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Four new GM cotton trials proposed
(Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002 - CropChoice news) -- The Australian Gene Technology Regulator has received four applications from
the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for
licences to undertake limited and controlled releases of genetically
modified cotton.
CSIRO proposes to trial GM cotton registered under the trade names Bollgard
IIŽ and Bollgard IIŽ/Roundup ReadyŽ cotton on 20 sites in New South Wales
and Queensland covering a total area of 42 hectares.
Bollgard IIŽ cotton produces two insecticidal proteins that are toxic to
lepidopteran caterpillar pests that attack cotton.
Bollgard IIŽ/Roundup ReadyŽ cotton is also tolerant to glyphosate, the
active constituent of the herbicide RoundupŽ. The cotton plants also contain
antibiotic resistance genes.
A trial of GM LibertyŽ cotton is proposed for one site covering an area of 2
hectares. LibertyŽ cotton is tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium,
the active constituent of the herbicides BastaŽ and LibertyŽ.
GM cotton lines containing a novel set of promoters from the sub-clover
stunt virus, is proposed for 2 sites covering a total area of 1.5 hectares.
The promoters are being used to drive the expression of an insecticidal
reporter gene. The GM cotton also contains a gene which confers tolerance to
the herbicide glufosinate ammonium.
Another trial proposes GM insecticidal cotton on 3 sites covering a total
area of 3 hectares. The GM cotton contains a new insecticidal protein that
is toxic to lepidopteran caterpillar pests that attack cotton. Some of the
GM cotton lines also contain an antibiotic resistance gene.
Copies of the risk assessment and risk management plans, as well as summary
information, can be obtained from the Office of the Gene Technology
Regulator's website at http://www.ogtr.gov.au
Submissions close 7 October 2002. | |
