Classification of procedures with Thellungiella halophila

COGEM has been asked to advise on a request to change the existing licence GGO 02-011/1. The change concerns an addition to the currently approved permit for handling genetically modified Thellungiella halophila (salt cress). This plant is used for studies on salt tolerance in plants. In COGEM’s opinion not enough data is available on the reproductive strategy of T. halophila. Therefore the extent to which it is a strictly self-pollinating plant and whether it can outcross with related species in the Dutch flora, cannot be established. COGEM therefore recommends the adoption of measures to avoid possible pollination by insects. COGEM advises that procedures with genetically modified T. halophila plants should be carried out at plant growth chamber level I and plant greenhouse level II. Furthermore, an additional instruction should be included in the licence, which states that the dispersion of seeds and reproductive parts must be avoided.