Sunday Evening News May / Mai

Woche 21 / week 21 23.05 – 29.05)

Überraschung am Samstagabend (28.05.) – Neues Gesetz oder nur Implementierung der opt-out-Richtlinie?

CSU-Agrarminister Schmidt will Gentechnikforschung in Deutschland zulassen http://www.wochenblatt.de/nachrichten/welt/CSU-Agrarminister-Schmidt-will- Gentechnikforschung-in-Deutschland-zulassen;art29,371696 Bundesagrarminister Schmidt (CSU) will die deutsche Gentechnikforschung vorantreiben. Gentechnisch veränderte Pflanzen dürften aber nicht in Deutschland angebaut werden. Bundesagrarminister Christian Schmidt (CSU) will die deutsche Gentechnikforschung wieder vorantreiben. "In ethisch verantwortbaren Bereichen müssen wir Gentechnikforschung zulassen", sagte Schmidt der neuen Ausgabe des Magazins "Focus". Ein entsprechendes Gesetz sei bereits in der Ressortabstimmung. Gentechnisch veränderte Pflanzen dürften allerdings in Deutschland nicht angebaut werden, sagte Schmidt. Mit Blick auf das Kaufinteresse Bayers am Gensaatgut-Hersteller Monsanto und eingeschränkten Forschungsmöglichkeiten in Deutschland sagte der Minister: "Deswegen müssen wir bei uns Forschung in diesem Bereich zulassen. Es gibt leider deutsche Unternehmen mit Nobelpreisträgern, die ihre Entwicklungen schon komplett in andere Länder verlagert haben."

Surprise on Saturday evening (28.05.) - New law or implementation of the opt-out directive, only? CSU Agricultural Minister Schmidt wants to allow genetic engineering research in Germany http://www.wochenblatt.de/nachrichten/welt/CSU-Agrarminister-Schmidt-will- Gentechnikforschung-in-Deutschland-zulassen;art29,371696 Federal Agriculture Minister Schmidt (CSU) wants to promote the German genetic engineering research, but GM crops should not be grown in Germany. Federal Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt (CSU) wants to promote the German genetic engineering research again. "In ethically responsible areas we need to allow genetic engineering research," Schmidt said of the new issue of the magazine "Focus". A similar law is already in the departmental co-ordination. Genetically modified plants should however not be grown in Germany, Schmidt said. Overlooking the buying interest Bayers on Monsanto and limited research facilities in Germany, the Minister said: "That is why we need to allow research in this area. Unfortunately, there are German companies with Nobel Laureates who have completely shifted their research in other countries. .

Monsanto - Symbol des Bösen, trotzdem begehrt http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/bayer-offerte-monsanto-inbegriff-des-boesen- trotzdem-begehrt-1.2998812

Milliarden-Angebot für Monsanto: Bayer und das Böse Gentechnik, Patentprozesse, Umweltschäden: Kaum ein Konzern weltweit hat solch einen verheerenden Ruf wie Monsanto. Jetzt will Bayer den US-Konkurrenten übernehmen. Was die Deutschen gegen das schlechte Image tun können. http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/milliarden-angebot-fuer-monsanto- bayer-und-das-boese/13628164.html

Glyphosat blieb jedoch nicht unbeachtet K. Zinkant: Lehren aus der Glyphosat-Debatte Nahezu alle Experten sagen, der Einsatz des Pestizids sei verantwortbar. Politiker wie Sigmar Gabriel bedienen die Ängste der Bürger trotzdem. Wer industriekritisch sein will, muss aber nicht gleich allen Fortschritt verhindern. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/wissenschaft-und-politik-lehren-aus-dem-glyphosat- 1.3006767 Jan Grossarth: Kampagnenindustrie Deutsche Angsthasen Glyphosat, Freihandel, Atomkraftwerk: Wir Deutschen fremdeln mit so manchen Dingen. Das beflügelt eine ganze politische Kampagnenindustrie. Trotz der Risikoscheu geht es uns ziemlich gut. Oder deswegen? http://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/angst-als-mittel-einer-erfolgreichen-kampagne- 14244323.html

Bereits die alten Griechen wussten, dass die Wissenschaft nie beweisen kann, dass etwas nie eintritt. Politiker und nicht nur die deutschen fordern aber das Unmögliche: Es muss bewiesen werden, dass etwas absolut sicher ist! Not only German politicians demand the impossible, the proof of 100% safety. But, they forgot or do not know it, due to the system, due to the set-up of scientific experiments it cannot proven that an effect can completely be ruled out and /or will never occur! Statement von Dr. Barbara Hendricks zur Wiederzulassung von Glyphosat http://www.bmub.bund.de/presse/reden/detailansicht/artikel/statement-von-dr-barbara-hendricks- zur-wiederzulassung-von-glyphosat/

Hartmut Wewetzer: Glyphosat und andere Umweltgefahren Manchmal schadet Vorsorge mehr, als sie nützt. Wirtschaftsminister Sigmar Gabriel fordert "absolute Sicherheit" bei Pestiziden. Aber die gibt es nicht. http://www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/glyphosat-und-andere-umweltgefahren-manchmal-schadet- vorsorge-mehr-als-sie-nuetzt/13637596.html

Was für Deutschland Bier ist, ist für Kalifornien Wein / What in Germany is the beer ,maybe in California the wine!

Activists stir debate over reported weed killer in wines

“You would have to drink 2,500 glasses of wine a day for 70 years to reach the EPA’s level of concern,” said Gladys Horiuchi, spokeswoman for The Wine Institute of San Francisco, an advocacy group for about 1,000 winemakers and related businesses. http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/activists-stir-debate-over-reported-weed-killer-in- wines/article_bc4d31ec-0583-5109-a9e9-0eff6a052d0e.html

In der gesamten Diskussion um Glyphosat und Monsanto fast übersehen / Throughout the discussion of glyphosate and Monsanto almost overlooked

EFSA safety clearance for GM oilseed rape Scientific Opinion on an application by Bayer CropScience and Monsanto (EFSA-GMO-NL- 2009-75) for placing on the market of genetically modified glufosinate-ammonium- and glyphosate-tolerant oilseed rape MS8 × RF3 × GT73 and subcombinations, which have not been authorised previously (i.e. MS8 × GT73 and RF3 × GT73) independently of their origin, for food and feed uses, import and processing, with the exception of isolated seed protein for food, under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 EFSA Journal 2016;14(5):4466 [26 pp.]. doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4466 pdf-file 21-3 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/44 66.pdf

Environment MEPs object to herbicide-resistant GM carnation and maize authorisations

The EU Commission should withdraw its authorisations for the use of herbicide-resistant GM carnations and maize, Environment Committee MEPs said in two non-binding resolutions on Tuesday. Authorising GM carnations would encourage the worldwide use of a diabetes medicine as a herbicide, while the GM maize is resistant to glyphosate, which is classified as “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organisation (WHO), MEPs say. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160524IPR28884/Environment- MEPs-object-to-GM-carnation-and-maize-authorisations

The flower breeders who sold X-ray lilies and atomic marigolds http://phys.org/news/2016-05-breeders-sold-x-ray-lilies-atomic.html

Neue Technologen / New Techniques Diskussion um die rechtliche Einordnung / Discussion about their legal regulation

From hardy pigs to super-crops, gene editing poses new EU dilemma

Cellectis CEO Andre Choulika, whose Calyxt unit has used older forms of gene editing to improve potatoes, wheat and soybeans, thinks the odds are 50:50 that gene-editing will end up being classified as GMO in Europe. "If Europe does that, I think they will probably send themselves into the stone age of agricultural biotechnology," he said. http://in.reuters.com/article/science-gene-editing-farming- idINKCN0YH1GY?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews Zur Erinnerung / Please remember! Kershen D.L. (2015): Sustainability Council of New Zealand Trust v The Environmental Protection Authority: Gene Editing Technologies and the Law, GM Crops & Food, DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2015.1122859 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2015.1122859 pdf-file W21-4 Abstract: In May 2014, a New Zealand court rendered the first judicial opinion in the world about the legal classification of gene-editing techniques. The court ruled that ZFN-1 and TALEs are techniques of genetic modification and thus within the New Zealand statute and regulations governing genetically modified organisms. This article explains the facts of this legal matter, the reasoning of the court, and provides commentary about the implications of this decision for New Zealand and other jurisdictions around the world.

