The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently reviewed a corn plant modified using genetic engineering. We reviewed the plant to determine whether it presented an increased plant pest risk compared to unmodified corn plants. APHIS posted the Regulatory Status Review (RSR) response on our website as required under 7 CFR part 340.

Bayer CropScience LP modified the corn plant to reduce gibberellic acid, a plant growth hormone, to produce shorter plants and reduce the likelihood of lodging (stem buckling).

APHIS found this plant unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated corn plants. As a result, it is not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340, and this plant may be safely grown and bred in the United States. 

You can view the RSR request from Bayer CropScience LP and APHIS’ response letter at the link below. Our response is based on information from the developers and our: 

• familiarity with plant varieties,
• knowledge of the traits, and
• understanding of the modifications. 

Under 7 CFR part 340, developers may request an 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 our review finds a plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to the comparator plant, APHIS issues a response indicating the plant is not subject to the regulations. 

View the RSR Request and Response Letter

Original source can be found here.