Articles
DEVELOPING TRANSGENIC BT-POTATO IN SOUTH AFRICA: EXPERIENCES WITH FIELD TRIAL PROTOCOLS
Article number
974_5
Pages
51 – 56
Language
English
Abstract
Twenty one field trials using a genetically modified potato cultivar containing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene were conducted between 2001 and 2007, in six provinces throughout South Africa.
The target pest was the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (PTM). Six field trial permits, as well as a permit for the conducting of contained use experiments in laboratories and a greenhouse, were issued by the Registrar of Genetically Modified Organisms Act of South Africa.
Movement of all seed tubers, planting, harvesting and storing was strictly monitored by inspectors of the Department of Agriculture.
Regular inspections during the growing season of all field trials were also carried out.
Inspectors were found to be helpful and professional, although misunderstanding regarding planting dates and locations sometimes occurred.
In some instances, the strict requirements, as stipulated in the permit, were altered, after written objections to the Registrar.
Seed tubers for all field trials had to be produced in a specially adapted greenhouse, modified to multiply mini tubers in a vermiculite substrate open hydroponic system.
Most farmers that participated in our trials were helpful and committed to our trials.
Activists critically commented on all aspects of our trials, but all their concerns could usually be addressed.
A few setbacks were experienced but it did not influence the overall objectives of the project.
At all locations where PTM occurred, the Bt-potato provided excellent control of PTM, compared to the non-transformed potato.
Six years of field trials with Bt-potatoes were conducted successfully in South Africa.
However, strict regulations, instructions and inspections always impacted on the normal potato field trial processes.
The target pest was the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (PTM). Six field trial permits, as well as a permit for the conducting of contained use experiments in laboratories and a greenhouse, were issued by the Registrar of Genetically Modified Organisms Act of South Africa.
Movement of all seed tubers, planting, harvesting and storing was strictly monitored by inspectors of the Department of Agriculture.
Regular inspections during the growing season of all field trials were also carried out.
Inspectors were found to be helpful and professional, although misunderstanding regarding planting dates and locations sometimes occurred.
In some instances, the strict requirements, as stipulated in the permit, were altered, after written objections to the Registrar.
Seed tubers for all field trials had to be produced in a specially adapted greenhouse, modified to multiply mini tubers in a vermiculite substrate open hydroponic system.
Most farmers that participated in our trials were helpful and committed to our trials.
Activists critically commented on all aspects of our trials, but all their concerns could usually be addressed.
A few setbacks were experienced but it did not influence the overall objectives of the project.
At all locations where PTM occurred, the Bt-potato provided excellent control of PTM, compared to the non-transformed potato.
Six years of field trials with Bt-potatoes were conducted successfully in South Africa.
However, strict regulations, instructions and inspections always impacted on the normal potato field trial processes.
Authors
D. Visser, W. Pett, D. Douches
Keywords
GMO potatoes, transgenic plants, inspectors, Registrar, permit conditions
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