Lombardo L.& Zelasco S. (2016): Biotech Approaches to Overcome the Limitations of Using Transgenic Plants in Organic Farming Sustainability, 8(5), 497; doi:10.3390/su8050497 http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/5/497/htm pdf-file W21-5 Abstract: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) inasmuch as their genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. In actual fact, there is a conventional identity between GMOs and transgenic organisms, so that genetic modification methods such as somatic hybridization and mutagenesis are equalized to conventional breeding. A loophole in this system is represented by more or less innovative genetic engineering approaches under regulatory discussion, such as cisgenesis, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, and antisense technologies, that are redefining the concept of GMOs and might circumvent the requirements of the GMO legislation and, indirectly, of organic farming.

Spektrum Kompakt - CRISPR/Cas9 - Erbgut auf dem Schneidetisch pdf-file W21-6 http://www.spektrum.de/pdf/spektrum-kompakt-crispr-cas9/1407493?utm

Nogue´ F., Mara K., Collonnier C. Casacuberta J.M. (2016): Genome engineering and plant breeding: impact on trait discovery and development. Plant Cell Rep DOI 10.1007/s00299-016-1993-z pdf-file W21- 7

O’Malley R.C. et al. (2016): Cistrome and Epicistrome Features Shape the Regulatory DNA Landscape. Cell 165, 1280–1292 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.04.038 In Brief: A new method for pinpointing transcription factor binding sites in the Arabidopsis genome and their responsiveness to DNA methylation demonstrates the impact of tissue specific DNA chemical modifications on gene regulation, potentially for any organism. pdf-file W21- 8 http://www.salk.edu/news-release/salk-researchers-chart-landscape-of-genetic-and-epigenetic- regulation-in-plants/

Risikobewertung / Risk assessment GEORG VON MÉREY et al. (2016): GLYPHOSATE AND AMPA CHRONIC RISK ASSESSMENT FOR SOIL BIOTA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry DOI 10.1002/etc.3438 pdf-file W21-9

Abstract: Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used widely in agriculture, horticulture, private gardens and in public infrastructure, where it is applied to areas such as road sides, railway tracks and parks to control the growth of weeds. The exposure risk from glyphosate and the primary soil metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) on representative species of earthworms, springtails, predatory soil mites and effects on nitrogen-transformation processes by soil micro-organisms were assessed under laboratory conditions based on internationally recognized guidelines. For earthworms, the reproductive no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was 472.8 mg glyphosate acid equivalent (a.e.)/kg dry soil which was the highest concentration tested and 198.1 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA. For predatory mites, the reproductive NOEC was 472.8 mg a.e./kg dry soil for glyphosate and 320 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA, the highest concentrations tested. For springtails, the reproductive NOEC was 472.8 mg a.e./kg dry soil for glyphosate and 315 mg/kg dry soil for AMPA, the highest concentrations tested. Soil nitrogen transformation processes were unaffected by glyphosate and AMPA at 33.1 mg a.e./kg soil and 160 mg/kg soil, respectively. Comparison of these endpoints with worst-case soil concentrations expected for glyphosate (6.62 mg a.e./kg dry soil) and AMPA (6.18 mg/kg dry soil) for annual applications at the highest annual rate of 4.32 kg a.e./ha indicate very low likelihood of

Entwicklung und Erprobung eines Konzepts für ein Monitoring von für den Import zugelassenem transgenem Raps nach Richtlinie 2001/18/EG: Ergebnis eines F+E-Vorhabens (FKZ 3511 89 0100) des Bundesamtes für Naturschutz. Development and testing of a concept for monitoring of approved transgenic rape imports by Directive 2001/18/EC: results of an R & D project (FKZ 3511 89 0100) of the Federal Office for Nature Conservation. Wedlich, K. V.; Franzaring, J.; Fangmeier, A. (2016) BfN - Skripten (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) No. 430 pp. 102 pp. http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/20163168353.html;jsessionid=C424F677280E39201495 2D0408D3021E

Limayem A. (2015): Risk assessment on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) for biofuel production Agric. Food Anal. Bacteriol. 5: xx-xx, 2015 pdf-file W21-10 Abstract: In recent years concerns about energy security and climate change have sparked government interest in biofuels from crops. However, water and land availability for biofuel production could become major obsta- cles, if effective conservation practices are not implemented. In an effort to increase crop productivity with minimal use of natural resources, genetic manipulations of corn plants are conducted in the U.S. and world- wide to convey pest and herb resistance. Moreover, genetically engineered microorganisms have been developed to render biomass conversion to fuels cost competitive. This review summarizes the evolution of biotechnology in agricultural systems and its most current use in biofuel production. This includes the review of the recent genetically engineered microorganisms (GMOs) as well as the nanotechnology used to biofuel yield optimization. Potential bottlenecks pertaining to GMOs dispersal from biofuel production are thoroughly addressed. Novel point-of-care approaches exclusively adopted by the federal agencies and arising from systemic core modeling such as biotechnology risk assessment are discussed. Optimizing these tools by revealing a proficient model engineering practices toward achieving greater GMO traceability, biosafety and operational performance remains the option of choice to intervention

Horizontaler Gentransfer / Horizontal gene transfer Matan Shelomi, Etienne G.J. Danchin, David Heckel, Benjamin Wipfler, Sven Bradler, Xin Zhou, Yannick Pauchet. Horizontal Gene Transfer of Pectinases from Bacteria Preceded the Diversification of Stick and Leaf Insects. Scientific Reports. Doi: 10.1038/srep26388. http://www.nature.com/articles/srep26388

Bt-Toxin and Bees Hui-Ru Jia et al. (2016): The effects of Bt Cry1Ie toxin on bacterial diversity in the midgut of Apis mellifera ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Scientific Reports 6:24664 DOI: 10.1038/srep24664 pdf-file W21-11 Abstract: The honey bee has been regarded as a key species in the environmental risk assessment of biotech crops. Here, the potential adverse effects of Cry1Ie toxin on the midgut bacteria of the worker bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) were investigated under laboratory conditions. Newly emerged bees were fed with different concentrations of Cry1Ie toxin syrups (20 ng/mL, 200 ng/mL, and 20 μg/mL), pure sugar syrup, and 48 ppb of imidacloprid syrups, then sampled after 15 and 30 d. We characterized the dominant midgut bacteria and compared the composition and structure of the midgut bacterial community in all samples using the Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V3–V4 regions of 16S rDNA. No significant differences in the diversity of the midgut bacteria were observed between the five treatments. This work was the first to show the effects of Cry1Ie toxin on honey bees, and our study provided a theoretical basis for the biosafety assessment of transgenic Cry1Ie maize.

