seas being inserted into
a strawberry so that the strawberry could sur-
vive frost (Better Health Channel, 1999).
Genetic engineering (GE) belongs to the
field of biotechnology, which is the science
governing genetic modification, genetic en-
gineering, genetic manipulation, other gene
technologies, and recomhinant-DNA tech-
nology Recently, use of biotechnology has
expanded from the pharmaceutical and med-
ical industries into the agricultural industry
The collective term "genetically modified
organisms," or GMOs, is used frequently in
regulatory documents and in the scientific
literature to descrihe "plants, animals and
microorganisms which have had DNA in-
troduced into them by means other than by
combination of an egg and a sperm or by nat-
ural bacterial conjugation" (Institute of Food
Science & Technology, 2004). For instance,
the genetic makeup of plants can be altered to
produce insect-resistant plants. Genetic engi-
neering may also produce animals, plants, or
bacteria that contain desired nutrients.
Despite government approval of genetical-
ly modified foods in the nation's foods supply,
genetically modified food (GMF) does pose
philosophical problems (Formanek, 2001).
Opponents argue that government agencies
are violating their religious and consumer
rights, while proponents have taken a utili-
tarian approach, arguing that the economic
and social benefits of GMF far outweigh any
possible negative consequences. Utilitarian
ethics hold that "the rightness of an action
entirely depends on the value of its conse-
quences, and that the usefulness ean be ra-
tionally estimated" (About, 2006). Increased
productivity and the usefulness of GMF ap-
pear to be the driving force rationalizing this
n ...
Sustainable GreenHouse Systems; Gardening Guidebook for Italy ~ University of Pisa~ For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Huerto Ecológico, Tecnologías Sostenibles, Agricultura Organica
http://scribd.com/doc/239850233
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
This paper aimed at evaluating biotechnology concerning its application. Major areas of applications identified in the literature are environment, medicine, agriculture, food processing, and industry. Therefore, this review report tries to touch all the aspects of biotechnology in the field. Biotechnology has applied to food processing in most developing countries makes use of microbial inoculants to enhance properties such as the taste, aroma, shelf-life, consistency, and nutritional value of foods/dairy products. Biotechnological approaches are applied to enhance the nutritional, functional and sensory attributes of food in milk, meat, fish, and beverage processing industries. The targeted use of biotechnological methods can, amongst other things, help reduce the quantity and number of unhealthy ingredients in foods as well as remove allergenic substances
J.Miguel Barea - La era de la biotecnología microbiana en la agriculturaFundación Ramón Areces
Los días 20 y 21 de mayo de 2014, la Fundación Ramón Areces organizó el Simposio Internacional 'Microorganismos beneficiosos para la agricultura y la protección de la biosfera' dentro de su programa de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Materia.
Influence of fertilizers on incidence and severity of early blight and late b...Innspub Net
The potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in the Far North Region, Cameroon is confronted with, diseases and pests. To improve the production of this plant, a study was carried out in Mouvou and Gouria to evaluate the impact of fertilizers on the development of late blight and early blight diseases of this plant. The experimental design used was a completely randomized block with 4 treatments: Mycorrhizae (MYC), NPK (20-10-10) chemical fertilizers, chicken droppings (CD) and a control (T). The plant material used was a local variety of potato (Dosa). Disease incidence and severity and rainfall were evaluated. Area Under Disease Progress Curve was calculated. At 60 DAS, mean incidences recorded for fertilizers were 5.7, 3.6, 1.8 and 0.8 % respectively for control, MYC, NPK and CD. In general, early blight severity decreased from 22.1% at 45 DAS to 0.3 % at 60 DAS. The highest AUDPC value of late blight at Mouvou site was observed in NPK treatment while potato in CD treatment had the lowest. The lowest AUDPC value of early blight was observed in CD treatment at both sites. AUDSIPC value for late blight was significantly higher in NPK treatment in both sites. The highest value of AUDPSIC of early blight was recorded in MYC treatment, 45 DAS in both sites. The average rainfall was higher in the Gouria site (716.5mm) than in Mouvou site (679 mm). The CD treatment can be recommended to the farmers for the phytosanitary protection of potatoes.
BIOREMEDIATION OF HAZARDOUS POLLUTANTS USING FUNGIijcoa
Use of chemicals in industrial processes, agricultural practices, nuclear experiments and various areas of our daily lives result in the release of potential toxic chemicals into the environment either on purpose or by accident. Chemicals that are known to pollute the environment include heavy metals, drugs, hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, endocrine disrupting agents and agricultural chemicals. After their release, these pollutants are transported through the soil, atmosphere and water sources polluting them, thus posing a serious problem for survival of mankind. In the past, traditional method of disposing hazardous pollutants was by digging a hole and filling it with waste material but this method of waste disposal was difficult to continue due to lack of new places to dump. Many physical and chemical based technologies for waste disposal like high-temperature incineration and chemical decomposition methods have evolved in the years. Though these techniques were very effective at reducing a wide range of contaminants, at the same time they had several drawbacks like being complex in nature, uneconomical, and were not easily accepted by the public. Thus focus was shifted towards using modern day bioremediation process as a suitable alternative. Bioremediation is a microorganism mediated transformation or degradation of contaminants into nonhazardous or less-hazardous substances. In this process the contaminant or pollutant is used as a nutrient or energy source by the microorganism and the enzymes secreted by the microorganisms attack the pollutants and convert them to less hazardous products. Among the various microorganisms, fungi possess the biochemical and ecological capacity to degrade environmental organic chemicals either by chemical modification or by influencing chemical bioavailability. Ability of fungi to form extended mycelial networks, the low specificity of their enzymes and their ability of using pollutants as a growth substrate make fungi well suited for bioremediation processes. In contrast to bacteria, fungi are able to extend the location of their biomass through hyphal growth in search of growth substrates. A bioremediation process to be effective, manipulation of environmental parameters to allow microbial growth and degradation to proceed at a faster rate are required. By integrating proper utilization of natural or modified fungal capabilities with appropriate engineering designs to provide suitable growth environment, bioremediation using fungi can be successful in treating hazardous pollutants.
