Organics expert backs anti-blight trial

The co-ordinator of Ireland’s first master’s degree in organic horticulture has welcomed trials of genetically-modified potatoes in a bid to beat late blight.

University College Cork plant scientist Eoin Lettice said his support of GM trials of potatoes in Co Carlow is based on their safe implementation as part of a multi-method approach to developing blight-resistant potatoes.

“My personal view is you’ve got to use all tools available to you, including organic production techniques, conventional breeding programmes and even trials of GM potatoes if they are warranted and environmentally safe,” said Mr Lettice.