Field trials have been approved by the Federal Government's Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee for CSIRO Plant Industry to continue evaluation of new cotton varieties developed through gene technology.

The small scale trials will be conducted later this year in NSW cotton regions, pending approval from the National Registration Authority. Following four years of other field trials, the first commercial release of cotton with in-built protection against pests will occur this year in what amounts to a major economic and environmental breakthrough for the industry which faces high annual chemical costs for insect pest control.

This cotton contains the INGARD gene by Monsanto, which is derived from soil-borne bacterium and provides protection against caterpillar pests.

One aspect of the new trials will be to consider the performance of cotton plants containing a second gene for protection against these caterpillars. CSIRO Plant Industry researcher Dr Danny Llewellyn said the new lines could significantly delay the period before insects learn how to beat the new defence mechanisms of the genetically-altered plants.

"By having two different genes which kill the insect, rather than one, we hope to dramatically reduce the chances of the insect building up resistance to the plant," Dr Llewellyn said. "This second gene will not just deter damaging insects, it should also make it harder for the insects to evolve a resistance mechanism to either of the genes. The insect will not just have to develop resistance to one, it will have to develop resistance to two genes at the same time - a highly unlikely event."

CSIRO Plant Industry will also be following-up field trials on transgenic plants which have been altered to give resistance to biodegradable herbicides such as glyphosate.

"It is hoped the altered plants will help us formulate more effective and comprehensive weed control strategies and reduce accidental damage to cotton plants caused by spray drift," Dr Llewellyn said.

The field trials will be carried out at the Australian Cotton Research Institute and the Plant Breeding Institute, both at Narrabri, and at other trial sites at Tambar Springs and Boggabilla. They have been approved by GMAC and will be conducted under strict environmental guidelines.

More information from: Danny Llewellyn / Lina Melero Nichele 018 697 368 mobile; 06-2476432 a.h.; 06-2465077 bus.