Epistemic Interaction - tuning interfaces to provide information for AI supportAlan Dix
Paper presented at SYNERGY workshop at AVI 2024, Genoa, Italy. 3rd June 2024
https://alandix.com/academic/papers/synergy2024-epistemic/
As machine learning integrates deeper into human-computer interactions, the concept of epistemic interaction emerges, aiming to refine these interactions to enhance system adaptability. This approach encourages minor, intentional adjustments in user behaviour to enrich the data available for system learning. This paper introduces epistemic interaction within the context of human-system communication, illustrating how deliberate interaction design can improve system understanding and adaptation. Through concrete examples, we demonstrate the potential of epistemic interaction to significantly advance human-computer interaction by leveraging intuitive human communication strategies to inform system design and functionality, offering a novel pathway for enriching user-system engagements.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 5DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 5. In this session, we will cover CI/CD with devops.
Topics covered:
CI/CD with in UiPath
End-to-end overview of CI/CD pipeline with Azure devops
Speaker:
Lyndsey Byblow, Test Suite Sales Engineer @ UiPath, Inc.
Climate Impact of Software Testing at Nordic Testing DaysKari Kakkonen
My slides at Nordic Testing Days 6.6.2024
Climate impact / sustainability of software testing discussed on the talk. ICT and testing must carry their part of global responsibility to help with the climat warming. We can minimize the carbon footprint but we can also have a carbon handprint, a positive impact on the climate. Quality characteristics can be added with sustainability, and then measured continuously. Test environments can be used less, and in smaller scale and on demand. Test techniques can be used in optimizing or minimizing number of tests. Test automation can be used to speed up testing.
Unlocking Productivity: Leveraging the Potential of Copilot in Microsoft 365, a presentation by Christoforos Vlachos, Senior Solutions Manager – Modern Workplace, Uni Systems
Elevating Tactical DDD Patterns Through Object CalisthenicsDorra BARTAGUIZ
After immersing yourself in the blue book and its red counterpart, attending DDD-focused conferences, and applying tactical patterns, you're left with a crucial question: How do I ensure my design is effective? Tactical patterns within Domain-Driven Design (DDD) serve as guiding principles for creating clear and manageable domain models. However, achieving success with these patterns requires additional guidance. Interestingly, we've observed that a set of constraints initially designed for training purposes remarkably aligns with effective pattern implementation, offering a more ‘mechanical’ approach. Let's explore together how Object Calisthenics can elevate the design of your tactical DDD patterns, offering concrete help for those venturing into DDD for the first time!
Encryption in Microsoft 365 - ExpertsLive Netherlands 2024Albert Hoitingh
In this session I delve into the encryption technology used in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Purview. Including the concepts of Customer Key and Double Key Encryption.
DevOps and Testing slides at DASA ConnectKari Kakkonen
My and Rik Marselis slides at 30.5.2024 DASA Connect conference. We discuss about what is testing, then what is agile testing and finally what is Testing in DevOps. Finally we had lovely workshop with the participants trying to find out different ways to think about quality and testing in different parts of the DevOps infinity loop.
GridMate - End to end testing is a critical piece to ensure quality and avoid...ThomasParaiso2
End to end testing is a critical piece to ensure quality and avoid regressions. In this session, we share our journey building an E2E testing pipeline for GridMate components (LWC and Aura) using Cypress, JSForce, FakerJS…
Observability Concepts EVERY Developer Should Know -- DeveloperWeek Europe.pdfPaige Cruz
Monitoring and observability aren’t traditionally found in software curriculums and many of us cobble this knowledge together from whatever vendor or ecosystem we were first introduced to and whatever is a part of your current company’s observability stack.
While the dev and ops silo continues to crumble….many organizations still relegate monitoring & observability as the purview of ops, infra and SRE teams. This is a mistake - achieving a highly observable system requires collaboration up and down the stack.
I, a former op, would like to extend an invitation to all application developers to join the observability party will share these foundational concepts to build on:
Generative AI Deep Dive: Advancing from Proof of Concept to ProductionAggregage
Join Maher Hanafi, VP of Engineering at Betterworks, in this new session where he'll share a practical framework to transform Gen AI prototypes into impactful products! He'll delve into the complexities of data collection and management, model selection and optimization, and ensuring security, scalability, and responsible use.
