Havana, Cuba
March 3, 2009
by Juventud Rebelde,
Cuba News Headlines via
SEAMEO SEARCA
Genetically modified corn is being
grown for the first time in Cuba as a part of an experiment
aimed at obtaining high-yield varieties
Three hectares of genetically modified corn have been planted as
part of an experiment on transgenic corn FR-Bt1 carried out by
the National Center for Genetic Engeneering and Biotechnology
(CIGB).
The crop is being grown in Yaguajay, Sancti Spiritus by the
Valle de Caonao company. A specialist from the CIGB, Raúl Armas,
told JR that the Cuban variety has been modified to be more
resistance to the Palomilla del maíz, the principal pest that
affects this crop, and to increase the crop’s tolerance to
pesticides.
The research, conducted according to the strict biological and
environmental security norms set in Cuba, sets out to produce
high-yield varieties for human and animal consumption.
The project aims to substitute imports and is being implemented
in coordination with local agricultural and environmental
groups. Some 60 hectares are scheduled to be planted in the
provinces of Havana, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila and Santiago de
Cuba.
This variety of transgenic corn was first planted in the Valle
de Caonao at the end of last December. The variety features no
significant modifications to the plant or cob, maintaining its
nutritional value and flavour. The first harvest is scheduled
for late March or early April.
This genetically modified crop needs little maintenance
requiring only watering and spraying with herbicides. Although
these first hectares were planted by hand, farm machinery will
be used on larger farms.
Armas noted that the first transgenic crops worldwide were
planted in 1994; by 2008, some 120 million hectares were covered
by genetically modified crops, especially soya beans, corn and
cotton. In the case of corn, 22 percent of the worldwide harvest
is of genetically engineering verities, principally in the
United States, Canada, Argentine and South Africa —the major
corn-producing countries. Other experiments on transgenic sweet
potatoe, tomatoes, potatoes and rice are being conducted across
Cuba. |
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