Biotech Updates

Australian OGTR Invites Comments for Limited and Controlled Release of GM Canola and Indian Mustard

July 16, 2010

The Australian Gene Technology Regulator is calling for comments to the license application of Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for a limited and controlled release of canola and Indian mustard lines genetically modified for herbicide tolerance and/or a hybrid breeding system. The trial is proposed to take place at up to 21 trial sites per year in 19 nominated localized growing areas in South Australia and Victoria. Each site will be a maximum of 6 ha with a total area of up to 126 ha planted annually over three years from January 2011 to February 2014.

The trials will be conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance of GM canola and Indian mustard lines under field conditions to allow selection of promising lines for future development; to increase seed stocks for future experiments; and to collect data to support potential future applications for commercial release. Comments should be submitted by close of business on 24 August 2010.

For details of this invitation and to access pertinent documents, see http://www.ogtr.gov.au/