Biotech Updates

Application for Commercial Release of Widestrike Cotton in Australia

November 7, 2008

Dow AgroSciences Australia Ltd. has submitted an application to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for the commercial release of the insect-resistant Widestrike cotton in Australia. The GM cotton contains the Bt genes cry1Ac and cry1F, which confer resistance to a range of major lepidopteran caterpillar pests. It also contains the selectable herbicide tolerance marker gene pat.

Dow proposes that the GM cotton will be grown in all cotton growing areas of Australia and that plant material from the GM cotton would be used in the same manner as plant material from non-transgenic varieties.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has previously approved food derived from this GM cotton for human use. A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for the application will be prepared, taking into account advice received from prescribed experts, agencies and authorities.

Visit http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir091 for more information.