USDA clears GMO tall fescue

A new GMO variety of tall fescue turfgrass that’s resistant to glyphosate herbicides has been cleared for cultivation by USDA. The USDA has cleared the way for cultivation of genetically modified tall fescue without conducting an environmental review of the new crop. The Scotts Miracle-Gro company developed the glyphosate-resistant turfgrass variety with genes from other plants through a process known as “biolistics,” in which a “gene gun” essentially shoots DNA-coated metal particles into the plant cell. Because the method does not involve the use of a plant pest for gene transfer, the USDA has no authority to regulate the tall fescue.

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