Drought Tolerant Wheat Yields 20 Percent More

Field trials of wheat genetically modified (GM) to be drought-tolerant have shown good results, according to scientists, with some lines producing yields 20 percent higher than non-GM varieties. Twenty four wheat lines containing five different modifications (from maize, moss, Arabidopsis and yeast) were tested, and of those, seven were identified providing higher yields under drought stress.

 “These initial results are very promising and suggest that these genetically modified wheat lines may be part of the solution to help farmers maintain and improve their crop yields in a changing global environment,” Victorian Premier John Brumby said. He further noted that with average yields worth approximately $300 million in Victoria alone, a 20 per cent boost could provide as much as $80 million to the wheat industry.

As the results require confirmation in next season’s field trials, Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries has submitted an application to the Federal Gene Technology Regulator to extend the trials over the next two years. Scientists hope to have the world’s first transgenic wheat approved for commercial release in six to 10 years.

The press release is available at http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/8fc6e140ef55837cca256c8c00183cdc/
6f38cf7c7d8376deca25746d000a1788!OpenDocument