Corteva (previously DowDupont/Pioneer) has received two new import approvals for transgenic maize, Testbiotech reports. The plants produce insecticides and are resistant to a herbicide. CRISPR/Cas was used in one of the maize plants (DP915635) to insert additional genes into the genetic material. This is the first time the EU has approved plants developed with new genomic techniques (NGTs). The genetically engineered (GE) maize plants are registered as DP915635 and DP23211, and Corteva has filed patent applications for both events. They produce insecticides that are otherwise only found in microorganisms (DP23211) or certain tree ferns (DP915635). In addition, one maize event (DP23211) produces an artificial RNA that is intended to block vital metabolic pathways in insect larvae when they feed on the plants. These toxins were not previously present in the food chain, but there has been hardly any investigation into possible side effects. Both of the GE maize plants are resistant to the herbicide glufosinate, for which agricultural usage is banned in the EU. Testbiotech via GMWatch

 

 

Lovers of basmati rice – known as the Queen of Rice for its unrivalled taste and texture – will be dismayed to learn that the Pusa Institute of New Delhi, India is selling seed of random mutagenesis-bred herbicide-tolerant versions of basmati called RobiNOweed. The rice, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is tolerant to the herbicide imazethapyr. It is being touted as non-GMO, labour-saving, water-saving and environmentally friendly. However, the direct seeding method it's designed to be grown with favours the emergence of weeds, so the rice has to be sprayed with liberal applications of imazethapyr. This chemical damages the DNA of tree frog tadpoles and acts synergistically with glyphosate-based herbicides to damage the DNA of toads. Imazethapyr was banned in the EU in 2002. The European Chemicals Agency says, "this substance is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects... and causes serious eye damage". GMWatch

 

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