Biotech Updates

Scientific Field Trial with GM Potatoes Starts in Wetteren, Belgium

May 13, 2011

Field trials of genetically modified (GM) tomatoes with resistance to late blight caused by Phytophtera infestans has started under the supervision Prof. Dr. Paul Van Cauwenberge of Ghent University. This trial is part of a study that tests the efficacy of different combinations of resistance genes under Belgian climate and soil conditions.

The field trial includes 27 different GM lines, wherein the 26 are from Wageningen University and Research Center, and the other one from BASF Plant Science. These lines contain one to three resistance genes. The resistance of the GM varieties will be compared with non-resistant varieties Bintje and Agria, and resistant Bionica and Sarpo Mira, which are used in organic agriculture.

For more information, read http://www.vib.be/en/news/Pages/Scientific-field-trial-with-GM-potatoes-started-in-Wetteren.aspx.