Questions on GM potatoes

Ewen Mullin’s piece on Teagasc’s recent planting of GM potatoes makes the whole thing seem very safe and scientific.

I understand the gene transfer is between two plants from the potato family — a cisgenic as opposed to transgenic cross, the gene produced having the name Rpi-vnt1.1.

I would like to ask him, as a scientist conducting research on the project, one or two questions. Most pressing of these, who holds the patent on this new variety of potatoes? This, though unrelated to any scientific research, will surely be important economically if these potatoes prove successful and are put onto the market.

I understand that these plants were grown under glass until only two weeks ago, when they were planted out. What useful information can be gained by planting potatoes in late August at a time when most potatoes are being harvested?

John Baker

Ballygarvan

Co Cork