Trials of genetically modified pest-resistant crops successful, says scientist

Dr Peter Urwin, of the University of Leeds, said early data from experiments carried out last year to prevent potatoes being attacked were encouraging and more could be carried out this year.

The trials were conducted under heavy security after the first tests the university launched were trashed by activists.

The team were trying to produce crops resistant to nematodes, a worm-like pest which attacks potatoes as they grow in the soil.

The news comes after the Government's chief scientist, Professor John Beddington, said more trials of GM technology should be conducted in the UK.

Dr Urwin told the Yorkshire Post: "Some of the early data does indicate that it has been successful in defending the potato against the nematodes pest.

"We are currently in the process of doing follow-up analysis on the data."

Dr Urwin said that he and his colleagues had submitted a separate application to Defra to continue conducting trials.

"EC directives have withdrawn most of the chemical farmers used when combating pests," he said. "This puts the industry in a fairly sticky situation and Britain's potato growers, packers and sellers generate around 3bn a year – this would be a big loss for the economy.

"Genetically modified technologies can have a part to play. We are not saying it is the silver bullet but we feel it has a role in serving British agriculture."