Wheat GMO Trials versus Gene Bank
18 March 2007

Several genetically modified wheat lines are currently being tested in a field trial on the site of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben, Germany. The IPK also has one of the world's largest gene banks. Well over one hundred thousand plant specimens, including wheat, have been stored there for years. Every summer, a proportion is planted in the field and propagated.

On 23 November 2006 the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) (the German authority responsible) approved the release trial of GM wheat lines with a modified protein composition. Now the BVL has recommended that the gene bank move its wheat propagation plots as a precaution.

Does the GM wheat trial represent a threat to the gene bank's work? To find out the views of the head of the gene bank, Prof. Andreas Graner visit the website:

www.gmo-safety.eu/en/news/559.docu.html