Threats to mobile devices are more prevalent and increasing in scope and complexity. Users of mobile devices desire to take full advantage of the features
available on those devices, but many of the features provide convenience and capability but sacrifice security. This best practices guide outlines steps the users can take to better protect personal devices and information.
GraphSummit Singapore | The Future of Agility: Supercharging Digital Transfor...Neo4j
Leonard Jayamohan, Partner & Generative AI Lead, Deloitte
This keynote will reveal how Deloitte leverages Neo4j’s graph power for groundbreaking digital twin solutions, achieving a staggering 100x performance boost. Discover the essential role knowledge graphs play in successful generative AI implementations. Plus, get an exclusive look at an innovative Neo4j + Generative AI solution Deloitte is developing in-house.
Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey 2024 by 91mobiles.pdf91mobiles
91mobiles recently conducted a Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey in which we asked over 3,000 respondents about the TV they own, aspects they look at on a new TV, and their TV buying preferences.
Transcript: Selling digital books in 2024: Insights from industry leaders - T...BookNet Canada
The publishing industry has been selling digital audiobooks and ebooks for over a decade and has found its groove. What’s changed? What has stayed the same? Where do we go from here? Join a group of leading sales peers from across the industry for a conversation about the lessons learned since the popularization of digital books, best practices, digital book supply chain management, and more.
Link to video recording: https://bnctechforum.ca/sessions/selling-digital-books-in-2024-insights-from-industry-leaders/
Presented by BookNet Canada on May 28, 2024, with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
A tale of scale & speed: How the US Navy is enabling software delivery from l...sonjaschweigert1
Rapid and secure feature delivery is a goal across every application team and every branch of the DoD. The Navy’s DevSecOps platform, Party Barge, has achieved:
- Reduction in onboarding time from 5 weeks to 1 day
- Improved developer experience and productivity through actionable findings and reduction of false positives
- Maintenance of superior security standards and inherent policy enforcement with Authorization to Operate (ATO)
Development teams can ship efficiently and ensure applications are cyber ready for Navy Authorizing Officials (AOs). In this webinar, Sigma Defense and Anchore will give attendees a look behind the scenes and demo secure pipeline automation and security artifacts that speed up application ATO and time to production.
We will cover:
- How to remove silos in DevSecOps
- How to build efficient development pipeline roles and component templates
- How to deliver security artifacts that matter for ATO’s (SBOMs, vulnerability reports, and policy evidence)
- How to streamline operations with automated policy checks on container images
2. Mtui 223
to climate change effects (IPCC, 2007). Another policy diversity, taxonomic relationships between plant species
response to climate change is known as climate change and biological processes such as mating systems, pollen
mitigation. It refers to human intervention to reduce the or disease dispersal (Johanson and Ives, 2001).
sources or decrease intensity of negative climate change Biotechnology enables development of disease
effects. Most often, climate change mitigation scenarios diagnostic kits for use in laboratory and field. These kits
involve reductions in the concentrations of greenhouse are able to detect plant diseases early, by testing for the
gases, either by reducing their sources or by increasing presence of pathogen‟s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or
their „sinks‟. Examples of mitigation measures include proteins which are produced by pathogens or plants
using fossil fuels more efficiently for industrial processes during infection (Kumar and Naidu, 2006). Conventional
or electricity generation, switching from biomass to agricultural biotechnologies works better when combined
renewable energy, improving the insulation of buildings, with modern biotechnological approaches.
and expanding forest and other „sinks‟ to remove more Modern agricultural biotechnology refers to
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (IPCC, 2007; biotechnological techniques for the manipulation of
Sallema and Mtui, 2008). The decline of crops yield, heat genetic material and the fusion of cells beyond normal
stress and ocean acidification are among some of the breeding barriers. The most obvious example is genetic
negative effects of climate change. In order to feed the engineering to create genetically modified organisms
ever increasing world population, there is a need to (GMOs) through „transgenic‟ technology involving the
double the rate of agricultural production. Biotechnology insertion or deletion of genes. In genetic engineering or
can contribute positively by mitigating the impact of genetic transformation, the genetic material is modified
climate change through green house gas reduction, crops by artificial means. It involves isolation and cutting of a
adaptation and increase in yield using less land gene at a precise location by using specific enzymes.
(Treasury, 2009). This paper seeks to address the Selected DNA fragments can then be transferred into the
contribution of biotechnology to adaptation and mitigation cells of the target organism. The common practice in
of negative climatic effects. genetic engineering is the use of a bacterium
Agrobacterium tumafaciens as a vector to transfer the
genetic trait (Johanson and Ives, 2001). A more recent
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY technology is ballistic impregnation method whereby a
DNA is attached to a minute gold or tungsten particle and
Agricultural biotechnology involves the practical then „fired‟ into the plant tissue (Morris, 2011). Crops may
application of biological organisms, or their sub-cellular be modified for improved flavour, increased resistance to
components in agriculture. The techniques currently in pests and diseases, or enhanced growth in adverse
use include tissue culture, conventional breeding, weather conditions. In recent years, biosafety and genetic
molecular marker-assisted breeding and genetic engineering projects have been initiated in Africa, with
engineering. Tissue culture is the cultivation of plant cells the aim of introducing genetically modified organisms into
or tissues on specifically formulated nutrient media. Africa‟s agricultural systems. Already, countries like
Under optimal conditions, a whole plant can be South Africa, Egypt and Burkina Faso have
regenerated from a single cell; a rapid and essential tool commercialized GMOs while many others have
for mass propagation and production of disease-free developed the capacity to conduct research and
plants (Kumar and Naidu, 2006). Advances in breeding development in modern agricultural biotechnology
help agriculture achieve higher yields and meet the (Mayet, 2007). „Green biotechnology‟ is the term referring
needs of expanding population with limited land and to the use of environmentally friendly solutions in
water resources. As a result of improved plant breeding agriculture, horticulture, and animal breeding processes
techniques, the productivity gains in worldwide production (Treasury, 2009).
