Biotech cottonseed oil moves forward in Australia to the field

Limited and Controlled Release of Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton

Australian OGTR Gene Technology regulator, August 2008

http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir085-4/$FILE/dir085notificon.rtf


Australia’s gene technology regulatory system is designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology and managing those risks.

The Acting Gene Technology Regulator is currently assessing Licence Application DIR 085/2008 from CSIRO for a limited and controlled release to undertake research with one cotton line genetically modified for altered fatty acid composition of the cottonseed oil.
The purpose of the trial is to conduct proof of concept research involving experiments to evaluate agronomic characteristics of the GM cotton line, when grown under natural field conditions, including seed germination rate, fibre yield and quality, seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. The trial is proposed to take place, under limited and controlled conditions, at one site, on a maximum of 2 ha from 2008-2009, in NSW. None of the GM plant materials from the trial would be used in human food or animal feed.


Pundit's comments:

Hopefully the oil is nutritionally enhanced, possibly with Omega 3 related acids.