The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reviewed a genetically modified hemp plant and a modified potato plant, and gave the new varieties a “thumbs up.” The reviews completed determined whether the genetically engineered plants presented an increased pest risk compared to unmodified plants.
The hemp plant under review, Cannabis sativa was grown by Growing Together Research, Inc. The USDA found that the modified hemp is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other hemp.
The new Cannabis plant is intended to contain zero tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and zero cannabichromene (CBC) while having a resistance to the herbicide Bialphos, a glufosinate. The resistance occurs by catalyzing the conversion of L-phosphinothricin to a non-phytotoxic form.
The potato plant, engineered by Ohaolo Genetics, Inc. has an altered tuber sugar profile. Named Solanum tuberosum, Ohalo Genetics modified the potato to alter the sugar profile to reduce glucose and fructose content in the potato.
After reviewing the modified potato, USDA ARS determined that it posed no increased plant pest risk as compared to cultivated potato.
As a result, both genetically modified plants will not be subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. From a plant pest risk perspective, both the new hemp and potato may be safely grown and bred in the United States.
The USDA’s responses are based on information from the developers and the following:
- familiarity with plant varieties,
- knowledge of the traits, and
- understanding of the modifications.
Under 7 CFR part 340, developers may submit a request to APHIS for a Regulatory Status Review (RSR) when they believe a modified plant is not subject to regulation.
APHIS reviews the modified plant and considers whether it might pose an increased plant pest risk compared to a nonregulated plant. If the USDA’s review finds a plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to the comparator plant, a response indicates the plant is not subject to the regulations.