of primary crops, including maize, wheat, rice and oilseed Recombinant DNA technology has significantly
has increased by 21% percent since 1995, while total augmented the conventional crop improvement, and has
land devoted to these crops has increased by only 2% the potential to assist plant breeders to meet the
(Treasury, 2009). In molecular assisted breeding, increased food demand predicted for the 21st century.
molecular markers (identifiable DNA sequences found at Dramatic progress has been made over the past two
specific location of the genome) are being used. By decades in manipulating genes from diverse and exotic
determining location and likely actions of genes, sources, and inserting them into microorganisms and
scientists can quickly and accurately identify plants crops to confer resistance to pests and diseases,
carrying desirable characteristics, hence conventional tolerance to herbicides, drought, soil salinity and
breeding can be conducted with greater precision aluminium toxicity, improve post-harvest quality, enhance
(Mneney et al., 2001; Sharma et al., 2002). Molecular nutrient uptake and nutritional quality; increase
markers can be used in plant breeding to increase the photosynthetic rate, sugar and starch production,
speed and efficiency of the introduction of new genes increase effectiveness of bio control agents, improve
(marker assisted introgression), understanding of genetic understanding of gene action and metabolic pathways,
3. 224 Int. J. Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. Res.
and production of drugs and vaccines in crops (Sharma biotechnology amounted to savings of about 962 million
et al., 2002 ; Vallad and Goodman, 2004). kg of CO2 emitted in 2005, while the adoption of reduced
tillage or no tillage practices led to a reduction of 40.43
kg/ha or 89.44 kg/ha CO2 emissions due to less fuel
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE usage respectively (Brookes and Barfoot, 2006, 2008).
MITIGATION
Greenhouse gas reduction Carbon sequestration
Agricultural practices such as deforestation, inorganic The capture or uptake of carbon containing substances,
fertilizer use and overgrazing currently account for about in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), is often called carbon
25% of green house gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) emission sequestration. It is commonly used to describe any
(Treasury, 2009). Various initiatives under the banner of increase in soil organic carbon content caused by change
green biotechnology, may offer solution to decrease of land management, with implication that the increased
green house gases and mitigate climate change by giving soil carbon storage mitigates climate change (Powlson et
farmers opportunities to use less and environmentally al., 2011). Therefore, soil carbon sequestration is an
friendly energy, carbon sequestration and reduce fertilizer important strategy to mitigate the increase of atmospheric
usage (Treasury, 2009). CO2 concentration. Reducing the amount of conventional
tillage is one way of enhancing carbon sequestration. By
leaving at least 30% of residue on the soil surface, no-till
Use of environmentally friendly fuels agriculture reduces loss of CO2 from agricultural systems
and may also play a role in reducing water loss through
Given the impacts of climate change on agricultural evaporation, increase soil stability and creation of cooler
productivity and the role played by agriculture practices in soil microclimate. Conservation practices that help
global warming, agricultural techniques must play a prevent soil erosion, may also sequester soil carbon and
crucial role in the fight against climate change. enhance methane (CH4) consumption (West and Post,
Production of biofuels, both from traditional and GMO 2002; Johnsona et al., 2007). Powlson et al. (2011) have
crops such as sugarcane, oilseed, rapeseed, and suggested that the climate change benefit of increased
jatropha will help to reduce the adverse effects of CO2 soil organic carbon from enhanced crop growth (for
emission by the transport sector (Sarin et al., 2007; example using industrial fertilizers) must be balanced
Treasury, 2009). Energy efficient farming will therefore against greenhouse gas emissions emanating from the
adopt machines that use bioethanol and biodiesel instead manufacture and use of such fertilizers.
of the conventional fossil fuels. Green energy programs In modern agricultural practices, genetically modified
TM
through plantations of perennial non edible oil-seed Round up Ready (herbicide resistant) soybean
producing plants will help in cleansing the atmosphere technology has accounted for up to 95% of no-till area in
and production of biodiesel for direct use in the energy the United States of America (USA) and Argentina, and
sector, or in blending biofuels with fossil fuels in certain led to sequestration of 63,859 million tones of CO 2
proportions thereby minimizing use of fossil fuels to some (Fawcett and Towery, 2003; Brimner et al., 2004; Kleter
extent (Lua et al., 2009; Jain and Sharma, 2010; Lybbert et al., 2008). The modified crops reduce the need for
and Summer, 2010). tillage or ploughing to allow farmers to adopt „no till‟
farming practices. In terms of climate change mitigation,
this practice enhances soil quality and retails more
Less fuel consumptions carbon in the soil (Brookes and Barfoot, 2008).
