By Marvyn N. Benaning
MANILA, Philippines - The number of genetically-modified (GM) crops with stacked traits will increase in time as more farmers opt for them, beginning with corn.
This prediction was made by Dr. Clarito Barron, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), after noting that 70 percent of farmers using GM corn are propagating crops with double traits and the use of three or four stacked traits may not be far off.
Barron confirmed that BPI reviewed and approved 67 transformation events, eight of which have applied for propagation.
A scientific and technical review panel (STRP) that will be doing the assessment has been augmented to hasten the process. “We will be reviewing our guidelines,” Barron assured all stakeholders.
He maintained that BPI regulatory process would continue to be covered by Administrative Order No. 8, which implements the guidelines for importation and release into the environment of plants and plant products derived using modern biotechnology.
Commercialization of Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) corn continues, he said, and noted the dominant GM crop with enhanced kernels has raised farmers’ yields and incomes while reducing the rate of soil erosion.
BPI records showed that among those reviewed for direct use as food and feed or for processing were Corn MON88017, soybean 45547-127, Corn TC1507x corn NK603, Cotton 15985 x RRFlex Cotton (MON88913) and Corn MON 88017 x Corn MON81. Corn MON89034 x corn NK603 has been approved for propagation,
For field-testing, the BPI identified the agronomic performance of transgenic corn (zea mays L.) Line TC1507 and Hybrid staked TC1507 x Mon 810 x NK603.
BPI has also inspected and validated the proposed filed trial sites for Syngenta’s corn MIR 162 and Bt11 x MIRR162 x GA21, the Cotton Development Authority’s (CODA) Bt cotton and the field trial of Golden Rice developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI.)
Barron said BPI has also been monitoring Bt eggplant and Pioneer’s TC 1507 multi-location field trials and confined trial of Golden Rice and Bt cotton.
Copyright 2012 Manila Bulletin.
