Non-GM Flax Traits Being Developed
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U.S. crop trait developer, Cibus, has announced that it will be aligning with the Flax Council of Canada in order to produce non-transgenic (not genetically modified) flax traits.
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The firm plans to use its patented Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS). Their objective is to create traits to improve yields as well as produce healthier oils that will benefit consumers “without jeopardizing access to Europe, the world’s biggest flax market.” One of the primary factors for improving yield will be the development of herbicide tolerance traits in new varieties.
The partnership will be partially funded by a $4 million investment by the federal government, which was promised to the flax council in February in order to assist with varietal research.
Cibus’ trait development systems works by conferring new traits on seeds through mutagenesis – the process of changing plant genetics through the process of natural gene repair, and not through the introduction of genes from other species.
Seeds bearing traits that were developed through mutagenesis are not subject to the European Union’s restrictions on imports of genetically-modified crops.
Oilseed flax that has been bred using RTDS is expected to be available to consumers by 2015 and will “allow North American growers to utilize a more effective and efficient weed control system.”
“The Flax Council of Canada is the flax industry’s preeminent trade group, and they are setting a responsible, strategic precedent by opting for a non-transgenic approach to trait enhancement,” said Cibus Global president Keith Walker in a statement. “In that regard, we’re delighted to receive this endorsement of Cibus’ RTDS by a major trade organization, backed by a global agricultural superpower, and the recognition that RTDS is a viable alternative to transgenics.”
The Canadian flax industry “has set ambitious goals for acreage expansion and product improvement in the coming years while remaining fully committed to responding to European consumers’ concerns around transgenic crops and crop contamination,” said Barry Hall, president of the flax council.
RTDS “will deliver us the high-value traits we need to make flax easier and more profitable to grow while maintaining the level of quality that our customers demand. We hope it is just the first of many traits we develop together, including oil quality and quantity improvements.”
