[Federal Register: April 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 72)]
[Notices]              
[Page 19477-19478]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap06-20]  

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. APHIS-2006-0016]

Availability of an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for a field release of genetically engineered tall fescue and genetically engineered Italian ryegrass

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment has been prepared for a proposed field trial using three transgenic grass lines. The trial consists of tall fescue plants that are genetically engineered for hygromycin resistance and that express the marker beta-glucuronidase; Italian ryegrass plants that are genetically engineered for hygromycin resistance; and Italian ryegrass plants that are genetically engineered to lower the expression of the pollen allergen gene, Lol p1, that are also hygromycin resistant, and express the marker beta-glucuronidase. The purpose of the field trial is to study pollen viability, outcrossing, and hybridization between the two types of grasses. The study will also examine the effect of down-regulating the Lol p1 gene. Data gained from this field experiment will also be used to evaluate current confinement practices for these species of transgenic grasses. After assessment of the application, review of the relevant scientific information, and consideration of comments provided by the public, we have concluded that these field tests will not present a risk of introducing or disseminating a plant pest. We have completed an environmental assessment and have concluded that these field tests will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for these field tests.

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 14, 2006.

Full document in PDF format:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-5572.pdf