Genomic tools should mean faster seed solutions [Video]

New genomic discovery methods will help farmers deal with older genetically modified crop traits that are no longer working as well as they used to.

Mushrooms a booming business

Ninety per cent of mushrooms grown year-round in Canada are Agaricus (white, button, cremini, portabella), and despite their small stature, mushrooms carry a significant health punch including antioxidants, prebiotic fibre, naturally occuring vitamin D and, for example, a portabella mushroom contains roughly the same amount of potassium as a banana.

For example, corn rootworm is developing resistance to the Bt traits that have for years controlled the significant corn pest in North America.

Why it matters: Pests like rootworm are called “billion dollar pests” and their impacts on agriculture are significant.

New genomic tools like genome sequencing and the ability to stack genes through CRISPR gene editing mean that there will be solutions.

Tim Kelliher, head of crop, trait and technology discovery for field crops at Syngenta …