Download DIR 131 - Questions and Answers on licence decision

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
February 2015
Questions & Answers on licence DIR 131 –
Field trial of genetically modified (GM) safflower
What does this licence allow?
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has received
approval to trial, under limited and controlled conditions, safflower plants that have been
genetically modified to alter the oil composition in the seed. The field trial may take place between
February 2015 and August 2019 at up to 60 sites in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, ACT
and Western Australia. The maximum cumulative planting area of the trial is 850 hectares over the
4 seasons.
What is the purpose of the trial?
The primary purpose of the field trial is to evaluate the oil content and agronomic performance of
GM safflower under field conditions in various regions around Australia, and provide enough
extracted oil for product development and testing in industrial processes. The GM safflower is not
permitted for use in human food or animal feed.
How has the GM safflower been modified?
The GM safflower has been modified to alter the oil profile in the seed, specifically to increase the
level of oleic acid and decrease the levels of other fatty acids. Oleic acid comprises 90-95% of the
fatty acid of the GM safflower, compared to up to 80% oleic acid in non-GM safflower. The
increased oleic acid was achieved by suppressing the expression of three endogenous safflower
genes involved in oil production. High purity oleic acid has potential application as a raw material
for industrial applications.
In addition, the GM safflower contains an introduced selectable marker gene derived from a
common gut bacterium, and in some cases a second marker gene derived from a jellyfish. These
genes were used to identify genetically modified plant cells and plants during initial development of
the GM plants in the laboratory.
What controls have been imposed for this release?
The Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application concludes that the
proposed release poses negligible risks to people or the environment. However, a range of licence
conditions will limit the size, locations and duration of the release, as well as restrict the spread and
persistence of the GM safflower and the introduced genetic material. Control measures include
conditions that require containment of plants at the trial sites, secure transport and storage of the
GM plant materials, and post-harvest monitoring at the trial site to ensure all GM safflower plants
are destroyed.
Want more information?
A number of documents relating to this decision are available on the DIR 131 page of the OGTR
website or via Freecall 1800 181 030. These documents include the finalised RARMP, a summary
of the RARMP and the licence.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
Tel: 1800 181 030
E-mail: [email protected]
OGTR website