GM crop trial for farm
A NEW trial of genetically-modified (GM) crops is set to begin near Tadcaster.
Researchers from the University of Leeds will be investigating the nematode, a microscopic worm which causes extensive damage to potato crops.
It feeds on the plant's roots, limiting its growth, and costing UK farmers around 65million annually. Worldwide, this figure is thought to be as much as 60billion.
As well as helping UK farmers, researchers hope to support those in Africa, where the food supply of between 30millioin and 50million people is affected by nematodes.
A university spokesman said: "The University of Leeds fully supports its academics in carrying out transgenic research.
"While we are aware of the public interest in GM, it is vital that any debate is based on scientific fact rather than speculation and our academics have an important contribution to make in this respect. The nematode project is publicly-funded research done for scientific purposes, not commercial gain, and in a strictly-controlled environment."
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Weather for Harrogate
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
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