February 14, 2008

Swiss approves sowing of GM wheat for experiments

The Swiss Federal Department of the Environment recently approved the experimental sowing of GM wheat in the spring at the Agricultural Research Institute of Zurich-Reckenholz.

The department said researchers were able to provide the required evidence that antibiotic-resistance genes are not found in the two varieties of wheat. Furthermore, an emergency planning has also been completed. 

University of Zurich wanted to investigate wheat plants with increased specific resistance to powdery mildew fungal disease as well as to crosses of wheat with the wild grass, Aegilops cylindrica. Researchers aimed to plant wheat with increased fungal resistance. 

Meanwhile, organizations like Greenpeace, expressed disapproval on the move, saying the Swiss department's decision was based on incomplete data.