GM plant trial application submitted

An application to conduct field trials of a genetically modified crop containing Omega-3 fatty acids normally found in oily fish has been submitted.


If approved by the government, the trials could begin at Rothamsted Research agricultural
institute in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, this year.
The initial aim of the crop is to benefit the fish farming industry, the researchers said.

However in a decade it could end up in food products, such as margarine.Currently, farmed fish are given fish oil, rather than feeding on the algae, in order to get their Omega-3.About 80% of available supplies of fish oils are taken by the industry as a result.

Oily fish such as tuna and mackerel do not produce omega-3 fatty acids naturally.Plants like flax and linseed contain Omega-3 fatty acid