An application to conduct the first Australian field trial of
genetically modified (GM) wheat has been given the green light by the
federal gene technology regulator.
The trial of the new GM wheat lines, which have been modified for
drought tolerance, will take place at two sites in the shires of Horsham and
Mildura in Victoria.

The trials, to be funded by the Molecular Plant Breeding Co-operative
Research Centre and due to be planted this month, will cover a maximum total
area of 0.225 hectares.

Professor German Spangenberg from the Victorian Department of Primary
Industries, who will head up the trials, said researchers would evaluate the
agronomic performance, including yield, of the GM wheat lines under
rain-fed, drought prone conditions.

Seed would also be collected and retained for seed increase or further
experimentation (subject to additional approvals).

Up to 30 GM wheat lines will be trialled with each containing one of
six different genes for drought tolerance derived from maize, thale cress,
moss and yeast.

The GM wheat will also be compared with non-GM wheat for the ability
to secure greater yield under moderate to severe drought conditions.


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