William Atkins
Saturday, 28 June 2008 19:51
Science -
Climate
Page 1 of 2
Under the drought conditions present in Australia, scientists are testing genetically modified wheat that is drought-resistant. Will Australia accept such GM wheat?
According to the Victoria
Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Melbourne, Australia, twenty-four strains of GM wheat were tested on Australian fields in Mildura and Horsham, both in the state of Victoria.
Each strain contained a gene from one of four plants—maize, moss, yeast or Arabidopsis (small flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard). The
Molecular Plant Breeding Co-operative Research Centre has been conducting the tests.
Two GM strains—with genes from maize and yeast—produced yields that were 20% better than the non-GM strain while under drought conditions.
When under normal conditions, given proper amounts of water through irrigation, the non-GM strain produced the same yield as the GM strains.
The results of the field test were presented by plant biologist
German Spangenberg at the
2008 Bio International convention, which was held in San Diego, California, U.S.A., from Thursday, June 17 to Friday, June 20, 2008. The trade group
Biotechnology Industry Organization (Bio) hosted the convention.
Dr. Spangenberg is currently the institute director of the Plant Biotechnology Centre, Agriculture Victoria, Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment and adjunct professor with the School of Botany at La Trobe University, Melbourne.
Spangenberg stated during his presentation that wheat yields in the 2006-2007 season were down by about 70% due to drought. He also said that 35 to 50% of the world’s wheat-growing areas are at risk for drought, including the countries of Australia, United States, China and India,
Professor Spangenberg stated, "These are very encouraging results. Drought is a major issue, not only for Australian agriculture but also globally." [Age.com.au: “
GM wheat yields hope for big dry”]
More informatioan on GM-wheat research follows.
