China breeds 55 new GM cotton strains
Publication: Xinhua
Date: Friday, December 29, 2006
http://www.agbios.com/main.php?action=ShowNewsItem&id=8096

BEIJING -- Chinese scientists have developed 55 new genetically
modified (GM) cotton strains, bringing economic returns of 16.8
billion yuan (2.1 billion U.S. dollars), said Vice Minister of
Science and Technology Liu Yanhua.

"The cultivation of new strains, covering an area of more than 100
million mu (12.5 million ha.), has already been put into commercial
production," said Liu.

The new varieties boast traits such as worm, herbicide and disease
resistance, and high yields, according to the Ministry of Science and

Technology (MOST).

Liu said the research into foodstuff genetic engineering had promoted

the development of China's GM technology and helped to ensure the
country's food security and increasing competitiveness.

Cotton has become China's most widely planted GM product, since it
was first introduced in 1998.

In genetic modification, genes from outside sources, often from other

crops or bacteria, are transplanted into the plant. The process has
proved effective in increasing insect resistance.

The domestic market share of China-made insect-resistant GM cotton
increased from 5 percent in 1998 to more than 70 percent in2005.

China has developed more than 100 varieties of GM farm produce, but
the government has only allowed five categories on the market:
soybeans, corn, oil-seed rape, cotton and tomatoes.

The government has invested 510 million yuan (63.75 U.S. dollars) in

GM plant research.
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