• Member Login
• Sitemap
• Contact
• RSS feed

VIB applies for field trial with taller maize IB applies for field trial with taller maize

21/12/2011

VIB has submitted an application for a field experiment with genetically modified maize. The maize becomes taller than conventional maize – at least in a greenhouse. The field experiment is to show whether or not the maize also becomes taller under normal agricultural conditions and whether the plants are suited to be planted closer together. This could contribute to a higher yield. The permit is requested for three seasons, starting in 2012. The field experiment will be carried out in Wetteren on grounds of the Agriculture and Fisheries Research Institute (ILVO), a scientific institution of the Flemish government.

VIB-research in the field

The genetically modified maize plants are the fruit of the work of VIB-scientists led by Dirk Inzé and Hilde Nelissen. They are performing research on yield increase already for years. For this they study the growth and development of plants. The field trial itself is part of research the team is performing in the context of the University of Ghent project ‘Biotechnology for a Sustainable Economy’. The scientific field experiment is the full responsibility of VIB and is financed with own means. VIB scientist Frank Van Breusegem coordinates the execution of the field experiment.

Higher production of ‘stretching-enzyme’

The maize plants become taller because they make more of the enzyme GA20-oxidase. This enzyme is involved in the regulation of the growth of the plants. The higher production of the enzyme makes that the plants stretch more and become taller. Plants with higher levels of the growth factors involved are already present among the cereal crops we grow. A well-known example of plants with a low amount are the so-called semidwarf varieties that are at the basis of the Green Revolution. In the maize plants for the field experiment the opposite has happened – the production of the growth factors are higher.

Measures to prevent spread

The researschers will take of the male flowers – the tassels – of the genetically modified maize plants. In this way the plants are not able to spread pollen to other maize plants. Also seeds are not able to spread. These are firmly attached to the cobs that will be carefully harvested manually.

Procedure

The federal ministers for Public Health and for Environment Onkelinx and Wathelet are the authorities responsible for field trial permits. The Flemish minister for Environment, Schauvliege has a veto right in the procedure. Interested persons can read the field trial application on the website of the Federal Government Services Public Health, Safety of the Food Chain and Environment, and at the municipality hall in Wetteren during the period of the public consultation that is open from 22 December 2011 until 22 January 2012.

Source: VIB