Blight resistant GM potato testing planned in the UK

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.