The Office of Gene Technology has approved an application to establish a trial of genetically modified (GM) sugar cane in a field in Cairns.

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According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the trial aims to establish whether growth witnessed in glasshouse conditions is mirrored in open fields.


 The Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations insisted that the trial would be strictly controlled. Manager of research and development Peter Twine commented: “If it does flower I dare say the Office of Gene Technology will ask us to cut off the flowers as they emerge and before they could form pollen.


“I dare say the Office of Gene Technology will also require that on the completion of the experiment the plants are dug up and destroyed,” he added.

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