Scientists plan to grow GM crops that could oil the wheels of industry
British researchers apply for permission to begin trials but campaigners fear food chain contamination
GM CROPS to produce industrial products could be grown after scientists applied for permission to start trials in British fields.
Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Herts, wants to plant GM camelina with altered DNA so it produces “wax esters”, a natural lubricant that can be used on machinery in place of petrochemicals.
Until now the firm has only planted GM crops for human consumption, such as camelina with extra Omega-3 fish oil to boost health, or altered wheat to produce higher yields.
The company said it planned to use camelina as a “chassis” to make useful lipids, or fatty acids, which can provide alternatives to chemicals in industrial applications. But campaigners claim the outdoor trials in Herts and Suffolk pose an “unacceptable risk to people, wildlife and the wider environment”.
Twenty-six organisations including farmers, scientists, retailers and environmentalists have objected, asking Defra to refuse permission for the trial. Some warned that pollen or seeds could escape and lead to other plants growing wax esters, which they claimed could be harmful to humans.
Liz O’neill, director of GM Freeze, which opposes the patenting of genetic resources, said: “Rothamsted Research started off trying to persuade us that GM camelina would save the oceans but now they’re referring to it as a ‘chassis’ on which they will produce an array of industrial compounds.
“GM Freeze wants to help create a world in which everyone’s food is produced responsibly, fairly and sustainably. This trial would be a step in the opposite direction and should not go ahead.” Rothamsted, which has been genetically altering plants for 15 years, submitted its application in February and objections can be lodged until April 8, with a decision expected from Defra by the end of May. The company said it hoped to begin planting this year, completing trials by 2020.
Prof Jonathan Napier, leading the trial said: “We have synthesised the gene sequences involved in the production of Omega-3s and other useful compounds, such as astaxanthin and wax esters, and optimised them to be functional in camelina plants. These synthetic sequences are based on the sequence of genes found in a range of different organisms, including photosynthetic marine organisms and other lower eukaryote species, such as mosses and oomycetes.
“By using transgenic camelina as a chassis to make these useful lipids, we have an alternative source for them.”
As well as wax esters and Omega-3 alterations the plants could also be genetically altered to increase stem thickness and boost crop yields.