Torricelli M., Pierboni E., Tovo GR., L Curcio L. (2016): In-house Validation of a DNA Extraction Protocol from Honey and Bee Pollen and Analysis in Fast Real-Time PCR of Commercial Honey Samples Using a Knowledge. Food Analytical Methods…DOI 10.1007/s12161-016-0539-x pdf-file W21-12 Abstract For consumers, honey is a natural product that should not be subjected to treatment or alteration. Since the question of the presence of genetically modified organisms concerned pollen in honey, the aim of this research was to find an alternative, however, practical and efficient method of honey and bee pollen DNA extraction for routine analysis application. Furthermore, to evaluate the extracted DNA, a realtime PCR system based on the actin gene was optimized and validated in fast mode for the first time to reduce analysis time. To develop an alternative DNA extraction protocol, two already published procedures were combined and tested with some variations, in particular without beads/filters used to grind/enrich pollen. The best approach found in terms of quantity and quality of extracted DNA was a combination of the pretreatment and the extraction method, described in the German guideline, with some modifications and the addition of a DNA purification kit. This protocol was validated with DNA extracts from honey and bee pollen and it was applied to 18 commercial honey samples. Furthermore, a sample proved positive in transgenic screening elements analysis and for transgenic event identification, a knowledge-based approach was adopted. Since the DNA extraction protocol proved suitable, it could be applied for other analysis such as molecular species characterization, the study of traceability, and environmental monitoring, considering honey as a vector of authorized and not authorized genetically modified organisms.

Iwobi A., Gerdes L., Busch U., Pecoraro S. (2016): Droplet digital PCR for routine analysis of genetically modified foods (GMO) e A comparison with real-time quantitative PCR. Food Control 69, 205 – 213 pdf-file W21-13 Akzeptanz / Acception -Perception Scott S.E., Inbar Y. and Rozin P. (2016): Evidence for Absolute Moral Opposition to Genetically Modified Food in the United States. Perspectives on Psychological Science 11(3), 315–324 pdf-file W21-14 Abstract: Public opposition to genetic modification (GM) technology in the food domain is widespread (Frewer et al., 2013). In a survey of U.S. residents representative of the population on gender, age, and income, 64% opposed GM, and 71% of GM opponents (45% of the entire sample) were “absolutely” opposed—that is, they agreed that GM should be prohibited no matter the risks and benefits. “Absolutist” opponents were more disgust sensitive in general and more disgusted by the consumption of genetically modified food than were non-absolutist opponents or supporters. Furthermore, disgust predicted support for legal restrictions on genetically modified foods, even after controlling for explicit risk–benefit assessments. This research suggests that many opponents are evidence insensitive and will not be influenced by arguments about risks and benefits

BR McFadden, JL Lusk - What consumers don’t know about genetically modified food, and how that affects beliefs. The FASEB Journal, 2016 – FASEB pdf-file W21 -15 http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2016/05/18/fj.201600598.abstract https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160525102150.htm

Farmers must lead GM debate http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/farmers-must-lead-gm-debate.28837149

What does it mean for researchers, journalists and the public when secrecy surrounds science? http://phys.org/news/2016-05-journalists-secrecy-science.html

Genetically modified (GM) plants: questions and answers https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/gm- plants/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=hootsuite&utm_campaign=standard pdf-file W21- 20

Royal Society calls for review of European GM ban http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-36359682 Royal Society calls for review of European GM ban

Scientist battles to 'stem onslaught of pseudoscience'

A University of Leicester scientist has joined leading scientists from across Europe in raising an alarm over the 'pseudoscience' concerning regulation of compounds used in agriculture, healthcare and industry. http://phys.org/news/2016-05-scientist-stem-onslaught-pseudoscience.html http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/well-known-scientists-ready-to-stem-the- onslaught-of-pseudoscience-in-the-eu-578980091.html

"The Royal Society will hold a series of public panel discussion events (Growing tomorrow's dinner - should GM be on the table?) across the UK during the summer and autumn"

Verschiednes / Miscellaneous Won-Ki Cho et al. RNA Polymerase II cluster dynamics predict mRNA output in living cells, eLife (2016). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.13617

Abstract: Protein clustering is a hallmark of genome regulation in mammalian cells. However, the dynamic molecular processes involved make it difficult to correlate clustering with functional consequences in vivo. We developed a live-cell super-resolution approach to uncover the correlation between mRNA synthesis and the dynamics of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) clusters at a gene locus. For endogenous β-actin genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we observe that short-lived (~8 s) Pol II clusters correlate with basal mRNA output. During serum stimulation, a stereotyped increase in Pol II cluster lifetime correlates with a proportionate increase in the number of mRNAs synthesized. Our findings suggest that transient clustering of Pol II may constitute a pre-transcriptional regulatory event that predictably modulates nascent mRNA output.

New super-resolution technique visualizes important role of short-lived enzyme clusters http://phys.org/news/2016-05-super-resolution-technique-visualizes-important-role.html#jCp

Huairong Pan et al. A symbiotic SNARE protein generated by alternative termination of transcription, Nature Plants (2016). DOI: 10.1038/nplants.2015.197 http://www.nature.com/articles/nplants2015197

How plants interact with beneficial microbes in the soil http://phys.org/news/2016-01-interact-beneficial-microbes-soil.html#jCp

Kouser, Shahzad, Abedullah, , Qaim, Matin (2016): Bt cotton and employment effects for female agricultural laborers in Pakistan. New Biotechnology http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nbt.2016.05.004 pdf-file W21- 16

Purple plants (Editorial) Nature Genetics 48, 587 (2016) pdf-file W21-18) The genetics of plant breeding cannot by itself end hunger and malnutrition nor ensure sustainable food production. However, driven by genomics, it provides tools with which to raise the research profile and standards of two related fields that together will do so: agronomy, as it relates to crop ecology and evolution, and nutritional natural products research.

Nachgang Woche 20 NAS –Report: Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects (2016) Der vollständige Bericht (408 Seiten) kann nun auch über den WGG erhalten werden. The report (408 pages) is now available at the WGG. W21-1 In Ergänzung / in addition

Science, safety and prejudice http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/science-safety-and-prejudice/ Tufts News: The Bottom Line on Genetically Engineered Foods http://now.tufts.edu/articles/bottom-line-genetically-engineered-foods

Ernährung-Mineralstoffe / Nutrition-minerals Amelie Detterbeck, Paula Pongrac et al., Spatially resolved analysis of variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain micronutrient accumulation, New Phytologist, 2016, DOI: 10.1111/nph.13987 Pdf-file W-21-2 (available at WGG)

Tagung /Conference The BCPC-Congress 2016: Changes in European Agriculture – How the Regulatory Environment Might Adapt. Brighton (UK) 4-5 October 2016 A look into the future of European arable agriculture and how the regulatory environment for plant protection products will need to change. http://www.bcpccongress.org/?doing_wp_cron=1464178519.0099298954010009765625

Woche 20 / week 20 (16.05 – 22.05)

WHO hält Glyphosat für nicht krebserregend http://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/wirtschaftspolitik/neue-risikoeinschaetzung-who- haelt-glyphosat-fuer-nicht-krebserregend-14235636.html?GEPC=s

