Biotech Updates

Field Trials of GM Potato Begins in Norfolk

June 18, 2010

Scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory have started the field trials of genetically modified (GM) potato in Norfolk. This GM potato has resistance to the naturally-occurring infectious agent Phytophthora infestans, which causes late blight disease in potatoes and culprit of the Irish potato famine. This genetically-modified variety, labeled as Desiree, contains two genes from inedible wild species of potatoes.

"UK potato growers spray crops 10-15 times a year and in 2007 Europe ran out of chemicals to control blight, it was such a wet year. If our research is successful, this will cut chemicals and carbon dioxide generated by the use of tractors," Prof. Jonathan Jones of the Sainsbury Laboratory explained.

Visit http://www.ifst.org/about_ifst/hotspot/30200/GM_potato_trial_begins_in_Norfolk for addtional information.