Biotech Updates

USDA Clears GM Tall Fescue

January 7, 2015

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cleared the regulatory status of planting genetically modified tall fescue developed by Scotts Miracle-Gro. The glyphosate resistant turfgrass variety has genes from other plants which were incorporated into the plant cell using a gene gun. According to USDA, the transformation method did not involve the use of plant pest or unclassified organisms for gene transfer. Thus, USDA has no authority to regulate the tall fescue. Aside from resistance from glyphosate, the tall fescue was also developed to be shorter, thicker, and darker in color.

Read the official document released by APHIS at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/downloads/reg_loi/brs_resp_scotts_tall_fescue_air.pdf.