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FRANCE – GM GRAPE RESEARCH RESUMES
11 November 2005. Source: CropBiotech Update
FRANCE GM GRAPE TRIALS RESUME
Nature Biotechnology reports that field trials of genetically modified (GM) grapevine rootstocks have resumed in France. These vines are designed to resist infection to grapevine fanleaf nepovirus, a virus transmitted by the soil nematode Xiphinema index, as well as infected seeds. No naturally occurring resistance genes are available in wild grapevines, ruling out traditional breeding methods as an alternative.
The trials come after a six-year suspension, and are now being carried out by researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA). According to Olivier Lemaire, project leader, the technology will not be patented, allowing all wine growers to use GM rootstocks. He also adds that the grape scion will remain non-GM, "making the acceptability of such a strategy easier for society."
In line with the resumed field trials, strict biosafety measures, are in place, and were decided upon by a local steering committee made up of researchers and consumer groups, among other concerned sectors. Only the rootstocks are GM, and non-GM scions of Pinot Miunier, a grape variety not used in wine-making, will be grafted on top of the rootstocks.
As added precautions, floral buds from the rootstocks will be cut off. Currently, over 1,500 non-GM rootstocks have been planted to surround the 70 GM rootstocks being tested.
Subscribers to Nature Biotechnology can access the article in brief at http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051031/pf/nbt1105-1329_pf.html. Visit INRA at http://www.inra.fr.
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