No hazards identified in a field trial with late blight-resistant potato

The risk assessment was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency.

Late blight is the most severe disease affecting potato plants in Norway and is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like microorganism. The GM potato intended for release contains three genes acquired from wild potato relatives (Solanum spp.)

The purpose of the trial is to test whether potato plants with resistance genes from wild potato relatives can help improve control of late blight and thereby reduce the need for fungicides/pesticides.

It is the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) who has applied for approval to perform the field trial.

The application is mandatory under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and is being processed by the Norwegian Environment Agency.

The GM potato is not intended for commercial production in Norway, and VKM has not assessed the potato for use as food or feed.

VKM concludes:

• The documentation provided by NIBIO is sufficient to demonstrate the presence of the resistance genes against P. infestans and the absence of unwanted genes in the GM potatoes.
  

• Potato is a biologically contained species in Norway, unable to survive and spread outside cultivated areas over time. It has limited ability to crossbreed with both cultivated potatoes and other Solanum species. The introduced genes do not affect these characteristics. VKM therefore concludes that the risk of persistence and plant-to-plant gene transfer from the GM potatoes is low.
  

• Transfer of resistance genes against P. infestans from GM potatoes to soil microorganisms is considered highly unlikely, and that no negative effects have been identified should such transfers occur.
  

• There are no indications of an increase in toxicity or allergenic potential of the GM potatoes compared to conventional non-GM potatoes.
  

• Negative effects on non-target organisms are not expected based on the new traits of the GM potato.
  

• The planned implementation of the field trial, including monitoring, removal, and destruction of GM plant material, is sufficient to prevent spread. The restricted field area (100 m²), few plants, and limited ability for persistence further reduces the risk.

An interdisciplinary project group consisting of five VKM members and one external expert performed the risk assessment. The final report was reviewed and approved by an interdisciplinary approval group.

“We have assessed the scientific documentation in the application and considered whether the planned trial poses any risk to the environment, animals, or humans. Overall, we did not identify any hazards,” says Johanna Bodin, who led the project team at VKM.

VKM provides independent scientific assessments of topics relevant to the environment and food safety. VKM does not offer advice or give an opinion on how risks should be managed but can assess the impacts of alternative approaches. It is up to the commissioning authorities to decide on the risk-reducing measures identified and evaluated by VKM.