UK: HTA responds to genetically modified orange petunias

Customers may ask questions about genetic modification of bedding plants, following reports in the press about GM material found in orange-flowered petunias in Finland and other EU member states, the HTA reports. They have posted some facts for staff to help handle any queries:

The HTA has alerted UK authorities to this and they will decide what action to take;
The orange-coloured petunias pose no threat to people, animals or the environment;
The petunias are not frost-hardy and neither the plants or their seeds will survive in a British winter;
The orange-flowered GM petunias cannot spread into the wild in the UK countryside;
No other UK bedding or ornamental plants contain GM material, and special EU authorisation is required for any such developments;
GM petunias are not authorised for cultivation in the EU;
There is EU authorisation for some blue-flowered cut flower carnations but they are not authorised for cultivation in the EU.

For more information
Horticultural Trades Association
Horticulture House
19 High Street
Theale
Reading
West Berkshire
RG7 5AH
T: +44 (0)118 930 3132
Fax: +44 (0)118 932 3453
NGGV: +44 (0)118 930 2092
www.the-hta.org.uk