The barley lines were developed through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation Photo: Wojciech Nawrocki

The Australian University of Adelaide has filed an application for the controlled release of genetically modified wheat and barley designed to withstand a collection of abiotic stressors.

The application proposes the development of up to 30 GM wheat and barley lines on a 0.04 ha location in Adelaide, South Australia. Researchers will study if modification achieves enhanced soil boron tolerance, drought tolerance or increased beta glucan levels in the crops.

The application is currently under review by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, which seeks to protect the health and safety of people and the environment by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology. Three field trials have previously been approved in Australia studying GM wheat, examining salt tolerance, drought tolerance and altered starch content, with no adverse effects.

The wheat lines were produced by using biolistic transformation (particle bombardment technique), whilst the barley lines were developed through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation. Whilst one of the genes predicted to enhance abiotic stress tolerance has been declared Confidential Commercial Information (CCI), other genetic traits being incorporated include drought-responsive transcription factors, boron tolerance, an abiotic stress tolerance transcription factor, and cellulose synthase-like F genes for increased levels of beta glucan. 

A number of safety issues have been outlined in the application, including locating the trial site over 1,000m from the closest wheat or barley breeding sites, surrounding the trial site with a 200m isolation zone, erecting a 1m high cyclone fence and hand harvesting plants to minimise seed spillage. The GM wheat and barley plants will not be used for human food or animal feed.

The release dates for the trials are planned for May 2008 to June 2009. The research qualifies as limited and controlled release due to its principle purpose of experimentation and the proposed limits on size and duration.

The Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) review for the application is expected to be released mid-March 2008.
By Rebecca Debens

> Not a subscriber? Subscribe

MORE NEWS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

Australian application for abiotic tolerant wheat and barley
 Arcadia completes first field trial for drought-tolerant crops
‘Climate-ready’ crops for developing world