Biotech Updates

Notification for Deliberate Release of Mon 88017 Maize in Czech Republic

September 19, 2008

A notification report for the deliberate release of Mon 88017 maize for use in field trials in the Czech Republic has been published by the European Commission. MON 88017 expresses the modified Cry3Bb1 protein, derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kumamotoensis. Expression of this protein provides protection against certain coleopteran insect pests including members of the corn rootworm (CRW) complex (Diabrotica spp.). In addition, MON 88017 expresses the CP4 EPSPS protein, derived from Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4, which provides tolerance to glyphosate. The field trial which will be conducted at Zabovresky near Ceske Budejovice, Jihocesky region is aimed to observe phenotypic and agronomic parameters that form the basis of the planned research, and to assess the potential occurrence of direct or indirect, adverse environmental effects.

For details, see the announcement at http://gmoinfo.jrc.ec.europa.eu/gmp_report.aspx?CurNot=B/CZ/08/03