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March 2, 2001

Cotton:
More biotech varieties are due soon

Plantings of genetically modified (GM) cotton crops are expected to increase to 50 percent of the world cotton crop within just five to seven years because researchers are working on special varieties, according to a comprehensive report, "Expert Panel on Biotechnology in Cotton."

A summary of that report was recently delivered to the International Cotton Advisory Committee's (ICAC) plenary meetings in Australia by Expert Panel Chairman Dr. Phil Wakelyn, who is National Cotton Council (NCC) senior scientist of environmental health and safety. That panel was comprised of nine scientists from eight countries and included Dr. James Stewart of the University of Arkansas and the panel's co-chair, Dr. O.A. Momtaz of Egypt.

Wakelyn said the ICAC report was intended to be an objective, factual report based on sound science that addresses questions concerning genetically modified cotton. The report states that approved GM cottons pose no risks to human or animal health, the environment or natural bio-diversity, and in that regard, are no different than conventionally-produced cotton.

The report, which can be found at the NCC's web site, www.cotton.org, addresses the following points:

•Scope of biotechnology and genetic modified cotton.

•Comparison of conventional breeding and genetic modification.

•What are the benefits of using GM cotton?

•What are the risks and potential impacts on human health of using GM cotton?

•What are the impacts on the environment of using GM cotton?

"An estimated 12 percent of the world's cotton area is now planted to genetically modified varieties, with developmental programs underway in all cotton-growing regions of the world," Wakelyn said. "This technology is leading to remarkable reductions in chemical use. Scientists also are working on developing cotton strains that are drought resistant."

The report also suggests that the technology has much potential and could yield fibers of higher strength and fineness and fibers that offer in creased flame resistance and reduced wrinkling in fabrics.

"Many other uses of genetically modified technology have yet to be developed," Wakelyn said.

The ICAC keeps cotton researchers in 43 member countries apprised of developments in biotechnology and has published a number of technical reports on biotech and genetic modification of cotton. It has launched another review article, soon to be published, entitled, "Biotechnology in Cotton Research and Production."