US approves drought-resistant wheat

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that HB4®️ Wheat, developed in Argentina by Dr. Raquel Chan and her CONICET team together with a group of researchers from the Universidad Nacional del Litoral and Bioceres to give it greater tolerance to drought, has received authorization for cultivation in the United States. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted an exhaustive evaluation and determined that HB4®️ Wheat does not present a risk compared to conventional wheat. This decision is based on a detailed review that included the analysis of the phenotype of this genetically modified wheat, its possible impact on the environment and its characteristics. APHIS concluded that HB4®️ Wheat does not itself represent or contribute to plant pests and is therefore not subject to regulation under 7 CFR Part 340. As a result, HB4®️ Wheat, as well as any progeny derived from it, may be grown in the U.S. without restrictions. This authorization also applies ...