WHO-Forscher stufen Glyphosat als nicht krebserregend ein http://www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2016-05/pflanzenschutzmittel-glyphosat-who-un- studie-krebs-krebsrisiko UN panel now says Monsanto weedkiller ‘unlikely’ to cause cancer http://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/un-panel-now-says-monsanto- weedkiller-unlikely-to-cause-cancer/ pdf-file W20-1 Glyphosate unlikely to pose risk to humans, UN/WHO study says http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/16/glyphosate-unlikely-to-pose-risk-to-humans-unwho- study-says

BfR-Statement: http://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/who-fao-gremium-jmpr-bewertet-glyphosat-neu-und- bestaetigt-das-ergebnis-des-bfr-und-der-efsa-dass-kein-krebserzeugendes-risiko-zu- erwarten-ist.pdf pdf-file W20-2 http://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/france-leading-opposition-to-glyphosate/

Koalition streitet um Zukunft von Glyphosat http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2016-05/pestizid-glyphosat-eu-zulassung-streit- koalition Streit um Glyphosat entzweit die Regierung http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/glyphosat-streit-um-glyphosat-entzweit-die-regierung- 1.2995782 EU delays re-approval for weed killer glyphosate http://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/eu-delays-re-approval-for- weedkiller-glyphosate/

EU declines to renew glyphosate licence https://euobserver.com/environment/133478

Natürlich darf eine neue “Urinstudie” nicht fehlen! Of course, a new "urine study" should not be missed!

Green Party MEPs prove a point with glyphosate in urine test results http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/2987686/green_party_meps_prove_a_ point_with_glyphosate_in_urine_test_results.html und, dass das WHO-Panel gekauft ist!...... and, that the WHO panel is corrupted (purchased)!

Industrie-Beziehungen und Interessenskonflikte werfen schiefes Licht auf Glyphosat- Persilschein durch JMPR der FAO/WHO http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20160516_OTS0053/industrie-beziehungen-und- interessenskonflikte-werfen-schiefes-licht-auf-glyphosat-persilschein-durch-jmpr-der- faowho

Möglicher Interessenskonflikt bei Pflanzenschutzmittel-Bewertung http://www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2016-05/glyphosat-pflanzenschutzmittel-who-forscher- studie Offener Brief an EFSA /Open letter to EFSA:

Monsanto and the Poisoning of Europe: An Open letter to the EFSA Chief Attorney About Re-licensing Glyphosate in the EU http://rinf.com/alt-news/editorials/monsanto-poisoning-europe-open-letter-efsa-chief- attorney-re-licensing-glyphosate-eu/

Im Zusammenhang mit Glyphosat fand auch der mögliche Kauf von Monsanto durch Bayer eine Beachtung. In the context to glyphosate, the possible acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer found an attraction.

Pakt mit dem Teufel: Bayer will den Glyphosathersteller Monsanto kaufen – und riskiert damit seinen guten Ruf

Alliance with the devil: Bayer wants to buy the glyphosate producer Monsanto - and risked so its reputation http://www.welt.de/print/wams/wirtschaft/article155558678/Pakt-mit-dem-Teufel.html

NAS –Report: Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects (2016) Der vollständige Bericht (12 MB) kann über die Web-Seite heruntergeladen werden. The report (12 MB) is available for download via this webpage : http://www.nap.edu/catalog/23395/genetically-engineered-crops-experiences-and- prospects Summary: Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects pdf-file W20-3, and the slides pdf-file W20-4 (2 MB). Kommentare: / Statements -Genetically Engineered Crops Are Safe, Analysis Finds, The New York Times -Are GMO crops safe? Focus on the plant, not the process, scientists say, Washington Post -Report: GMO crops not harmful to humans, but weed resistance is a problem, Chicago Tribune -Study finds no adverse heath effects from genetically engineered crops, The Hill -Modified Crops Not Seen Adding to Human Health Risks, Study Says, Bloomberg -U.S. panel releases consensus on genetically engineered crops, Science -National Academy of Sciences Report Finds no Food Safety or Human Health Impacts from GE Crops, CSPI -NAS Study Backs Safety Of GMO Foods, Agri-Pulse -U.S. panel: GE crops safe to eat, but mandatory labeling still a good idea, Politico

Beiträge aus “Times” http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/comment/gene-genius-vhm83t92p pdf-files Times

Gilbert N. (2016): Frugal Farming: Old-fashioned breeding techniques are bearing more fruit than genetic engineering in developing self-sufficient super plants. Nature 533, 308-310 pdf-file W20-9

ISAAC BRIEF 50 Voices and Views: Why Biotech? No. 50 - 2015 Mariechel J. Navarro, Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.730.3284&rep=rep1&type=pdf# page=1 pdf-file W20-5 Karembu M., Nguthi F., and Britta B. (2015): Biotechnology, not a Silver Bullet but a Key Tool for Attaining Food Security http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.730.3284&rep=rep1&type=pdf# page=33

Proteomics

Geisi Mello Balsamo, Carla Souza de Mello & Ana Carolina Maisonnave Arisi (2016): Proteome Comparison of Grains from Two Maize Genotypes, with Colorless Kernel Pericarp (P1-ww) and Red Kernel Pericarp (P1-rr), Food Biotechnology 30, 110-122 DOI:10.1080/08905436.2016.1166382 pdf-file W20-6

ABSTRACT: Maize genotypes P1-rr (R) and P1-ww (W) have high and low flavonoid content, respectively. Grain proteome profiles of these maize genotypes were compared. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed from three soluble protein extracts of each maize genotype and 55 proteins spots were differentially expressed using univariate analysis. Differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed by mass spectrometry-peptide mass fingerprint (MS-PMF) and eight of them were identified on the Zea mays L. database. Additionally, grouping of proteomic data was evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA) using 135 matched spots in all six analyzed gels. First component (PC1) represented 46.5% of total variation and second component (PC2) referred to 22.5%. This multivariate analysis showed the separation of the two maize genotypes proteome profiles using 2-DE data. The data presented in this study shows that 2-DE complemented with PCA is applicable to food analysis.

Akzeptanz / Acceptance Pranav Dass, Md Chowdhury, Damian Lampl, Kendall E.Nygard. Risk Perceptions For Genetically Modified Organisms: An Empirical Investigation. pdf-file W20-7

Ernährung-Mineralstoffe / Nutrition-minerals Amelie Detterbeck, Paula Pongrac et al., Spatially resolved analysis of variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain micronutrient accumulation, New Phytologist, 2016, DOI: 10.1111/nph.13987 Summary: Genetic biofortification requires knowledge on natural variation and the underlying mechanisms of micronutrient accumulation. We therefore studied diversity in grain micronutrient concentrations and spatial distribution in barley (Hordeum vulgare), a genetically tractable model cereal and an important crop with widespread cultivation. We assembled a diverse collection of barley cultivars and landraces and analysed grain micronutrient profiles in genebank material and after three independent cultivations. Lines with contrasting grain zinc (Zn) accumulation were selected for in-depth analysis of micronutrient distribution within the grain by micro-proton-induced X- ray emission (μ-PIXE). Also, we addressed association with grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation. The analysis of > 120 lines revealed substantial variation, especially in grain Zn concentrations. A large fraction of this variation is due to genetic differences. Grain dissection and μ-PIXE analysis of contrasting lines showed that differences in grain Zn accumulation apply to all parts of the grain including the endosperm. Cd concentrations exceeded the Codex Alimentarius threshold in most of the representative barley lines after cultivation in a Cd-contaminated agricultural soil. Two important conclusions for biofortification are: first, high-Zn grains contain more Zn also in the consumed parts of the grain; and second, higher micronutrient concentrations are strongly associated with higher Cd accumulation. Weitere Informationen / Further information: S. Clemens – [email protected]

