The Australian government research body, the CSIRO, has applied to the Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) to conduct small-scale field trials of safflowers genetically modified for increased oleic acid content. The safflowers express fragments of three safflower genes, palmitoyl-ACP thioesterase (FATB), delta-12 desaturase (FAD2) and an unnamed gene involved in the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid and palmitic acid. The CSIRO plans to test up to 190 safflower ...

The Australian industry association, CropLife Australia, has condemned the destruction of a genetically modified wheat trial by Greenpeace activists this month. “This is a dark day for Australian science and there can be no justification for this act,” says chief executive officer Matthew Cossey. “The vandalism of independent GM[O] trials is nothing but a short-sighted attempt to garner publicity.” Three Greenpeace activists destroyed the GM wheat trial at the facility of the research ...

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) of an application by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT - Brisbane) to conduct field trials of genetically modified enhanced-nutrition bananas. QUT wants to test up to 1,241 lines of the GM fruit to assess levels of pro-vitamin A and/or iron, as well as performance in field conditions. If approved, the trials would take place at a single 2 ha site between August ...

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has issued a second favourable safety assessment for Monsanto’s genetically modified omega-3 stearidonic acid (SDA) MON87769 soybeans. The soybeans express two transgenes, a delta-6 desaturase from Primula juiliae, and a delta-15 desaturase from Neurospora crassa. The enzymes catalyse the conversion of linoleic acid to alpha linolenic acid and gamma linolenic acid, which are converted to SDA. Refined oil from MON87769 soybeans contain approximately ...