White Papers :
Soybeans
- Case Study: Herbicide-Tolerant Soybean
This case study examines the approved product glufosinate-tolerant soybeans. This
variety of soybean was genetically engineered by AgrEvo (now Aventis) to be tolerant to the
herbicide glufosinate ammonium (herein referred to as glufosinate), a chemical already in
agricultural use. A modified bacterium gene was added to the soybean so that the plant produces
an enzyme that breaks down the herbicide before it can harm the soybean plant. Genetic material
from other sources was inserted to control the expression of the enzyme. As with many other
genetically engineered products, glufosinate tolerant soybeans are regulated by various regulatory
agencies as described in the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology (Office
of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), 1986).
CEQ/OSTP Assessment: Case Studies of Environmental Regulation for Biotechnology January, 2001