TIPP Trade SIA on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the USA

TTIP may mean higher prices and ‘unhealthy’ consumption: pdf-file W20-8 (10MB)

Kennzeichnung / Labelling http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/16/opinion/i-run-a-gmo-company-and-i-support-gmo- labeling.html pdf-file W20-10

Verschiedenes / Miscellaneous

Canada approves genetically modified salmon for food http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/aquadvantage-salmon-saumon-eng.php http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/food-safety-health/canada-declares-gm-salmon-safe- approves-it-for-sale http://phys.org/news/2016-05-canada-genetically-salmon-food.html http://blog.tgac.ac.uk/brilliant-brassica/ http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2016/05/maize-genome-dark-matter-discovery-boon- breeders http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Scientists-generate- type-of-human-stem-cell-that-is-easier-to-edit-453986 http://www.euractiv.com/section/all/news/belgium-and-france-are-eus-bee-mortality- hotspots/ http://www.world- grain.com/articles/news_home/World_Grain_News/2016/05/Chinas_demand_for_imported_soy.as px?ID=%7BCDFF7BED-8127-4374-B8B8-D88E25364BF3%7D&cck=1

Woche 19 /week 19 (09. 5 – 15.05)

In Sachen Gentechnik verlief die 19. Woche wenig spektakulär und die Medien hatten kein bevorzugtes Thema, auch wenn a) der Deutsche Bundestag erneut über eine mögliche Zulassung von Glyphosat diskutierte, b) Gerüchte zufolge Firmen Bayer oder BASF die Übernahme von Monsanto erwägen und c) die Kommunikationsagentur „Genius“ sowohl für Befürworter der Gentechnik und für Hersteller und Vertreibern von Glyphosat als auch für die Risikobewerter arbeitet. This week was very spectacular in respect of genetic engineering and modern plant biotechnology and the media had no favorite theme, although a) The German Bundestag discussed again on a possible approval of glyphosate, b) According to rumors the company Bayer or BASF are considering the acquisition of Monsanto and c) the agency for scientific communication “Genius” is working for both:The proponents of genetic engineering and for manufacturers and distributors of glyphosate as well as for the risk assessors of glyphosate and genetically modified plants and foods. a) Debatte im Bundestag zur Wiederzulassung von Glyphosat: Vorsorgeprinzip ernst nehmen – Keine erneute Genehmigung für Glyphosat. Take precautionary principle seriously - No reapproval for glyphosate http://www.bundestag.de/mediathek/?isLinkCallPlenar=1&action=search&contentArea=det ails&ids=6832064&instance=m187&categorie=Plenarsitzung&destination=search&mask=sea rch und Antrag von Bündnis90/Die Grünen (only in German) Der Deutsche Bundestag fordert die Bundesregierung auf, aus Gründen des vorsorgenden Gesundheits- und Umweltschutzes eine erneute Genehmigung des Pestizidwirkstoffs Glyphosat zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt abzulehnen. pdf-file W19-21 b) Handelsblatt: Wer gewinnt den 52-Milliarden-Euro-Poker? Die Agrarchemiebranche ist in Aufruhr: Angeblich prüfen sowohl Bayer als auch BASF Kaufangebote für den US-Konkurrenten Monsanto. Die Bayer-Aktie verliert daraufhin mehr als fünf Prozent und zieht den Dax herunter. The agricultural industry is in turmoil: Allegedly both Bayer and BASF consider to buy US competitor Monsanto. http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/bayer-und-basf-im-rennen-um- monsanto-wer-gewinnt-den-52-milliarden-euro-poker/13588146.html AKTIE IM FOKUS 2: Übernahmefantasie treibt Monsanto an - Bayer und BASF im Minus http://www.finanztreff.de/news/aktie-im-fokus-2-uebernahmefantasie-treibt-monsanto-an- --bayer-und-basf-im-minus/11279492 NEW YORK / FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - On Thursday Monsanto investors had every reason to celebrate: The seed producer Monsanto is turned apparently from the hunter to the hunted. c) The lobby firm that works both sides of the room http://corporateeurope.org/food-and-agriculture/2016/05/lobby-firm-works-both-sides- room http://www.globalresearch.ca/is-the-eu-completely-in-the-pocket-of-the-biotech-industry- say-no-to-glyphosate/5524306

Selbst die Verhandlung vor dem Europäischen Gerichtshof (EuGH) gegen die Zulassung der Sojabohne MON 87701xMON 89788 ( Intacta)von Monsanto fand fast keinen Niederschlag. Even the proceedings at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against the approval of the soybeans (Intacta) of Monsanto was almost without notice. EU-Gerichtshof: Klage gegen Zulassung von Gentechnik-Soja Zulassung von Gentechniksoja wird angefochten http://www.eu-koordination.de/umweltnews/news/landwirtschaft-gentechnik/3709-klage- gegen-zulassung-von-gentechniksoja Case against the authorisation of Monsanto genetically engineered Intacta soybeans to be heard at the EU Court of Justice http://www.testbiotech.org/en/node/1639

Glyphosat / Glyphosate Hella Kehlenbeck, H. (2015):Folgenabschätzung für die Landwirtschaft zum teilweisen oder vollständigen Verzicht auf die Anwendung von glyphosathaltigen Herbiziden in Deutschland Impact assessment of partial or complete abandonment of glyphosate application for farmers in Germany W19-1 http://www.jki.bund.de/downloadFatPdf.php?file=2015_0396.pdf

Lamichhane J.R. et al. (2016): Integrated weed management systems with herbicide-tolerant crops in the European Union: lessons learnt from home and abroad, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2016.1180588 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2016.1180588 pdf-file W19-2

Wohlfender-Buehler, D., Feusthuber, E., Waeger, R., Mann, S., & Aubry, S. J. (2016). Genetically modified crops in Switzerland: implications for agrosystem sustainability evidenced by multi-criteria model. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 36(2), pp. 1-16. pdf-file W19-3

Karotten-Genom / Carrot genome Iorizzo M. et al. (2016): A high-quality carrot genome assembly provides new insights into carotenoid accumulation and asterid genome evolution, Nature Genetics DOI: 10.1038/ng.3565 http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ng.3565.html pdf-file W19-4 http://phys.org/news/2016-05-carrot-genome-picture-domestication-crops.html#jCp

CRISPR/dCas9 Cress B.F. et al. (2016): Rapid generation of CRISPR/dCas9-regulated, orthogonally repressible hybrid T7-lac promoters for modular, tuneable control of metabolic pathway fluxes. Nucleic Acids Research DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw231 pdf-file W19-5 http://phys.org/news/2016-05-discovery-crispr-advance-metabolic.html#jCp Anderson J. E. et al. (2016): Genomic variation and DNA repair associated with soybean transgenesis: a comparison to cultivars and mutagenized plants. BMC Biotechnology 16:41 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-016-0271-z pdf-file W19-6 https://bmcbiotechnol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12896-016-0271-z

TSL receives DEFRA approval for potato field trials DEFRA have approved The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich’s application to conduct field trials of GM potato crops on a designated trial site at the Norwich Research Park between 2016 and 2019. The field trials are part of the TSL’s Potato Partnership Project to develop a Maris Piper potato that is blight and nematode resistant, bruises less and produces less acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures. The project is majority funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) with additional funding from industry partners BioPotatoes (UK) and Simplot (US). http://www.tsl.ac.uk/news/new-potato-at-the-sainsbury-laboratory/ http://www.tsl.ac.uk/news/tsl-receives-defra-approval-potato-field-trials/

