Indian Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
Indian Genetic Engineering Approval Committee met The 83rd meeting of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee considered of applications for commercial release of Bt cotton expressing approved gene events along with other issues yesterday.

Among other issues discussed were Hybrids expressing Cry 1 Ac gene (MON 531 event), Hybrids expressing stacked genes Cry 1AC & Cry 2Ab (Mon 15985 event), Hybrids expressing genes (Cry 1Ab -Cry 1Ac ) “GFM Cry 1A”, Hybrids expressing Cry 1Ac event -1, applications for field trials of Bt cotton expressing approved gene events in the North Zone during Kharif, 2008 as recommended by the MEC/RCGM, Hybrids expressing Cry 1 Ac gene (MON 531 event), Hybrids expressing stacked genes Cry 1AC & Cry 2Ab (Mon 15985 event) ,Hybrids expressing genes (Cry 1Ab -Cry 1Ac ) “GFM Cry 1A” and Hybrids expressing Cry 1Ac event -1, applications for field trials of Bt cotton expressing new gene events in the North Zone during Kharif, 2008 as recommended by the MEC/RCGM.

Application submitted by M/s. Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co. Ltd., Maharashtra for permission to conduct Multi Location Research Trials (MLRT) of four transgenic stack cotton hybrids namely MRC 7017 BG-II RRF, MRC 7031 BG-II RRF, MRC 7041 BG-II RRF & MRC 7045 BG-II RRF containing staked cry1Ac & cry2Ab genes (MON 15985) & CP4 EPSPS Event (MON 88913) in North zone was also discussed.

The meeting also considered Revalidation of GEAC Permission for Large Scale trials and seed production with SP 499 (Cry 1AC & Cry 2Ab ) (Mon -15985) gene in the North Zone by M/s Bayer Biosciences, Application for permission for conducting Experimental seed production of Bt Brinjal by M/s Mahyco, representations regarding conduct of the MLRT with Bt okra hybrid at Nadia District, West Bengal by M/s. Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co. Ltd. And guidelines for the Conduct of Confined Field Trials of Regulated, Genetically Engineered Plants in India and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).