Rothamsted Research Institute has submitted an application to Defra to extend its current genetically modified wheat field trial. The institute intends to conduct trials of additional autumn-sown cadenza wheat.

The Hertfordshire institute's open air GM wheat trial proved to be massively controversial when it was first undertaken last spring. The controversy resulted in protests, impassioned appeals to reason from Rothamsted's supporters and GM sceptics alike, and ultimately a debate on BBC Newsnight.

The researchers behind the trial announced on Monday (25th March) that they are now seeking to study the wheat's performance at a different time of year, under different weather conditions and with autumn aphid activity. They claim their engineered crop could reduce the need for agrochemical applications, although sceptics have questioned this. The trial's opponents argue that other varieties of GM crops have been sold using the same message, but that in reality, their cultivation has often coincided with increasing chemical applications.

Rothamsted's request will be assessed by the government's Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), before a decision is made by Defra. Defra secretary Owen Paterson, who is ultimately responsible for the decision, has expressed vehemently pro-GM views.

The controversial 'whiffy wheat' uses an odour, or alarm pheromone, which aphids produce to alert one another to danger. The odour is intended to repel aphids without killing them. Critics warn that resistance to the defence could develop, as has been the case with other GM crops, though Rothamsted researchers maintain that, the "natural defence mechanism… not only repels aphids but also attracts their natural enemies, ladybirds for example."

If successful, Rothamsted said its autumn extension to the GM wheat trial will be sown in mid-September and destroyed after 10-12 weeks in late November or late December depending on the weather. 

Professor Melanie Welham, BBSRC Director of Science, said on Monday, "It is important to carry out these investigations as these data gathered will help to provide answers about the potential of this type of GM technology and what benefits it could offer. Importantly, the findings generated through this extension will add to the picture of how this technology compares to others and is it vital that future decisions are based on scientific evidence."

However, Dr helen Wallace of Genewatch UK dismissed the proposed extension as "A waste of taxpayers' money to fund a further trial for an expensive GM product that is unlikely to deliver what is promised and which people will not want to eat."

Rothamsted has promised further trials of GM crops over coming years, including an omega-3 producing variety of oilseed rape. Although the crops remain highly controversial, Rothamsted director Maurice Moloney is a staunch advocate of GM, who was involved in producing the crops since the 1990s.  

Wheat is the UK's most important field crop, with an annual value of about £1.2 billion.