Field trials with genetically modified organisms
B24001: Experimental release of TEgenesis wheat
Agroscope
In this trial, plants of the winter wheat variety ArinaTE, which have been treated with the new plant breeding method TEgenesis, are being tested in the field. The aim of the trial is to investigate resistance to various fungal diseases under field conditions and to identify ArinaTE wheat lines with multiple resistances. Moreover, morphological characteristics and yield components will be analysed and compared with untreated Arina wheat lines and those subjected to classical mutagenesis. ArinaTE lines of phenotypic interest are also crossed and hybrid offspring tested in the field.
The SECB has approved the application and is looking forward to the results of the trial.
Dates and site of trial: Autumn 2024 – autumn 2029, on the Agroscope Reckenholz Protected Site.
SECB statement of 20 August 2024 (in German)
FOEN information on application B23001 and decision of 5 March 2024
B23002: Experimental release of genome-edited barley lines with increased yield potential
Agroscope
In this trial, barley lines that have been genome-edited using new genetic engineering methods are being tested in the field for the first time. Two target genes were inactivated by means of CRISPR/Cas9, the aim being to reduce cytokinin degradation in the ears, thereby prolonging spikelet formation and thus increasing yield. The trials investigate whether yield is actually higher under field conditions and whether the mutations introduced have an effect on other morphological and phenotypic traits of the barley lines.
The SECB has approved the application and is looking forward to the results of the trial.
Dates and site of trial: Spring 2024 – autumn 2026, on the Agroscope Reckenholz Protected Site.
SECB statement of 6 December 2023 (in German)
FOEN information on application B23002 and decision of 15 February 2024
Information from Agroscope on the ‘Genome-edited barley with altered yield traits’ project
B22001: Experimental release of recombinant vaccine against avian influenza
IVI
In this trial, various zoo birds are vaccinated against highly pathogenic avian influenza with a replication-deficient recombinant vaccine. The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of the vaccine and any side effects of the vaccination.
The excretion of the vaccine and the specific immune response are also being analysed at intervals.
The SECB has approved the application and is looking forward to the results of the trial.
Dates and site of trial: Autumn 2023 – autumn 2026, Bern Zoo and Basel Zoo
SECB statement of 23 February 2023 (in German)
FOEN information on application B22001 and decision of 18 April 2023
B20002: Experimental release of genetically modified Pm wheat lines with improved powdery mildew resistance
Agroscope
In this trial, which is an extension of the previously authorised trials B13001 and B18001, various additional Pm wheat lines are tested in the field for their resistance to mildew. Lines carrying one or more powdery mildew resistance genes (Pm genes) are compared with each other and with the parental lines. The trial also investigates whether there is a pleiotropic effect and whether there are changes in other agronomic parameters such as plant development and yield. Furthermore, individual allele interference is being analysed and compared with the original lines.
The SECB has approved the application and is looking forward to the results of the trial.
Dates and site of trial: Spring 2021 – autumn 2023, on the Agroscope Reckenholz Protected Site.
SECB statement of 2 February 2021 (in German)
FOEN information on application B20002 and decision of 29 March 2021
Agroscope information on the ‘Wheat with improved powdery mildew resistance’ project
B18003: Experimental release of genetically modified maize with improved resistance to various fungal diseases
University of Zurich
Purpose: Investigation of non-race-specific resistance to various fungal diseases in genetically modified maize in field conditions and possible unexpected effects of the genetic modification on the behaviour of maize in the field.
B18004: Experimental release of genetically modified barley lines with improved resistance to various fungal diseases
University of Zurich
Purpose: Investigation of non-race-specific resistance to various fungal diseases in genetically modified barley in field conditions and possible unexpected effects of the genetic modification on the behaviour of barley in the field.
B18001: Experimental release of genetically modified Pm wheat lines with improved powdery mildew resistance
University of Zurich
Purpose: Basic research into the resistance biology of wheat and the functioning of Pm resistance genes, and investigation of the effects of wheat strains with different Pm3 genes and gene combinations.
B14001: Experimental release of genetically modified potato strains with improved resistance to late blight
Agroscope Reckenholz
Purpose: Investigation of the efficacy of various inserted Rpi genes, alone or in combination, against late blight; of the phenotypic properties of the genetically modified potato strains; and of biosafety aspects.
B07001, B07002 und B07004: Experimental releases as part of NRP 59 with genetically modified wheat or of hybrids of genetically modified wheat and the closely related wild grass Aegilops cylindrica
ETH Zürich / University of Zurich
Objective: to investigate specific and quantitative resistance to mildew using transgenic wheat strains and basic research into the gene flow between wheat and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica).