Genetically modified varieties in Germany - status and prospects with special respect of a sustainable sugar beet cultivation

In Germany, no gemetically modified (GM) varieties are available for cultiv ation. In 1999 26 varieties with different GM properties of four crops are in vcu-tests (value of cultivation and use) for registration by the Bundess ortenamt. These varieties could be grown on a large scale at the earliest f orm 2000 to 2002. Seed can also be purchased from varieties listed in the E EC variety catalogue. Whether or not and when the first GM varieties will b e listed is currently unknown. One prerequisite for registration of GM vari eties is marketing authorization by the EU Commission. Depending on this au thorization and the German seed act, only insect resistant (Bt(-)) and herb icide tolerant maize can be grown on a limited area in Germany today. The introduction of GM herbicide tolerant sugar beet varieties could be an approach to sustainable sugar belt cultivation. Relating to the mode of act ion of both Liberty and Roundup Ultra, weed control with concepts of econom ic thresholds could be developed. Furthermore, both herbicides have a low t oxicity and are metabolized fast and without residues in the soil. In Germany, public acceptance is increasing while more and more doubts are bring raised in other EU member states. It can be assumed that the politica l situation in Europe will lead to delays in the registration and market re lease of GM varieties in Germany.