Deregulation of GM Creeping Bentgrass Sought

WASHINGTON - Jan 7/04 - SNS -- The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comment on a petition from the Monsanto and Scotts companies to deregulate a genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.).

Specifically, APHIS is seeking public comment on whether this herbicide-tolerant creeping bentgrass presents a plant pest risk and on certain issues pertaining to the potential environmental effects of the genetically engineered bentgrass, for instance:

-- In which environments and crops (and locations) are creeping bentgrass and/or its sexually compatible relative controlled or managed by herbicides, mechanical measures or biological agents?

-- What are the intents and practices for the targeted or secondary control or management of creeping bentgrass and its sexually compatible relatives, to what extent is glyphosate used and what are alternative herbicides that could be used?

-- What would be the cumulative effects from commercialization of glyphosate-tolerant creeping bentgrass, and how might these effects be monitored and mitigated by deployment (release) strategies or management practices?

Consideration will be given to comments received on or before March 5. Comments may be submitted by postal mail, commercial delivery or e-mail. Send an original and three copies of postal mail or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. 03-101-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.

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