Australian OGTR Receives License Application for Commercial Release of GM Cotton

Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received license application DIR 216 from Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for the commercial cultivation of cotton genetically modified (GM) for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance (Bollgard® 3 ThryvOn™ cotton with XtendFlex® Technology).

The GM cotton also contains marker genes used for selecting plants during the early stages of research. It contains introduced genes for conferring insect resistance (4), tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba herbicides (3), antibiotic resistance marker genes (3), and visual reporter (1). Bayer seeks approval to commercially cultivate the GM cotton Australia-wide, subject to restrictions in some Australian States and Territories for marketing reasons. The GM cotton and its products will not enter general commerce, including use in human food and animal feed.

The OGTR is preparing the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the application, expected to be released for public comment and advice from experts, agencies, and authorities in July 2025, with at least 30 days for submission of comments.

For more details about this field trial, visit the DIR 216 page on the OGTR website.