Experimental GM Field Trial Uprooted in France

The National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) expressed its dismay on the uprooting of an experimental field trial for the fanleaf virus resistant genetically-modified vines last August 15, 2010. The 5 year field trial was authorized since 2005 and was sacked earlier by a single individual in September 2009. The field trial should complete the research on the efficacy of the gene against the viral disease in the GM plants as well as to test a biological control agent against the nematodes, the marigolds (Tagetes minuta) in non-GM lines.

INRA has conducted the field trials in accordance with the authorized body and strict conditions have been taken to avoid any risk of spreading the genes: the rootstocks did not produce flowers, the inflorescences of the graft were removed before flowering, and a tarp in the soil also kept the nematodes from going into the roots of GM vines. The results of the experiment would be used in the development of a technology that would allow growers to cope with the diseases and pests of vines without the use of treatment products that are costly and highly toxic.

To se the report in French, check http://www.inra.fr/presse/le_volet_ogm_d_un_programme_de_recherche_de_l_inra_saccage