Scientists Assess Field Performance of Cellulase-expressing Maize

Cellulases are enzymes found in nature in many bacterial, fungal and plant species that are required for the functioning of the carbon cycle. Scientists from Arkansas State University and partners conducted a preliminary study on biotech maize field-grown hybrids that express one of two cellulase genes, a fungal exocellulase (CBH I) and a bacterial endocellulase (E1).

The researchers performed field observations of whole plants and several in vitro analyses of grain. They observed minor differences between the GM hybrid plants and the non-GE control, but no significant differences in field performance and composition were noted.

Download the research article from Transgenic Research.