Organic farming uses less fuel by the application of
compost and mulching techniques which reduce weeds Reduced artificial fertilizer use
and herbicides spraying due to less ploughing (Maeder et
al., 2002). Reduced irrigation would also contribute to The dependency on agricultural chemicals to sustain
reduced fuel usage, thereby reducing the amount of CO2 productivity in marginal landscapes has led to a global-
release into the atmosphere. Using modern scale contamination of the environment with toxins that
biotechnology such as GMOs and other related change the course of biogeochemical cycles
technologies facilitate less fuel usage by decreasing (Ogunseitan, 2003). Reduced fertilizer use also means
necessity and frequency of spraying and reducing tillage less nitrogen pollution of ground and surface waters.
or excluding the tillage practice. For example, insect- Artificial inorganic nitrogenous fertilizers such as
resistant GM crops reduce fuel usage and CO 2 ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride, ammonium
production by reducing insecticides application. phosphates, sodium nitrate and calcium nitrate are
Reduction of fuel usage due to the application of responsible for the formation and release of greenhouse
4. Mtui 225
gases (particularly N2O) from the soil to the atmosphere second option is more feasible. Utilizing organic residues
when they interact with common soil bacteria (Brookes as a source of nutrients for plants, good agronomical
and Barfoot, 2009). To reduce the negative effects of practices such as landscape management, crop rotation
artificial fertilizers, the use of environmentally friendly or mixed farming, and use of traditional and indigenous
biotechnology-based fertilizes are being encouraged. knowledge on „non-chemical‟ pests and diseases control
are some of conventional options (Bianchi et al., 2006).
Biotechnology and application of advanced techniques in
Biofertilizers breeding can help agriculture further to achieve higher
yields and meet needs of expanding population with
Organic farming technologies utilizing bio-based limited land and water resources (Treasury, 2009).
fertilizers (composted humus and animal manure), or
crop rotation and intercropping with leguminous plants
with nitrogen-fixing abilities are some of the conventional Adaptation to biotic stresses
biotechnological options for reducing artificial fertilizer
use. In modern biotechnology, the use of mutation or The major aim of agricultural biotechnology is to enhance
genetic engineering techniques to improve Rhizobium productivity and maximize productive capacity of
inoculants have resulted to strains with improved diminishing resources. Conventional landscape
nitrogen-fixing characteristics (Zahran, 2001). management practices and breeding initiatives have
Biotechnological advances involving the induction of contributed significantly to crop adaptations through the
nodular structures on the roots of cereal crops such as development of strains that are resistant to biotic stresses
rice and wheat offer a bright prospect of non-leguminous such as insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses (Valllad and
plants being enabled to fix nitrogen in the soil (Kennedy Goodman, 2004; Bianchi et al., 2006). In modern
and Tchan, 1992; Paau, 2002; Saikia and Jain, 2007; biotechnology, the ability of a soil bacterium (Baccilus
Yan et al., 2008). Another option is the cultivation of GM thuringiensis, Bt) gene to be transformed into maize,
crops that use nitrogen more efficiently. An example of cotton and other crops to impart internal protection
such crops is the nitrogen-efficient GM canola which not against insects (mainly of the order lepidoptera and
only reduces the amount of nitrogen fertilizer that is lost diptera) significantly contributes to agricultural pest
into the atmosphere or leached into soil and waterways, control strategies. For many farmers, Bt crops are
but it also impacts positively on the economies of farmers proving to be valuable tools for integrated pest
through improved profitability (Treasury, 2009). Managing management programs by giving farmers new pest
soil nitrogen to match crop needs can reduce N2O control choices (Zhe and Mithcell, 2011). Transgenic
emission and avoid adverse impacts on water quality. canola (oil seed rape) and soybean have been modified
Also, manipulating animal diet and manure management to be resistant to specific herbicides (May et al., 2005;
can reduce CH4 and N2O emission from animal Bonny, 2008). Also, GM cassava, potatoes, bananas and
husbandry (Johnsona et al., 2007). other crops that are resistant to fungi, bacteria and
viruses are in development; some have already been
commercialised while others are undergoing field trials
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR CROP ADAPTATION (Mneney, 2001; Van Camp, 2005). Studies carried out
between 2002 and 2005 found out that biotic stress-
Climate change leads in reduced crop yield due to resistant GM crops account for increases in average yield
inadequate rainfall, emergence of potential weeds, pests of 11 to 12% for canola and maize compared to
and diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses conventional crops (Qaim and Zilberman, 2003; Gomez-
(Johnsona et al., 2007; Lin et al., 2008). One way of Barbero et al., 2008; Brookes and Barfoot, 2008, 2009).
adapting to such calamities is to apply agricultural
biotechnologies that counter the effects of such changes
by improving crop productivities per unit area of land Adaptation to abiotic stresses
cultivated.
