Biotech Updates

Limited Release of GM Wheat and Barley in Australia

May 8, 2009

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has submitted an application to the country's Gene Technology Regulator for the limited release of 17 wheat lines and 10 barley lines genetically modified for enhanced nutrient utilization efficiency. The trial will take place at one site in the Australian Capital Territory on a maximum area of 1 ha from 2009-2012. The transgenic barley and wheat lines carry an unnamed metabolic enzyme gene from barley. They also contain the antibiotic resistance marker genes nptII and hpt from E. coli.

The Gene Technology Regulator has prepared a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application which concludes that the proposed release poses negligible risks to people and the environment. CSIRO is bound to implement measures to restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and the introduced genetic material.

More information is available at http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir094