The GM lines will effectively eliminate the need for the separate purchase of phosphate supplements and maize, saving time, machinery and labour Photo: Tomek Celmer

Chinese company Origin has obtained a licence to the world‘s first genetically modified phytase maize.   It is expected to be on of the first GM maize lines to be approved and commercially sold in China’s domestic market.

The potential global market for phytase has been marked at $500 million, with $200 million for China alone, according to the China Feed Industry Study. The maize seed market in China is estimated at $1 billion.

Phytase is currently used as an additive to break down phytic acid in maize being used as animal feed, alongside increasing phosphorus absorption in animals by up to 60%. The GM lines will effectively eliminate the need for the separate purchase of phosphate supplements and maize, saving time, machinery and labour, as well as allowing animals to directly absorb more phosphate and subsequently reducing feed costs.   

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The maize has been developed and licensed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science (CAAS), the result of 7 years of study.   Dr. Yun-Liu Fan, CAAS scientist and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, spoke of the impact of the research. “Genetic modification is the world class standard and that is where China is moving,” she says. “Our genetically modified corn will reduce the need for such phosphate supplements and reduce feed costs.”

The maize has passed the Ministry of Agriculture’s evaluations for safety in the transgenic intermediate-test and environmental-release stages, and is currently in the final stage of evaluation for production test safety.

The maize is set for commercial launch in 2009.

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