Biotech Updates

2nd Phase of Teagasc GM potato Study Begins in Carlow

June 13, 2013

Teagasc is set to begin the second phase of its study on the environmental impact of blight resistant potatoes. This study commenced in 2012 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave consent to Teagasc to carry out field trials at Oak Park, Carlow from 2012 to 2016.

About 5,000 potato plants will be included in the 2013 study. One-third will be GM potato Desiree, another third Non-GM Desiree, and the remaining third will be organic variety Sarpo Mira. Sarpo Mira is included in the study to determine how Irish blight strains respond to separate resistant variety.

The study is part of the European Union-funded project known as Amiga, with partners in 15 EU states all focused on research to assess the impact of GM plants on agro ecosystems. The Teagasc study aims to study the impact of the GM potato on soil microorganisms. Teagasc will be holding an open day on GM crops at Oak Park on June 26, 2013 where researchers will explain the project to the visitors.

Read more about the second phase of the study at http://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2013/1965/BriefingGuildAgriculturalJournalists_24May2013.pdf. For more details about the GM potato research of Teagasc, visit http://www.teagasc.ie/news/proposed_gm_potato_research.asp.