B/BE/22/V1

Host organism

Zea mays
(Maize)
Zea Mays photo

Trait

The genetically modified maize plants have a significantly better growth under environmental stress conditions that lead to DNA damage.

Trait summary

The plants have been modified using CRISPR-Cas. The CRISPR-Cas machinery was introduced into the maize using Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic modification. This resulted in the stable integration of T-DNA containing the sequences coding for the guide RNA and CAS protein into the genome of the maize. Plants with the desired edit were selected and the T-DNA was segregated out in the next generations leading to the selection of plants that only contained the desired edit but no longer contained any foreign genetic material.

Project title

Scientific field evaluation of maize with increased resistance against DNA damage causing environmental stress

Company / Institution

VIB

Year(s) of release

2022, 2023, 2024

Period of release

15/04/2022 to 31/10/2024

Location(s)

Municipality of Wetteren

Number of sites

1

Total surface

310 m²

Containment measures

The risk of spread of the modified properties to the environment is mitigated by removing the tassel, thus preventing the spread of modified pollen to non-modified maize plants in the surroundings. The formed modified seeds are, as already stated above, well retained in the cobs and these cobs will be very carefully hand harvested, thus preventing any spread of seeds to the environment. Experience with such field trials in the past 8 years has shown that the way the cobs are harvested effectively prevents any volunteers being formed. The field trial plot is surrounded by a 1.80 m high wire fence to prevent accidental trespassing and accidental removal or spread of GM material.

Status

Authorized

Type of procedure

Standard procedure - Chapter II Royal Decree 21 February 2005

Information for the public

Information related to the decision procedure

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