As a sugarcane farmer wish to know whether GM Technology can provide us with Red Rot Resistant Sugarcane varieties?

Expert response from Rod Herman

Senior Advisor, Biotechnology Regulatory Sciences Group, Regulatory Science and Government Affairs Department, Dow AgroSciences

Friday, 23/08/2013 10:33

If a researcher could identify a gene that prevents red rot, it would be possible and potentially a better solution than conventional breeding techniques in sugarcane.  At the present time, some of the major companies are in early development on sugarcane for herbicide tolerance and higher yield.  We haven't heard about any disease resistance yet.  For a look at what's in the pipeline, please see the CropLife International website at www.croplife.org and search for "pipeline."