Biotech Updates

GM Barley Trial in Germany

June 11, 2009

Germany's Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety has given the Justus Liebig University in Geissen the green light to field test transgenic barley lines resistant to the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia. Rhizoctonia is an important pathogen affecting a broad range of crops. It causes the dreaded stunting disease in barley.

The trial will take place in Thulendorf in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The purpose of the limited release is to assess the effect of genetically modified plants on beneficial soil microorganisms. The Justus Liebig University is bound to adopt certain measures to restrict the dissemination and persistence of GM plant materials in the environment. They will monitor the field for volunteer plants, up to two years after the release.

To learn more, visit http://www.bvl.bund.de/nn_495478/DE/08__PresseInfothek/01__Presse__und__Hintergrundinformationen/01_
_PI__und__HGI/GVO/2009/gerste.html__nnn=true