Biotech Updates

Maize Streak Virus-Resistant GM Corn

July 13, 2007

Maize streak virus is an endemic pathogen of native corn which was carried to the cultivated corn through green leafhoppers. Centuries of breeding for resistance have produced no resistant plants.

Scientists at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and the South African Seed Company, PANNAR Pty Ltd. declared that genetic modification of the viral replicating genes and its insertion into the maize genome confers resistance to the pathogen. Their transgenic maize has proven consistently resistant to MSV, and the trait can be reliably transferred on to the next generation and in crosses to other varieties. Further studies on the effectiveness of the technology in the field and its unintended effects on beneficial organisms will be conducted in an upcoming field trial.

For details read http://www.aspb.org/INDEX.cfm.