Biotech Updates

Promising Results of GM Barley Trial in Australia

February 3, 2012

Researchers at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) say that field trials of genetically modified barley have had positive results. The first year trials at Corrigin, Western Australia are testing the potential of salt-tolerant varieties.

ACPFG researcher Stuart Roy said that in low salt areas, GM barley yielded 20 to 30 per cent higher than non-GM barley. In salty areas, yields were up 50 to 70 per cent more grains per plant.

View the article at http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/grains-and-cropping/barley/gm-barley-trial-success/2430826.aspx

The ACPFG's central node is at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide with research nodes at the Universities of South Australia, Queensland, and Melbourne.