The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Health Inspection Service recently completed reviews of a new genetically modified Chrysanthemum and soybean variety and gave these new varieties a “thumbs up.” The reviews completed determined whether the genetically engineered plants present an increased pest risk compared to unmodified plants.
Suntory Flowers submitted for review a transgenetic variety of Chrysanthemums, an ornamental plant used for cut-flower production. The insertion of genetic materials from a disarmed soil bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, modifies the flower’s color to a violet-purple-blue color.
APHIS found these plants unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated soybean and chrysanthemum plants. As a result, they are not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340, and these plants may be safely grown and used in breeding in the United States.
The USDA’s responses are based on information from the developers and the following:
- familiarity with plant varieties,
- knowledge of the traits, and
- understanding of the modifications.
Read the complete article at www.agdaily.com.