Genetically edited crops to begin trials in England

Rothamsted Research will take part in the first on-farm trials of genetically edited crops in the UK and Europe, World of NAN reports citing the center.

Up to 25 farms in England could take part in the trials. The scientists aim to gain information on the viability of genetically edited crops under different field conditions.

Included in these on-farm field trials are two different gene-edited crops developed at the Rothamsted research center. One is a barley line edited to produce higher lipid content in the leaves. Lipids reduce the formation of methane in animals. Lipids normally make up only 2% of the barley's dry weight; the edited version will increase that amount to 4%.

The second line is a wheat variety whose genes have been edited to reduce the level of the amino acid asparagine in the grain. This variety aims to reduce the amount of acrylamide produced when the wheat is cooked. Today, food manufacturers are keen to have varieties with lower levels of acrylamide as it is a carcinogen harmful to humans.

If the experiment is successful, the scientists hope to release the seeds on the market in a few years. They are confident that these varieties will be a commercial success.

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