Vandals destroy Italy’s first gene-edited rice field trial
Euroseeds condemns the destruction of Italy’s first open field trial of gene-edited rice by vandals on June 21 in northern Italy. This trial was crucial for testing the resistance of the rice, named ‘RIS8imo,’ against fungal diseases, representing a significant advance in sustainable agriculture.
RIS8imo, developed using CRISPR technology, aimed to reduce the need for fungicides through targeted mutations. Previous lab results showed promising disease resistance.
Garlich von Essen, Secretary General & CEO of Euroseeds, criticized the vandalism as a criminal act against science and public order, highlighting its detrimental impact on plant research and the development of improved crop varieties.
Led by Vittoria Brambilla’s team at the University of Milan, this trial was the first authorized under a 2023 law that streamlined procedures for gene-edited plant trials. Euroseeds calls for swift action to support researchers and prevent future incidents, emphasizing the need to respect the freedom to conduct lawful research.
Consultant in Biotechnology, Regulatory, Biosafety Engineeering, Stewardship and Project Management
8moSad for science
Independent Professional at Miriam Kooman Consultancy
8mo😥
"Bachelor's in Agriculture Sciences | Plant Pathology Specialist | Experienced Intern at Ayyub Agriculture Research Institute & Friedrich Hendrick Agriculture and Dairy Farm" France Excellence Climate change Scholar..
8moToo much work on rice now a days!Any specific reason????
Vandalizing the approved field trials of rice by activists is atrocious. These individuals cannot tolerate science and technology benefiting society. When they lack arguments to counter the science they oppose, their only response is to destroy scientific work. No government dares to take action against those indulging in vandalism. They reacted the same way years ago, destroying the field trials of Golden Rice in Philippines.