Submissions invited on GM Arabidopsis applications
Media release
19 March 2012
Submissions invited on GM Arabidopsis applications
The Environmental Protection Authority is calling for submissions on two applications by New Zealand’s universities, Crown Research Institutes and independent research organisations to use genetically modified (GM) Arabidopsis thaliana in containment.
Arabidopsis thaliana, also known at Thale cress, is used worldwide to study plant biology and genetics.
The applications are being made on behalf of the University of Auckland, Massey University, the University of Otago, Lincoln University, Scion Research, AgResearch, ViaLactia Biosciences New Zealand, Plant & Food Research, and Canterbury University.
The group proposes all GM Arabidopsis research at these research organisations will comply with a standardised set of controls to ensure the plant remains securely contained, aligning international best practice procedures in New Zealand laboratories.
Submissions from the public are now being sought.
Read the documents .
ENDS