News 
 National Rural News 
 Grains and Cropping 
 Wheat 
 GM wheats outyield conventional varieties in Vic trials 

GM wheats outyield conventional varieties in Vic trials

18/06/2008 2:54:00 PM
EARLY trial results from genetically modified wheat lines developed in Victoria have shown two lines exceeded yields of conventional varieties by 20pc.

The trials were conducted in Horsham and Mildura by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

Project leader, German Spangenberg, said analysis of the crop, grown last year and harvested early this year, confirmed increased crop yields and maintenance of grain size.

"Twenty-four lines of GM wheat were tested and, of those, seven were identified as providing higher yields under drought stress," Professor Spangenberg said.

"Two lines exceeded the yield of the control experimental variety by 20pc."

The results were announced by Victorian Premier, John Brumby, this week at the BIO 2008 conference in San Diego, California.

Mr Brumby said large wheat-producing countries affected by drought, such as Australia, the US, Argentina, China and India, were having to embrace new technologies to continue to meet the demands of the global wheat market.

"These initial results are very promising and suggest that these genetically modified wheat lines may be part of the solution to help farmers maintain and improve their crop yields in a changing global environment," Mr Brumby said.

"Around the world 35-50pc of wheat-growing areas are under drought risk. The number of drought-affected wheat growing areas is likely to increase with the effects of climate change."

However, farmers must face a lengthy wait before the GM cultivars are available commercially.

Drought-tolerant GM wheat lines are some years off consideration for commercial use yet.

Send to a Friend
Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size

Comments


Many early trial results elsewhere have shown increased yields. It's further down the track that the problems begin. Check out this site http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/expose d-the-great-gm-crops-myth-812179.html from Britain's Independent newspaper... funny none of our media covered it...
Posted by Wilton on 19/06/2008 12:43:59 PM
Increase yield at what cost? Try improving soil bio first - without GM. Also stop marginal farming practices. Some areas just plain should not be cropped. Seems like the science fiction novel "Day of the Triffids" is closer than people realise.

Once you release GM you cannot undo the mistakes, which will happen, or un-intended adverse reactions to human/animal health. Destroy a staple grain and it's gone forever.

Good science needs to be reviewed and tested more thoroughly than is current commercial practice. There is too much emphasis on now and not enough to future - as in 2-3 generations or more.

Posted by Gordons on 23/06/2008 9:15:39 AM
1

Post A Comment


Screen name  *
Email address  *
Remember me?
Comment  *
We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.

17/08/2008 | The Federal Government has bolstered the cash available to buy back water licences, the greens have published their wishlist of properties to be targeted, and the drought has more farmers than ever classing themselves as 'willing sellers'. But after the water is gone, has anyone wondered what happens next?
FSA Expo
 
Beef Weeks entries
 
JB Fairfax Scholarship
 
Land Subscriptions
 
Farm Inventor
 
Horse Deals Australia
 
FET
 
FSA online