Planned EU deregulation of NGT plants in conflict with international law – Testbiotech

Do not deregulate New Genomic Techniques (NGT) for wild plants!

The EU could soon approve a new legislation that facilitates unregulated application of New Genomic Techniques to all plant species - including all wild plants. Sign the petition to protect our natural genetic resources in an era of mass extinction!

First market approval for NGT plants in the EU – Testbiotech

CRISPR tomatoes now on the shelves

5 February 2024 / The first CRISPR tomatoes are now on the shelves in Japan. The 'GABA tomato' was developed with new genetic engineering techniques (NGTs). This is shown by photo just recently taken in a supermarket in the Tokyo region. According to the information on the packages, the tomatoes will lower blood pressure, relieve mental stress and improve sleep quality. Experts are doubting that the consumption of the fruits goes along with such effects.

New genetic engineering: Scientists oppose EU Commission proposal

5 December 2023 / A number of European scientists have issued a joint statement warning against approval in the EU of plants obtained from new genetic engineering (New GE or new genomic techniques, NGT) that are not risk assessed. The signatories all work in the fields of, amongst others, molecular biology, technology assessment, environmental sciences and medicine.

New genetic engineering: Pollinators being put at risk

28 November 2023 / A review of the data in current publications shows that the cultivation of plants obtained from new genetic engineering (New GE, or new genomic techniques, NGT) may put pollinators, such as bees, at risk. In addition to nectar, pollinators collect pollen from flowering plants such as oilseed rape and camelina.

CRISPRthripsis in plants

20 June 2023 / Recent scientific findings have revealed chromothripsis-like effects after the application of CRISPR/Cas in the genome of tomatoes. Chromothripsis refers to a phenomenon in which often several hundred genetic changes occur simultaneously in a 'catastrophic' event. Many sections of the genetic material can be swapped, twisted, recombined or even lost if this occurs.It has been known for some time that ‘CRISPRthripsis’, which is another term for the above-described phenomenon, occurs in mammalian (and human) cells.

CRISPR mustard as a salad

Brassica juncea is grown worldwide for use in oil and mustard production. It is able to spread in the environment and can be hybridized with related species; it is pollinated by insects. The plants naturally produce substances known as glucosinolates, which act as a defence against pests and are also known to be associated with health benefits.Pairwise used CRISPR/Cas to intervene in the metabolism of the glucosinolates and knock out specific gene functions of an enzyme. As a result, the leaves are less pungent.

Field trials of plants derived from new genetic engineering

19 May 2023 / As of today Testbiotech will be providing up-to-date information on field trials in Europe with plants derived from new genetic engineering (New GE, or new genomic techniques, NGT). The project aims to give an overview of all projects, including trials in the UK since its withdrawal from the EU.Testbiotech research shows that more than 20 field trials with New GE plants have been authorised in the EU since 2016. In all cases to date, the plants were developed using CRISPR/Cas gene scissors.