Biotech Updates

Limited Release of GM Sugarcane in Australia

February 20, 2009

BSES Limited has submitted an application to the Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for the limited and controlled release of GM sugarcane lines. The lines have been genetically modified for nitrogen use efficiency, improved drought tolerance, enhanced accumulation of sucrose and other fermentable sugars and altered plant growth. The release is proposed to take place at six sites in Queensland on a maximum area of 21 hectares per year over fifteen years from 2009 to 2024. If approved, BSES is bound to adopt certain measures to restrict the dissemination of GM plant materials, such as surrounding the trial site with a pollen trap and postharvest monitoring of fields.

BSES has proposed the release of 24 transgenic sugarcane lines expressing the OsDREB1 and ZmDof1 genes from rice for increased tolerance to low water conditions and improved nitrogen use efficiency. In addition, some lines contain genes from barley and beans that are expected to alter plant architecture. No plant materials from the GM sugarcane would be used for human food or animal feed.

For more information, visit http://www.ogtr.gov.au/ The application summary is available at http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir095