China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is to grant biosafety certificates to two domestically developed genetically modified (GM) maize and soybean traits for cultivation within China, according to reports. The two traits, DBN9004 and DBN9501, were developed by Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group (Dabeinong). The soybean trait DBN9004 confers tolerance to the herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate, whilst the maize trait DBN9501 provides resistance to Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

The country granted biosafety certificates to three domestically developed GM traits in January 2020, including Dabeinong’s herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant maize trait DBN9936 (see AgbioNews Jan 24, 2020). China reportedly granted biosafety certificates to its first GM corn varieties and two domestic rice varieties in 2009; however, these were never commercialised.