Herbicide tolerant oilseed rape in Europe: The FACTT programme

FACTT (Familiarisation and Acceptance of Crops incorporating Transgenic Tec hnology) is a 4-year project, initiated in 1996, with the aim of evaluating and demonstrating transgenic crops. Hybrid oilseed rape tolerant to the he rbicide glufosinate ammonium (Liberty) was selected as the model transgenic crop for the project, which involves partners from all major rapeseed grow ing countries in the European Union. A series of agronomic studies are bein g undertaken within FACTT, including conventional variety testing, herbicid e, fertiliser, fungicide and sowing date evaluations, as well as demonstrat ion projects. Preliminary results indicate that transgenic herbicide tolera nt oilseed rape does not differ significantly from convectional types excep t for the modified trait. The herbicide trials have showed that, despite a large range in response to herbicide application, the use of herbicide tole rance combined with the glufosinate ammonium treatment may offer a useful a lternative means of weed control. Some additional management considerations for herbicide tolerant crops within the rotation will be required to achie ve the full benefits from this transgenic technology.