India prepares to plant genetically-modified rubber trees

ERJ staff report (DS)

Kerala - India has given the go-ahead for limited bio-safety trials of genetically-modified versions of Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree.

The Rubber Research Institute of India at Kottayam has requested permission to conduct Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) trial of the Para RubberTree on Hb. SOD-L1 & L2 (two transgenic events (lines) developed using the same gene construct in the same species and variety) containing manganese superoxide dismutase gene (cDNA) . Trials will be conducted at two locations, namely Dapchari, Thane and Chethackal, Thombikandom, Kerala belongs to Rubber Research institute in an area of 0.4 ha.

The request was granted at a meeting of India's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee in November and trials are due to begin in the coming weeks.

The project aims to assess, “the potential of Hevea brasiliensis transgenic plant integrated with MnSOD gene forenhanced tolerance to abiotic stress and tapping panel dryness syndrome as well as toassess the capability of the plants to grow better with higher yield under adverseconditions.” TPD (tapping panel dryness syndrome ) incidence will also be recorded.

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