Horizontaler Gentransfer / Horizontal gene transfer Arakawa K. (2016): No evidence for extensive horizontal gene transfer from the draft genome of a tardigrade PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1602711113 http://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/early/2016/05/11/1602711113.extract.html?collectio n Bemm F. ez al. (2016): Genome of a tardigrade: Horizontal gene transfer or bacterial contamination? PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1525116113 http://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/early/2016/05/11/1525116113.extract.html?collectio n Boothby T.C. & Goldstein B. (2016): Reply to Bemm et al. and Arakawa: Identifying foreign genes in independent Hypsibius dujardini genome assemblies PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1601149113 http://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/early/2016/05/11/1601149113.extract.html?collectio n

Medina E.M. et al. (2016): Punctuated evolution and transitional hybrid network in an ancestral cell cycle of fungi. eLife 2016;5:e09492 https://elifesciences.org/content/5/e09492

Bt-Toxin Ping-Li Dai, Hui-Ru Jia, Li-Li Geng, Qing-Yun Diao (2016): Bt Toxin Cry1Ie Causes No Negative Effects on Survival, Pollen Consumption, or Olfactory Learning in Worker Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) | Journal of Economic Entomology 2016, 1-6 http://jee.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/04/26/jee.tow088 pdf-file W19-

Castañera P, Farinós GP, Ortego F, Andow DA (2016) Sixteen Years of Bt Maize in the EU Hotspot: Why Has Resistance Not Evolved? PLoS ONE 11(5): e0154200. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154200 pdf-files W19-8, 8a Abstract: The majority of Bt maize production in the European Union (EU) is concentrated in northeast Spain, which is Europe’s only hotspot where resistance might evolve, and the main target pest, Sesamia nonagrioides, has been exposed to Cry1Ab maize continuously since 1998. The cropping system in northeast Spain has some similar characteristics to those that probably led to rapid resistance failures in two other target noctuid maize pests. These include repeated cultivation of Bt maize in the same fields, low use of refuges, recurring exposure of larvae to non-high dose concentrations of Cry1Ab toxin during the first years of cultivation, low migratory potential, and production concentrated in an irrigated region with few alternative hosts. Available data reveal no evidence of resistance in S. nonagrioides after 16 years of use.We explore the possible reasons for this resistance management success using evolutionary models to consider factors expected to accelerate resistance, and those expected to delay resistance. Low initial adoption rates and the EU policy decision to replace Event 176 with MON 810 Bt maize were key to delaying resistance evolution. Model results suggest that if refuge compliance continues at the present 90%, Bt maize might be used sustainably in northeast Spain for at least 20 more years before resistance might occur. However, obtaining good estimates of the present R allele frequency and level of local assortative mating are crucial to reduce uncertainty about the future success of resistance management

Lee M.S. & Albajes R. (2016): Monitoring carabid indicators could reveal environmental impacts of genetically modified maize. Agricultural and Forest Entomology DOI: 10.1111/afe.12156 pdf-file W19-9

Levine, S.L., Mueller, G.M., Uffman, J.P. (2016): Assessing the potential for interaction between the insecticidal activity of two genetically engineered cotton events combined by conventional breeding: An example with COT102 × MON 15985, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.05.003. pdf-file W19-10

Joshi, S.S., et al.(2016): Assessment of potential adjuvanticity of Cry proteins, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.04.005 pdf-file W19 -11 Abstract: Genetically modified (GM) crops have achieved success in the marketplace and their benefits extend beyond the overall increase in harvest yields to include lowered use of insecticides and decreased carbon dioxide emissions. The most widely grown GM crops contain gene/s for targeted insect protection, herbicide tolerance, or both. Plant expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal (Cry) insecticidal proteins have been the primary way to impart insect resistance in GM crops. Although deemed safe by regulatory agencies globally, previous studies have been the basis for discussions around the potential immuno-adjuvant effects of Cry proteins. These studies had limitations in study design. The studies used animal models with extremely high doses of Cry proteins, which when given using the ig route were coadministered with an adjuvant. Although the presumption exists that Cry proteins may have immunostimulatory activity and therefore an adjuvanticity risk, the evidence shows that Cry proteins are expressed at very low levels in GM crops and are unlikely to function as adjuvants. This conclusion is based on critical review of the published literature on the effects of immunomodulation by Cry proteins, the history of safe use of Cry proteins in foods, safety of the Bt donor organisms, and pre-market weight of-evidence-based safety assessments for GM crops.

Akzeptanz Rzymski P. & Królczyk A. (2016): Attitudes toward genetically modified organisms in Poland: to GMO or not to GMO? Food Security 1-6 DOI: 10.1007/s12571-016-0572-z http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12571-016-0572-z pdf-file W19-12

Science Credibility: The Media’s Role https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2016/05/13/science-credibility-the-medias-role/

Buchbesprechungen / Book Reviews Zwei Buchbesprechungen von Kollegen Flachowsky. Danke für die Übersendung der pdf-files

Livestock Production and Climate Change, Pradeep K. Malik, Raghavendra Bhatta, Junichi Takahashi, Richard A. Kohn,Cadaba S. Prasad (Eds.) CAB International, Wallingford (UK) and Boston (USA) (2015). 395 pp., Hardcover, Price:£95.00/D 125.00/$180.00, ISBN-13. 978 1 78064 432 5Human pdf-file W19-13

Nutritional Modelling for Pigs and Poultry, N.K. Sakmoura, R.M. Gous, I. Kyriazakis, L. Hauschild (eds.).CAB International, Wallingford, UK and Boston, USA (2015). 304 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 9781780644110 (Price:£95.00/D 125.00/$180.00) pdf-file W19 -14

Veranstaltung / Meeting Report Release Event: Genetically Engineered Crops. Tuesday, May 17 at 11:00 am Eastern (with live webcast) The Keck Center, Washington, DC http://us8.campaign- archive2.com/?u=18fe6f8f25ec0bc7509e65e97&id=fad03d9807&e=c0d0291a72

Demeter-Delegierte fordern Ausschluss neuer Gentechnikverfahren http://biohandel-online.de/news-details.html?i=20962 „Der Demeter e.V. setzt sich gemeinsam mit den anderen Bioverbänden sowie weiteren zivilgesellschaftlichen Organisationen dafür ein, dass auch die neuen gentechnischen Verfahren in der EU eindeutig dieser umstrittenen Methode zugeordnet und als Gentechnik reguliert werden“, betonte Demeter Vorstandssprecher Alexander Gerber. "Genau wie bei den älteren Gentechnik-Verfahren muss das Vorsorgeprinzip angewandt werden. Die Pflanzen müssen also Risikoprüfungen und Rückverfolgbarkeitsbestimmungen unterliegen und die Produkte entsprechend gekennzeichnet sein."

