TAG | Genetically modified wheat to Australia? |
|
| by William Atkins | |
| Sunday, 29 June 2008 | |
|
Page 2 of 2 Further trials are expected to be conducted over the next two growing seasons, with possibly up to fifty genetically-modified wheat strains. According to the Australian government, the 2008/2009 wheat crop in Australia is forecasted to be ten million tonnes (metric tons, or about 11 U.S. tons) greater than in 2007/2008, when the crop was damaged severely with drought. However, government officials have reduced the forecasted 2008/2009 yield by 9% due to continuing dry conditions. [New Scientist (subscription required): “Drought-resistant wheat beats Australian heat”] Environmental groups in Australia are not generally in favor of genetically modified wheat. Farmers are still considering the possibility. The Australian government is proceeding with such field tests to find out the viability and practicality of such GM strains. However, with drought conditions persisting in Australia, and other climate changes found around the world, the use of genetically modified grains may hold the answer for targeting certain modified stains for specific problem areas of the world. The use of strains of drought-resistant wheat, for instance, could be used in dry farming regions within Australia.
Get stories like this delivered daily - FREE - subscribe now
|
Tags
| < Next story in category | Previous story in the category > |
|---|