Climate change poses an enormous challenge in terms of
available agricultural land and fresh water use. Abiotic
Biotechnology for increased yield per unit area of stresses including salinity, drought, extreme
land temperatures, chemical toxicity and oxidative stress have
negative impacts on agriculture and natural status of the
To satisfy the growing worldwide demand for food crops, environment. The agricultural sector uses about 70% of
two options are available: Either to increase the area the available fresh water and this is likely to increase as
under production, or improve productivity on existing temperature rises (Brookes and Barfoot, 2008).
farmland (Edgerton, 2009). Given the world‟s available Moreover, about 25 million acres of land is lost each year
arable land, and the climate change dynamics, the due to salinity caused by unsustainable irrigation
5. 226 Int. J. Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. Res.
techniques (Ruane et al., 2008). It is anticipated that should include conventional breeding and germplasm
increased salinity of arable land will lead to 30% land loss selection, elucidation of specific molecular control
within 25 years and up to 50% by the year 2050 (Wang et mechanisms in tolerant and sensitive genotypes,
al., 2003; Valliyodan et al., 2006). Therefore, solutions to biotechnology-oriented improvement of selection and
facilitate crop adaptation to abiotic stressful conditions breeding procedures (functional analysis, marker probes
(drought and salinity) need to be developed. Plant and transformation with specific genes) and improvement
biotechnology programs should give priority to the and adaptation of current agricultural practices (Wang et
breeding for drought and salinity tolerance in crops and al., 2003). With the availability of whole genome
forests. Conventional approaches to mitigate the effects sequences of plants, physical maps, genetics and
of drought and salinity stresses involve selection and functional genomics tools, integrated approaches using
growing drought resistant crops that can tolerate harsh molecular breeding and genetic engineering offer new
conditions on marginal lands. Such crops include opportunities for improving stress resistance (Manavalan
cassava, millet and sunflower (Manavalan et al., 2009). et al., 2009).
While mulching to prevent surface water loss has been a
common practice for organic farmers; tissue culture and
breeding are being used to cross drought tolerant crops Agroecology and agroforestry
with other high yielding species to create a drought
tolerant, high yielding hybrids (Apse and Blumwald, 2002; Consequences of global climate change responsible for
Ruane et al., 2008). However, although adaptation to altering patterns of temperature and precipitation are
stress under natural conditions has some ecological threatening agriculture in many tropical regions.
advantages, the metabolic and energy costs may Agroecological and agroforest management systems,
overshadow its benefit to agriculture. Therefore, blending such as shade management in crop systems, may
traditional and molecular breeding techniques would be mitigate the effects of extreme temperature and
most desirable (Wang et al, 2001; Apse and Blumwald, precipitation, thereby reducing the ecological and
2002). economic vulnerability of many rural farmers, and
Molecular control mechanisms for abiotic stress improving the agroecological resistance to extreme
tolerance are based on activation and regulation of climate events (Lin et al., 2008). Fungal applications in
specific stress-related genes. Transgenic plants are biotechnology, termed mycobiotechnology, are part of a
engineered based on different stress mechanisms: larger trend toward using living systems to solve
metabolism, regulatory controls, ion transport, environmental problems and restore degraded
antioxidants and detoxification, late embryogenesis ecosystems. The sciences of mycoforestry and
abundance, heat shock processes and heat proteins mycorestoration are part of an emerging field of research
(Wang et al., 2001, 2003). It has been reported by Zhu and application for regeneration of degraded forest
(2001) that salt tolerant plants also often tolerate other ecosystems (Cheung and Chang, 2009). Mycorestoration
stresses including chilling, freezing heat and drought. attempts to use fungi to help repair or restore ecologically
Already, a number of abiotic stress tolerant, high harmed habitats. Whether the habitats have been
performance GM crop plants have been developed. damaged from human activities or natural disasters,
These include tobacco (Hong et al., 2000); Arabinopsis saprophytic and mycorrhizal fungi can help steer the
thaliana and Brasicca napus (Jaglo et al., 2001); Tomato course to recovery. A number of non-legume woody
(Hsieh et al., 2002; Zhang and Blumwald, 2002); rice plants such as casuarinas (Casuartna sp.) and alders
(Yamanouchi et al., 2002); maize, cotton, wheat and (Alnus sp.) can fix nitrogen symbiotically with
oilseed rape (Yamaguchi and Blumwals, 2005; Brookes actinomycete bacteria (Frankia sp.), a phenomenon that
and Barfoot, 2006). Plants may also be engineered to is beneficial to forestry and agroforesty (Franche et al.,
reduce the levels of poly (ADP ribose) polymerise, a key 1998). Both endo- and ectomycorrhizal symbiotic fungi
stress related enzyme, resulting in plants that are able to together with actinomycetes have been used as
survive drought compared to their non-GM counterparts. inoculants in regeneration of degraded forests (Saikia
Field trial results have shown a 44% increase in yield in and Jain, 2007). Therefore, both mycorrhizal fungi and
favour of such GM crop plants (Brookes and Barfoot, actinorhizal bacteria technologies can be applied with the
2008). Another technology involving the use of genetic aim of increasing soil fertility and improving water uptake
„switches‟ (transcription factors and stress genes) from by plants (Ruane et al., 2008). Afforestation would
microbial sources is currently under research by the indirectly contribute to improved agricultural productivity
United Kingdom (UK) Agricultural Biotechnology Council and food security because forests create microclimates
(ABC; http://www.abcinformation.org). This technology that improve rainfall availability. Furthermore, forests act
has been tested and resulted in two-fold increase in as carbon sinks thereby contributing towards
productivity for Arabidopsis and 30% yield increase for sequestration and concomitant greenhouse reduction
maize during severe water stress. It has been suggested effects for climate change mitigation. Consequently,
that comprehensive breeding plan for abiotic stress forestry and agroforestry offer the potential to develop
6. Mtui 227
Table 1. Conventional agricultural biotechnologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Measure Biotechnology Application Reference
Coffee and banana and West and Post, 2002; Johnsona et
No-till practices
horticultural farming al., 2007; Powlson et al., 2011.