Woche 18 / week 18 (02 – 08.05) TTIP

Realität der TTIP-Verhandlungen übertrifft die dunklen Ahnungen noch -Das Freihandelsabkommen führt zu globalen Wohlstandsgewinnen, sagen die Befürworter. Die TTIP-Papiere zeigen aber, dass die Befürchtungen der Gegner nicht aus der Luft gegriffen sind. Im Gegenteil, die Dokumente zeigen: Sie haben Substanz. http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/ttip-papiere-realitaet-der-ttip-verhandlungen- uebertrifft-die-dunklen-ahnungen-noch-1.2975119

Wird Debatte um TTIP zur Hysterie? Die Angst vor dem Freihandelsabkommen TTIP zuwischen Europa und den USA droht in Hysterie umzuschlagen. Die grüne Gentechnik ist kein Segen. Aber auch kein Fluch. http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/wirtschaft/Wird-Debatte-um-TTIP-zur-Hysterie- id37670727.html

TTIP-Leaks: Ein Skandal, der keiner ist Die von Greenpeace publizierten Papiere über die transatlantischen Freihandelsverhandlungen sorgen für Schlagzeilen. Doch wo ist der Skandal, wenn jeder Partner seine bekannten Interessen verteidigt? http://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/kommentare/ttip-leaks-ein-skandal-der-keiner-ist-ld.17466

Greenpeace Leaks U.S.-E.U. Trade Deal Documents http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/world/europe/ttip-greenpeace-leak-trade- deal.html?_r=0

Greenpeace: TTIP means genetic engineering: Greenpeace says leaked papers on the transatlantic free trade agreement reveal threats to the precautionary principle - a basic element of European policy. This would have far-reaching implications for agriculture. http://www.dw.com/en/greenpeace-ttip-means-genetic-engineering/a-19231603

The Guardian: TTIP has been kicked into the long grass … for a very long time http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/03/ttip-has-been-kicked-into-the-long- grass-for-a-very-long-time

GMO Arctic Apples, Only The TTIP Of The Iceberg Health, science, business and consumer rights are driving major differences between the U.S. and the EU in the most far-reaching trade negotiations in history. http://www.worldcrunch.com/world-affairs/gmo-arctic-apples-only-the-ttip-of-the- iceberg/c1s21099/

Nicht neu, aber passt in die gegenwärtige Diskussion / Not new but fits well into the current discussion. The Ecologist (21.04.2016): New GMOs are 'not GM' - EU folds under US pressure The TTIP negotiations are seen by industry and the US government as the perfect opportunity to block EU processes that are supposed to protect public health and the environment. The regulation of new GM techniques is a case in point. http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/2987595/new_gmos_are_not_gm_eu_ folds_under_us_pressure.html

Neue Technologien und Regulierung / New techniques and regulations

Ammann K., Kuntz M.(2016): Decades-old GMO regulation unfit for 21st century http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/decades-old-gmo-regulation-unfit-21st- century-320888 “The European Commission is set to guide the regulatory fate of new biotechnologies crucial to the future of plant breeding. To meet such agricultural challenges, we need a product-oriented, flexible and adjustable regulatory system.”

Hier die ursprüngliche Version mit den Hyperlinks / Here the original version with the hyperlinks for a deeper insight http://www.ask-force.org/web/Genomic-Misconception-1/Ammann-Kuntz-Euractiv-Gene- Editing-Debate-English-original-20160112.pdf

Fresh EU-US trade spat brewing over new plant breeding techniques After Europe’s decision to keep its door shut to GMOs, the European Commission is trying its best to avoid opening a new trade row with the United States over how to regulate so-called ‘new plant breeding techniques’ (NPBTs). http://www.euractiv.com/section/science-policymaking/news/fresh-eu-us-trade-spat-brewing-over- new-plant-breeding-techniques/

Trade body: Don’t lump ‘new plant breeding techniques’ in with GMOs http://www.euractiv.com/section/science-policymaking/interview/tues-trade-body-dont- lump-new-plant-breeding-techniques-in-with-gmos/

New CRISPR System Targets Both DNA and RNA http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/new-crispr-system-targets-both-dna- and-rna/81252652/

Genome Editing: Was können wir von CRISPR erwarten? Veränderte Vögel und Bienen sind nur der Beginn der boomenden Gene-Editing-Technologie. Doch wie weit wird die Entwicklung gehen? http://www.spektrum.de/news/was-koennen-wir-von-crispr-erwarten/1408668

BAFU:Feldversuch mit gentechnisch veränderten Apfelbäumen teilweise bewilligt. Cis-gene modified apple trees can be released. https://www.news.admin.ch/dokumentation/00002/00015/?lang=de&msg-id=61580

Sprink T., Eriksson D., Schiemann J. & Hartung F. (2016): Regulatory hurdles for genome editing: process- vs. product-based approaches in different regulatory contexts. Plant Cell Rep. DOI 10.1007/s00299-016-1990-2 pfd-file W18-03

Conko G., Kershen D.L., Miller H. & Wayne A Parrott W.A. (2016): A risk based approach to the regulation of genetically engineered organisms. Nature Biotechnology 34, 493–503; doi:10.1038/nbt.3568 (http://bit.ly/1QV17I0) pdf-file W18-04

H Strauss S.H. & Sax J.K. (2016): Ending event-based regulation of GMO crops .Nature Biotechnology 34, 474-477; doi:10.1038/nbt.3541 (http://bit.ly/1TwChQK) Pdf-file W18-05

Carroll D., Alison L., Eenennaam V., F Taylor J.F.., Seger J. & Voytas D.F. (2016): Regulate genome-edited products, not genome editing itself. Nature Biotechnology 34, 477-479 ; doi:10.1038/nbt.3566 .(http://bit.ly/1UHLSZS) pdf-file 18-6

Matthias Fladung M. (2016): Cibus' herbicide-resistant canola in European limbo. Nature Biotechnology 34, 473 – 474; doi:10.1038/nbt.3558

Carlson D. F. et al. (2016): Production of hornless dairy cattle from genome-edited cell lines. Nature Biotechnology 34, 479-481; doi:10.1038/nbt.3560

Schaart, J. G., van de Wiel, C. C. M., Lotz, L. A. P., & Smulders, M. J. M. (2016):. Opportunities for Products of New Plant Breeding Techniques. Trends in Plant Science, 21(5), pp. 438-449. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2015.11.006 pdf-file W18-02

Vergleich Zulassungsverfahren USA und EU / Comparison of procedure for approval of gm crops in the states and EU Smart R.D., Blum M. Wesseler J. (2016): Trends in genetically engineered crops´approval times in the united states and the European Union. Working Paper 2016-03 ; QUEEN’S Management School, Queen’s University Belfast ftp://ftp.qub.ac.uk/pub/users/repec/qub/wpaper/MS_WPS_ECO_16_03.pdf Abstract: Genetically engineered (GE) crops are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure their safety for humans and the environment. Their approval in the European Union (EU) starts with an application in a given Member State followed by a scientific risk assessment, and ends with a political decision-making step (risk management). In the United States (US) approval begins with a scientific (field trial) step and ends with a ‘bureaucratic’ decision-making step. We investigate trends for the time taken for these steps and the overall time taken for approving GE crops in the US and the EU. Our results show that from 1996-2015 the overall time trend for approval in the EU decreased and then flattened off, with an overall mean completion-time of 1,763 days.In the US in 1998 there was a break in the trend of the overall approval time. Initially, from 1988 until 1997 the trend decreased with a mean approval time of 1,321 days; from 1998-2015, the trend almost stagnated with a mean approval time of 2,467 days. Pdf-file: W18-01

Punt M.J., Wesseler J. (2015): Legal But Costly: An Analysis of the EU GM Regulation in the Light of the WTO Trade Dispute Between the EU and the USA:- The World Economy - Wiley Online Library: DOI:10.1111/twec.12353 pdf-file W18-07 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/twec.12353/epdf

