Australia approves field trial for Murdoch University’s DIR 130 wheat

The Australia Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has decided to approve a limited and controlled release of DIR 130 genetically modified wheat (containing wheat genes Dx5 and Dy10 and bar gene from Streptomyces hygroscopicus) from Murdoch University. The OGTR has received an application from Murdoch University for the intentional release of this GM wheat in September this year and plans to issue risk assessment and management in December 2014. 

 

Now the consultation Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) has been prepared, which concludes that the proposed field trial would pose negligible risk to human health and safety or to the environment. A range of draft licence conditions would limit the size, location and duration of the release, as well as restrict the spread and persistence of the GMOs and the introduced genetic material.

 

Submissions should be received by close of business on 27 January 2015.