Climate change mitigation:
Reduced artificial fertilize use
Composting and use of animal Treasury, 2009; Powlson et al.,
Biofertilizers
manure 2011.
Mycorrhizal and actinorrhizal
Franche et al., 1998; Zahran, 2001.
symbiosis
Agroforestry
Afforestation (native & exotic Lin et al., 2008 .
trees)
Carbon sequestration
Inoculation of nitrogen fixers Zahran, 2001.
Biogas from agro wastes Treasury, 2009.
Bioethanol from sugarcane Lybert and Summer, 2010;
Biofuels production
Biodiesel from jatropha, palm Sarin et al., 2007; Lua, 2009; Jain
oil and Sharma, 2010.
Mulching Horticlutural practices Johnsona et al., 2007.
Adaptation to climate change:
Adaptation to biotic and Drought tolerant sorghum,
Tissue culture Apse and Blumwald, 2002.
abiotic stresses millet, sunflower.
Cross breeding Drought resistant Pearl millet Ruane et al., 2008.
Shading coffee and banana Franche et al., 1998; Saikia and
Agroforestry
plantations. Jain, 2007.
Increased crop yield per unit Crop rotation, traditional
Improved productivity Edgerton, 2009; Treasury, 2009.
area of land pesticides.
synergies between efforts to mitigate climate change and modern biotechnology strategies within national policies
efforts to help vulnerable populations to adapt to negative and legal frameworks in order to increase resilience of
consequences of climate change (Verchot et al., 2007). local crop varieties against changes in environmental
The conventional and modern biotechnological initiatives dynamics (Stinger et al., 2009).
related to climate change adaptation and mitigation are Despite the availability of promising research results,
summarized in Tables 1 and 2. many applications of biotechnology have not met their full
potential to deliver practical solutions to end-users in
developing countries (Ruane et al., 2008). The
CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES challenges for the bioenergy sector are concerns about
imminent land, water, food and feed conflicts as a result
As the world population is expected to reach 8 billion of introduction of large scale plantations of energy crops
people by 2028, the demand for food is also expected to in limited arable land (Rubin, 2008; Mtui, 2009). In the
increase by 55%. Moreover, out of world‟s total land area area of increased soil fertility using biofertilizers, nitrogen
of 13 billion hectares (ha), only 12% is cultivated. In the fixation research is moving towards genomic studies
next 30 years, developing countries will need an whereby complete sequences of nitrogen-fixing bacteria
additional 120 million hecters for crops (Ruane et al., are being elucidated (Yan et al., 2008). In forest
2008). Therefore, science and technology should take a biotechnology, there is a poor understanding of forest
lead in spearheading increased agricultural productivity. If genomics and complex ecosystem processes at
we want to feed the world without destroying our landscape scales. It is argued that genomic approaches
resources, science and technology should drive the for monitoring soil microbial communities could become
development of modern agriculture. Genetically modified an important tool in understanding the effects of biomass
crop varieties are the most cost effective ways to sustain removal for biofuels, or enhancing durable below-ground
farming in marginal areas and restore degraded lands to carbon sequestration (Groover, 2007).
production (Treasury, 2009). Efforts should be made to Modern biotechnology has encountered enormous
integrate local and conventional biotechnologies with public debates related to risks and benefits of the GMOs
7. 228 Int. J. Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. Res.
Table 2. Modern agricultural biotechnologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Measure Biotechnology Application Reference
Engineering herbicide Fawcett and Towery, 2003;
GM soy beans
Climate change resistance Brimner et al., 2004; Kleter et al.,
GM canola 2008
mitigation: to reduce spraying
Engineering insect resistance May et al., 2005; Bonny, 2008;
Bt maize, cotton, and eggplants
to reduce spraying Zhe and Mithcell, 2011
Less fuel consumption
Reduced artificial fertilize Genetic improvement of Tchan, 1992; Zahran, 2001;
use Engineering nitrogen fixation Rhizobium; inducing N-fixation to Kennedy and Paau, 2002; Saikia
non-legumes and Jain, 2007; Yan et al., 2008
No-till farming due to Herbicide resistant GM soy beans, Fawcett and Towery, 2003; Kleter
Biotechnological advances canola et al., 2008
Carbon sequestration Green energy GM energy crops Lybbert and Summer, 2010
Nitrogen- efficient GM crops N-efficient GM canola Johnsona et al., 2007
Molecular marker assisted Drought resistant maize, wheat
Adaptation to Wang et al., 2001, 2003
breeding for stress resistance hybrids
climate change: Hong et al., 2000; Jaglo et al.,
GM Arabidopsis , Tobacco, maize,
Engineering drought tolerance 2001; Yamanouchi et al., 2002;
wheat, cotton, soybean
Adaptation to biotic and Manavalan et al., 2009
abiotic stresses Hsieh et al., 2002; Zhang and
Engineering salt tolerance GM tomato, rice
Blumwald, 2002
Engineering heat tolerance GM Arabidopsis, GM Brassica Sp. Jaglo et al., 2001; Zhu, 2001.
