Entries by Villő Bernád

Genetic gains underpinning a little-known strawberry Green Revolution

The domestication of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) traces back approximately 300 years, providing us with a relatively comprehensive genealogy of this artificial hybrid species. Strawberry yield in the US has increased by 2,755% since the 1960’s, largely owing to the California strawberry Green Revolution. Through an analysis of California strawberry germplasm, researchers have pinpointed significant factors […]

Unintended consequences of planting native and non- native trees in treeless ecosystems to mitigate climate change

Afforestation initiatives are globally underway to replace naturally treeless ecosystems with native and non-native trees. The primary objective is to enhance atmospheric carbon capture as a means to combat climate change. This review seeks to illuminate the diverse impacts of afforestation, both positive and negative, while also proposing mitigation strategies. Notably, the replacement of grasslands […]

Making genome editing a success story in Africa

The introduction of CRISPR-Cas technology in 2012 marked a significant advancement in global genome editing, yet its potential remains largely untapped in Africa, where it could address crucial challenges in agriculture, public health, and medicine. However, several obstacles hinder its full realization, as addressed in this article by Abkallo et al. These include regulatory uncertainty, […]

Comment: Unlocking the potential of agricultural biotechnology in Africa

Agricultural Biotechnology has the potential to significantly increase production, alleviate hunger, and improve global food security. However, its adoption in Africa lags behind other regions, facing challenges rooted in strict and varying policies, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient economic incentives for private-sector investment. Despite some successful initiatives in the past, the key to success lies in […]