Biotech Updates

Source of Regulated Protein in CL131 Rice Identified

March 30, 2007

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) identified LLRICE604 as the source of regulated genetic material in Clearfield 131 (CL131) rice variety. LLRICE604 was developed by Bayer CropScience to be herbicide tolerant. It contains a protein phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (PAT), which has a long history of safe use and is present in many deregulated products. At this time, APHIS has not received a petition from Bayer to deregulate LLRICE604. Because of this, producers will not be permitted to plant any CL131 seed that is currently on hold.

 The press release is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/03/protein_clearfield131rice.shtml.