Transgenic crops are cultivated in 29 countries around the world. Modern plant breeding makes use of various genetic engineering methods in addition to traditional cross-breeding. In Germany, the cultivation of GM plants (genetically modified plants) is prohibited. However, the import of transgenic animal feed and plant-based raw materials is permitted. In addition to traditional methods, the training focused on new genome editing techniques using CRISPR/Cas9 using the example of resistance of cultivated wheat to mildew and the current global situation of GMP cultivation. This includes the most important transgenic plants, their cultivation areas, their transgenic properties and the legal framework for GMP products.
“The lecture was very varied and I will be able to implement some of it in the classroom,” summarized one participant. If you want to get to know the methods presented in practice and learn a lot about genetics in the process, book the 2-day student course on green genetic engineering at XLAB.