The first field trials of a drought-tolerant transgenic sugarcane will be carried out in Argentina

(NAP) The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina authorized field trials of a genetically modified variety of sugar cane, developed by researchers from the Obispo Colombres Agroindustrial Experimental Station (EEAOC) and by Conicet, in Tucumán. The Undersecretary of Food, Bioeconomy and Regional Development, Pablo Nardone, explained that in this case “the variety would present greater tolerance than the canes that are currently grown against periods of water scarcity greater than usual,” and added that “this quality "This is provided by the introduction of genetic information obtained from other plant species, and would result in greater resilience of the crop accompanied by an increase in its productivity." Sagyp announced that the tests in the laboratory and in greenhouses yielded satisfactory results and the ITANOA (EEAOC-CONICET) researchers received permission to carry out field tests under controlled conditions, which prevent its spread to the ...