Trait
The genetically modified maize plants have an altered composition of their cell wall resulting from the introduction of a mutation in the CCR1 and/or CCR3 genes. These mutations lead to the inactivation of these genes. The plants have up to 20% less lignin in their cell walls which is expected to contribute to a better digestibility of the maize thereby improving the feed conversion rate.
Trait summary
The plants have been modified using CRISPR-Cas. The CRISPR-Cas machinery was introduced into the maize using Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic modification. This resulted in the stable integration of T-DNA containing the sequences coding for the guide RNA and CAS protein into the genome of the maize. Plants with the desired edit were selected and the T-DNA was segregated out in the next generations leading to the selection of plants that only contained the desired edit but no longer contained any foreign genetic material.
Project title
Scientific field evaluation of maize with improved digestibility
Company / Institution
VIB
Year(s) of release
2022, 2023
Period of release
15/04/2022 to 31/10/2023
Location(s)
Municipality of Wetteren
Containment measures
The risk of spread of the modified properties to the environment is mitigated by removing the tassel, thus preventing the spread of modified pollen to non-modified maize plants in the surroundings. The formed modified seeds are, as already stated above, well retained in the cobs and these cobs will be very carefully hand harvested, thus preventing any spread of seeds to the environment. Experience with such field trials in the past 8 years has shown that the way the cobs are harvested effectively prevents any volunteers being formed. The field trial plot is surrounded by a 1.80 m high wire fence to prevent accidental trespassing and accidental removal or spread of GM material.
Type of procedure
Standard procedure - Chapter II Royal Decree 21 February 2005
B/BE/22/V2 - Informationsblatt für die Öffentlichkeit (vom Anmelder erstellt)