THE OFFICE of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a licence application (DIR 166) from Queensland University of Technology to conduct, under field conditions, trials of chickpea into which genes have been introduced to confer tolerance to drought and other environmental stress.
The trial would be proposed to take place between July 2019 and December 2024, on a single site with a maximum 3 hectares site at the QDAF Walkamin Research Facility, subject to control measures that restrict the spread and persistence of the GM plants and their introduced genetic material.
The GM chickpea would not be used for human food or animal feed.
The OGTR is preparing a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for the application. This is expected to be released for public comment and advice from experts, agencies and authorities in mid-March 2019. There will be at least 30 days for submission of comments.
Source: OGTR
Application summary ‘here’.
HAVE YOUR SAY