Biotech Updates

Invitation to Comment on GM Drought and Heat Resistant Wheat

April 16, 2010

The Office of Gene Technology Regulator in Australia is currently assessing the license application from the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) for a limited and controlled release of up to 150 lines of wheat genetically modified (GM) for enhanced carbon assimilation in drought and heat prone environments. The trial will be conducted to assess the agronomic performance that includes biomass production, grain weight, and yield of GM wheat lines under rain-fed and drought/heat prone conditions. The trial of the wheat lines will be conducted in the Queensland local government area of Redland between May 2010 and December 2013.

A consultation on the prepared Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) was announced and the Regulator welcomes written submissions on issues relating to the protection of human health and safety, and the environment. The final form will then form a basis for the issuance of the licence. The consultation RARMP and related documents can be obtained from the website under ‘What's New' or by contacting the Office. Submissions should be received by close of business on 25 May 2010.

For details and to see the documents, see http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir100-4/$FILE/dir100notificon.rtf