The decision, effective Nov. 10, was published on the APHIS website Nov. 7 and in the Nov. 10 Federal Register (PDF, 200 KB). The finding of no significant impact (FONSI) means that the trait, designated "event KK179," is unlikely to pose a risk as a plant pest. The trait was developed by Forage Genetics International, Monsanto and the Nobel Foundation, according to Alfalfa and Forage News, a publication of the University of California Cooperative Extension.
The trait should allow farmers to delay afalfa harvests, resulting in higher yield while keeping lignin content low, according to Alfalfa and Forage News. Lignin is seen as a negative quality in feed because of its low digestibility.
The engineered gene is made by inserting already-existing alfalfa genes into the alfalfa genome. It reduces expression of the CCOMT protein and a corresponding reduction in production of guaiacyl lignin. Guaiacyl lignin is part of the total lignin amount in the plant. Lignin provides strength to plant stems, but the reduction will only decrease alfalfa's high natural levels of lignin, according to Alfalfa and Forage News.
Forage Genetics is marketing the trait as HarvXtra, which the company will sell in combination with Genuity Roundup Ready alfalfa. The seed is anticipated to be open for limited sales in 2016, according to a Forage Genetics International press release (PDF, 108 KB).
KK179 is the second genetically-engineered trait approved. A trait for glyphosate resistance, commonly termed Roundup Ready, was deregulated in 2005 and again in 2011, according to Alfalfa and Forage News.
Almost a quarter of Progressive Forage Grower readers said they would try to plant lower-lignin alfalfa in 2015, according to a reader poll. FG
—Summarized by Progressive Forage Grower staff from cited sources
Read more about the new seed variety:
- Lower-lignin alfalfa: What this means to growers (Oct. 10, 2014)
- First low lignin alfalfa on the market debuts at World Dairy Expo (Oct. 2, 2014)
