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Genetically-modified Pineapple Crop Trials 1999-2008 by Geoff Lawn

 

 

The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) are both involved in the genetic modification of pineapples. Field trials of GM pineapples (Ananas comosus ‘Smooth Cayenne’) were previously approved under the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC) system and recently, licences have been granted for the continuation of trials. The UQ pineapple plants have been modified to control flowering. The organization was granted its original licence to conduct field trials in 1999. With the current licence granted under the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), the proposed field trials will continue until 2007. The QDPI have modified pineapple plants for blackheart reduction (browning of the heart) and to delay flowering. The approval of this application enables continuation of the trials that commenced in 2000 under the GMAC system, until 2008. For further details on the UQ’s application, visit : www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/dir027.htm The QDPI application, visit : www.ogtr.gov.au/ir/dir028.htm

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