Monsanto to conduct MON88701 cotton trial in Australia

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application from Monsanto Australia Ltd for the intentional release of genetically modified cotton (MON88701) into the environment (DIR 120), which qualifies as limited and controlled release under section 50A of the Gene Technology Act 2000.

Monsanto is seeking approval to conduct a field trial of cotton genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance in order to determine the potential value of the GM cottons under Australian field conditions.

The trial is proposed to take place between October 2013 and October 2019 on up to 10 sites of 10 hectares (ha) for the first two years and up to 20 sites of 30 ha in subsequent years. Sites are to be selected from 56 possible local government areas (LGAs) in Western Australia, NSW and Queensland.

The applicant has proposed a number of control measures to restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material. The GM cotton seed will not be used for human food or animal feed, but the applicant proposes to sell lint from the trial.