A notice of commercial cultivation for a plant obtained from new genetic engineering (or new genomic techniques, NGTs) has been filed for the first time in Europe. Rothamsted Research filed the notice as it wants to grow its ‘fat barley’ in England. Genetic alterations in the genome of the barley are meant to increase the oil content in plant tissues. Resulting NGT plants are intended for use in feed for livestock, e.g. cattle and sheep, to increase animal production. Publications about similar experiments with other plant species show the need for environmental risk assessment.
CRISPR/Cas gene scissors were used to block the function of genes involved in lipid metabolism in the plants. These gene functions are especially important to energy supply during germination and early growth of seedlings. Breeding barley with higher oil content has been a goal for several years, but this specific genotype has never been described before. Therefore, the plants have to be viewed as new to the environment.
There is no peer-reviewed publication available for this NGT barley. However, experiments with other plant species have shown that such genetic interventions are associated with major side effects. The particular genetic intervention aims to cause a strong accumulation of lipids in the grains and other plant tissues, e.g. in stems, roots and leaves. In addition, the composition of the oil is altered. The side effects concern germination disturbances, reduced plant growth and delayed seed maturation.
Other consequences may include higher susceptibility to biotic and abiotc stressors including pest insect infestation. Insects feeding from the plants may also develop higher fitness and grow in larger populations since the NGT plants provide a more energy-rich food source.
As reported by media, there are also plans to use NGTs to produce ‘fat rye grass’. This species is known to spread quickly and widely, without any possibility of effective control.
According to planned new EU regulations, NGT barley and NGT rye grass could be released without environmental risk assessment. Therefore, Testbiotech is demanding that the EU reject the planned deregulation of NGT plants.
Furthermore, Testbiotech is of the opinion that the UK authorities should be obliged to conduct comprehensive risk assessment before making the final decision on the marketing of the NGT plants. Before factual release, one British authority still has to give its opinion.
Contact:
Christoph Then, info@testbiotech.org, Tel + 49 151 54638040
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