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PA EPA APPROVES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED NITROGEN-FIXING MICROORGANISM FOR USE ON ALFALFA SEEDS
Release Date: 10/03/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1997
EPA APPROVES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED
NITROGEN-FIXING MICROORGANISM FOR USE ON ALFALFA SEEDS
NITROGEN-FIXING MICROORGANISM FOR USE ON ALFALFA SEEDS
EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics has approved a request to produce commercially a new biotechnology product for use in the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The new product is based on a microorganism that occurs naturally in the environment (Sinorhizobium meliloti, formerly known as Rhizobium meliloti) and that was genetically modified to enhance its ability to supply nitrogen to the roots of alfalfa plants. The microorganism lives in the roots of the plants and “fixes” atmospheric nitrogen, which enables the plant to then use the nitrogen for growth. Labeled RMBPC-2, the new product is applied to seeds as a coating before planting. Field tests of the product show that it can increase alfalfa yields under certain conditions, e.g., sandy soils where nitrogen levels are low and where the numbers of naturally occurring Sinorhizobium meliloti are low. EPA approved the product based on these benefits and after a comprehensive risk assessment that examined RMBPC-2 for potential human health and environmental effects. The microorganism was judged to be similar to other naturally occurring strains of Sinorhizobia and no adverse effects are anticipated. EPA approval for production and distribution of strain RMBPC-2 is initially limited to 500,000 pounds annually. The product is expected to be available to farmers in 1998.
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