The Hindu : National : Field trials permitted for genetically modified crops

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Sunday, Aug 19, 2007
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Field trials permitted for genetically modified crops

Special Correspondent

To be conducted under the supervision of scientists

Nod for preliminary trial of transgenic cotton, okra, rice and tomato
Trial to include flavour analysis of the product

NEW DELHI: The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has permitted large-scale field trials of genetically modified (GM) food crops in the country but with certain restrictions.

The varieties have been developed by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Mahyco.

The field trials of several varieties of Bt brinjal — the first food crop in the country — will be carried out in research farms at specified locations and not in the private fields.

The Multi Location Field Trials (MLFT) for four varieties of transgenic Bt brinjal — Co2-Bt, MDU1-Bt, KKM-Bt and PLR1-Bt — containing cry1Ac gene will be carried out at Horticulture and Research Institutes at Coimbatore, Periyakulam, Madurai, and Killikulam and Vegetable Research Station at Palur between June and September 2007 and January and April 2008 to evaluate their agronomic performance and efficacy in controlling fruit and shoot borer.

Developed by TNAU, the trials will be conducted under the supervision of University scientists. The field trials of varieties of Bt brinjal developed by Mahyco will be conducted at 11 locations in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutional farms under the supervision of the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) at Varanasi.

The GEAC also permitted preliminary trials of transgenic cotton, Bt okra, Bt rice and Bt tomato.

The field trials of Bt brinjal developed by Mahyco will be carried out under the direct supervision of the Director IIVR and would have to comply with the Supreme Court directions stating that all trials should have a lead scientist’s name who would be responsible for all aspects of the trial including regulatory requirements, an isolation of 200 metres would be maintained during field trials and before bringing the GM material from the green house for conduct of open field trial, the company should confirm that there has been no contamination. The two year trial will also include a flavour analysis of the product as it is a food crop.

Economic study

A detailed socio economic study as prescribed by a three-member sub-committee will also be conducted.

Results from all studies would be reviewed along with the socio-economic study to decide on the introduction of Bt brinjal in India.

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