Biotech Updates

US Environmental Assessment for GE Eucalyptus Hybrid Field Release Available

June 8, 2012

An environmental assessment for a proposed controlled field release of a genetically engineered clone of a Eucalyptus hybrid was prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The field release is intended to assess the effectiveness of gene constructs contained in the hybrid for cold tolerance, change in lignin biosynthesis, and improved growth and flowering.

APHIS has concluded, based on the review of scientific information and considering comments from the public, that the field release is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk or to have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment. Thus, the agency has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for this field release.

See the news announcement at.http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-06-06/pdf/2012-13760.pdf.