Glyphosat / Glyphosate In Prinzip sehr ähnliche Arbeit wie zu Regenwürmern* / In principle a very similar research on earthworms*, similar results! Nicolas V., Oestreicher N., Vélot C. (2016): Multiple effects of a commercial Roundup® formulation on the soil filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans at low doses: evidence of an unexpected impact on energetic metabolism. Environ Sci Pollut Res. DOI 10.1007/s11356- 016-6596-2 pdf-file W18-9 Part of the abstract: Altogether, our data indicate that GBH toxic effects on soil filamentous fungi, and thus potential impairment of soil ecosystems, may occur at doses far below recommended agricultural application rate. (Keine Wertung aber von CRIIGEN und Université de Caen / No assessment, but CRIIGEN and University of Caen (Seralini) * Piola L, Fuchs J, Oneto ML, Basack S, Kesten E, Casabé N (2013): Comparative toxicity of two glyphosate- based formulations to Eisenia andrei under laboratory conditions. Chemosphere 91:545–551

Brief von Martin Häusling (MdEP) Harald Ebner (MdB) (Bündnis 90/ Die Grünen) an Landwirtschaftsminister Schmidt zur Neuzulassung von Glyphosat / Letter from Martin Häusling (MEP) Harald Ebner (MdB) (Green Party) to Minister of Agriculture Schmidt on re- approval of glyphosate (only in German) (W18-10) http://bio-markt.info/files/images/PDFs/5_BriefEbner_Ha%CC%88usling_Glyphosat.pdf Entschließung des Europäischen Parlaments vom 13. April 2016 zu dem Entwurf einer Durchführungsverordnung der Kommission zur Erneuerung der Genehmigung des Wirkstoffs Glyphosat gemäß der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1107/2009 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über das Inverkehrbringen von Pflanzenschutzmitteln und zur Änderung des Anhangs der Durchführungsverordnung (EU) Nr. 540/2011 (D044281-01 – 2016/2624(RSP)) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA-2016- 0119+0+DOC+XML+V0//DE

Verschiedenes / Miscellaneous Food Safety U.S. and Canada agree their food safety systems are comparable http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2016/05/u-s-and-canada-agree-their-food-safety-systems- are-comparable/#.VyysxEeuj0w Man beachte: die Systeme sind vergleichbar, aber nicht kompatibel / Please note, the systems are comparable but not compartible.

Coexistence Ricci B., Messéan A.; Lelièvre A., Coléno F.-C., Frédérique Angevin F. (2016): Improving the management of coexistence between GM and non-GM maize with a spatially explicit model of cross-pollination. European Journal of Agronomy 77, 2016, 90–100 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1161030116300703?np=y Abstract: The European Commission have established the concept of coexistence, according to which, farmers should be able to grow whatever type of agricultural crops they wish (genetically modified (GM), conventional or organic), provided that they comply with the legal obligations for labeling and/or purity standards. In the case of maize, the main factor conditioning the feasibility of coexistence is gene flow from GM fields to other types of production. The distance between fields has been identified as a key factor governing this gene flow. As a consequence, the existing regulations mostly concern the maintenance of a fixed isolation distance between GM fields and the closest non-GM field. However, other factors, such as temporal dynamics of pollen shedding, wind, relative field sizes and shapes and the spatial distribution of the different types of fields, may greatly modulate the effect of distance. Moreover, uniform distance-based rules create a “domino effect”, in which it is difficult for GM crops and non-GM crops to co-exist at the landscape scale. In this study, we hypothesized that the use of a spatially explicit gene-flow model, MAPOD®, would result in a significant gain in proportionality and freedom of choice for the farmer over uniform distance-based rules. To test this hypothesis, we performed a global sensitivity analysis on this process-based model but, instead of exploring a random set of situations, the sensitivity analysis was carried out on a subset of realistic scenarios based on farmers’ strategies. To select those scenarios, we constructed a multicriteria decision-making model describing the decision process used by farmers when deciding whether or not to grow GM maize, and used this model to generate realistic allocation scenarios for GM, non-GM conventional and organic maize cultivation. We showed that the coexistence method based on the MAPOD® model allowed the presence of a higher percentage of GM maize in the landscape than the distance-based method. This made it possible to follow the farmer’s field intended allocations more closely, whilst complying with the legal threshold requirements. This gain in proportionality was greater at high maize densities, for which the distance-based method allowed almost no cultivation of GM crops. However, in case of high proportions of organic fields, our study indicated that coexistence between GM maize and organic maize at the landscape level is difficult, if not impossible in case of farm-saved seeds, without a spatial aggregation of fields, leading de facto to separate non-GM and GM zones. Finally, the use of MAPOD® resulted in better discrimination between acceptable and risky situations, and greater flexibility, which is crucial for the implementation of an efficient coexistence strategy.

Velez A.M., Vellichirammal N.N., Jurat-Fuentes J-L., Blair D Siegfried B.D. (2016): Cry1F resistance among lepidopteran pests: a model for improved resistance management? Current Opinion in Insect Science 2016, 15:xx–yy; doi:10.1016/j.cois.2016.04.010 pdf W-18- 12 Abstract: The Cry1Fa protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is known for its potential to control lepidopteran pests, especially through transgenic expression in maize and cotton. The maize event TC1507 expressing the cry1Fa toxin gene became commercially available in the United States in 2003 for the management of key lepidopteran pests including the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. A high-dose/refuge strategy has been widely adopted to delay evolution of resistance to event TC1507 and other transgenic Bt crops. Efficacy of this strategy depends on the crops expressing a high dose of the Bt toxin to targeted pests and adjacent refuges of non-Bt host plants serving as a source of abundant susceptible insects. While this strategy has proved effective in delaying O. nubilalis resistance, field-evolved resistance to event TC1507 has been reported in S. frugiperda populations in Puerto Rico and the southeastern United States. This paper examines available information on resistance to Cry1Fa in O. nubilalis and S. frugiperda and discusses how this information identifies opportunities to refine resistance management recommendations for Bt maize.

Socio-economic aspects Kathage J., Gómez-Barbero M., Rodríguez-Cerezo E. (2015):JRC SCIENCE AND POLICY REPORTS: Framework for the socio-economic analysis of the cultivation of genetically modified crops. European GMO Socio-Economics Bureau 1st Reference Document pdf-file (W18-13)

Framework for assessing the socio-economic impacts of Bt maize cultivation (2016): European GMO Socio-Economics Bureau (ESEB) 2nd Reference Document 11 April 2016 pdf-file W18-14

Inghellbrech L. (2016): GM crops in the EU as a wicked problem. On technology, morality and polarised debate. This PhD thesis is a sociological view on GMO Science and Policy in the EU. Pdf-file (W18-15) ca.4 MB if interested, you can order it at WGG

Climate change Zhu Z. et al. (2016): Greening of the Earth and its drivers. Nature Climate Change doi:10.1038/nclimate3004 http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate3004.html

Organic food versus convention foods Smith-Spangler C. et al. (2012): Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives? A Systematic Review Ann Intern Med. 157:348-366. pdf-file (W18-08) Conclusion: The published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods. Consumption of organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Why vitamins and nutrients are disappearing from non-GMO food https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2016/05/03/vitamins-nutrients-disappearing-non- gmo-food/ siehe auch / have also a look on: MediaWikiMoms Across America pfd-file W18-17

Enjoy! Put words into the mouth of politicians

Vice Chancellor Gabriel: That with the gene mani- pulated foods, I also do not like…….

Chancellor Merkel: You have to cook it at 100 degrees, than all the genes are dead!

Der Spiegel