Blight resistant GM potato testing planned in the UK

Blight resistant GM potato testing planned in the UK
februari 11, 2010
Scientists in Norfolk hope to start field trials in May of a genetically modified potato resistant to blight if they can get government approval.

The disease, which can wipe out whole harvests, costs the worldwide potato industry £3.5bn a year.

Scientists at the John Innes Centre have identified two genes from a wild variety which can resist the disease.

Following vandalism of GM crops at the site, £20,000 has been spent on a security fence and cameras.

If government department Defra approves the proposal, a three-year field trial will start in May - with the first results expected to be announced by the end of the year.

If the potato trial is successful spraying with fungicide could be reduced by 80%.

Commercial production of the GM potato could start within five years.
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