Field trials begin for GM eggplant in the Philippines

Trials of genetically modified eggplant started in the Philippines last week, according to an entomologist from the Universit of the Philippines in Baños (UPLB)-Institute of Plant Breeding. The GM eggplant has been designed to contain the Bacillus thuringiensis gene. The GM eggplant has been called Bt Talong. The trial is taking place at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato province.

Lourdes Taylo, Ph.D., the entomologist, told BusinessWorld, “The field trial would run for about three months.”

Jenny Panopio, special project coordinator of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Biotechnology Information Center, separately confirmed the field trial of Bt Talong in the state-run university.

Frank Shotkoski, Ph.D., director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Market II at Cornell University, earlier said the field testing at the USM may run for three to four months, the normal cycle for eggplants to mature and bear fruit.