One of the trials will gauge the performance of a gene for enhancing white mold resistance to soybeans. Plants involved in these trials have not yet been approved for commercial use.
Field trials are part of the assessment process required for approval of transgenic plant species.
Gauging their performance under field conditions is intended to further minimize risks that might be associated with these plants in a field environment. The trials are being conducted to identify plants with improved performance attributes to use in breeding, says Prof. Steve Bowley, Department of Plant Agriculture. This is the 11th year for transgenic plant trials in some areas. Bowley says gene transfer provides many new opportunities to improve plants' growth rate, resistance to disease or toxic agents, and other properties that contribute to crop productivity. Transgenic plant field trials are conducted under authorization and using protocols approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.