Fungal, bacterial and viral
Improved productivity per Increased crop yield per unit Mneney, 2001; Van Camp, 2005;
resistant GM cassava, potatoes,
unit area of land area of land Gomez-Barbero et al., 2008
bananas, maize, canola.
technology in terms of health, environment, socio- for unforeseen effects (Bruinsma et al., 2003). In order to
economic and ethical issues (Bakshi, 2003). The overcome the challenges currently encountered in
attitudes and interests of various stakeholder groups development and application of modern biotechnology,
supporting or opposing modern biotechnology have led to governments ought to put in place appropriate biosafety
polarized opinions (Bruinsma et al., 2003; Aerni 2005). and biotechnology policies and legal frameworks before
There have been opponent activists who dispute the adopting such technologies (Stringer et al., 2009). Table
safety of the technology, citing possible risks including: 3 summarizes major challenges to climate change and
creation of more rigorous pests and pathogens, agricultural biotechnology, and some proposed solutions.
exacerbating the effects of existing pests, harm to non
target species, disruption of biotic communities and loss
of species and genetic diversity within species (Snow et CONCLUSION
al., 2005). Political, socio-economic, cultural and ethical
concerns about modern biotechnology are related to the This review shows that safe development and application
fear of technological “neo-colonialism” in developing of plant biotechnology can contribute positively towards
countries, intellectual property rights, land ownership, climate change adaptation and mitigation through
customer choices, negative cultural and religious reduction of CO2 emissions, carbon sequestration,
perceptions, and fear of the unknown (Brink et al., 1998, reduced fuel use, adoption of environmentally friendly
Makinde et al., 2009). Such public concerns have led to fuels, and reduced artificial fertilizer use, employing
over-regulation of the technology, which threatens to biofuels for improved soil fertility and crop adaptability.
retard its applications (Qaim, 2009). It is suggested that These measures are meant to improve agricultural
the effects of GMOs should be studied case-by-case, productivity and food security, and at the same time
incorporating assessment of potential plant/ecosystem protecting our environment from adverse effects of
interactions, accessible and relevant indicators and tests climate change. There is consensus among scientific
8. Mtui 229
Table 3. Challenges in the climate change and biotechnology debates, and proposed solutions.
Challenge Proposed solution Reference
Climate change:
Oreskes, 2004; Doran and
Scepticism on the cause of climatic Arguments should be scientifically-driven; not
Zimmerman, 2009; Anderegg et
variations: whether it is man-made or natural politically or self-interest driven.
al., 2011
phenomena.
Carbon/emission trading: an industrialized Each country in the world has a stake in effecting
IPCC, 2007; Barker, 2007
world issue or the whole world initiative? the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Food security:
Science and technology should take a leading role Ruane et al., 2008;
Overall, the world‟s food security is not
to ensure food sufficiency. Treasury, 2009
stable.
Biotic and abiotic stresses threaten food Conventional and modern biotechnology Gomez-Barbero et al., 2008;
productivity. interventions are needed to solve the problem. Manavalan et al., 2009
Renewable energy:
Encourage the use of marginal lands; use second
There is imminent land, water, food and feed
generation sources (agricultural and forest Mtui 2007, 2009; Rubin, 2008
conflicts in large-scale production of energy
residues) for bioenergy.
crops.
Concerns on side effects of GMOs should be Bakshi, 2003; Bruinsma et al.,
Modern biotechnology:
science-based, and should be studied case-by- 2003; Aerni, 2005; Snow et al.,
Safety concerns on health and environment.
case. 2005
Socio-economic, cultural and ethical
concerns such as National biosafety and biotechnology policies and
Treasury, 2009, Qaim, 2009.
IPR issues; loss of traditional crops; fear of legal frameworks should guide the technologies.
the unknown.
community that climate variability is a result of direct and (http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/ 10.1073/pcnas.1003187107.
Apse MP, Blumwald E (2002). Engineering salt tolerance in plants.
indirect anthropogenic activities. An integrated approach
Curr. Op. Biotechnol., 13: 146-150.
to safe applications of both conventional and modern Bakshi A (2003). Potential adverse health effects of genetically modified
agricultural biotechnologies will not only contribute to crops. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, 6(B): 211-226.
increased yield and food security, but it will also Barker T (2007). Mitigation from a cross-sectoral perspective. In:
significantly contribute to climate change adaptation and Climate Change 2007: Mitigation. Contribution of Working Group III to
the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
mitigation initiatives. Climate Change (B. Metz et al. Eds.)". Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, U.K., and New York, N.Y., U.S.A.
Bianchi FJJA, Booij CJH, Tscharntke T (2006). Sustainable pest
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS regulation in agricultural landscapes: A review on landscape
composition, biodiversity and natural pest control. Proc. Royal Soc.,
273(B): 1715-1727.
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