Biotech Updates

Australian OGTR- Notification of License to Controlled Release of GM Cotton

March 4, 2011

The Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulation notifies the public on the license application from Hexima Limited for the intentional release of genetically modified (GM) cotton into the environment. The GM cotton contains a gene from tobacco to confer fungal disease resistance.

The trial will be conducted to assess resistance of the GM cotton to fungal diseases under natural field conditions. The field test is proposed to be conducted in four sites per growing season, in a maximum combined area of 1.0 ha, over three years from October 2011 to July 2014. Sites may be located in seven possible local government areas (LGAs) in Queensland and six possible LGAs in New South Wales. The GM cotton will not be used for human food or animal feed.

See the notice and the dossiers at  http://www.ogtr.gov.au/.