Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a license application from Bayer for the commercial release of the insect resistant and herbicide tolerant cotton variety known as Bollgard 3 ThryvOn cotton with XtendFlex Technology. The genetically modified (GM) cotton contains 4 inserted genes from a common soil bacteria that confer insect resistance to common cotton pests, with three of the inserted genes aimed at protection against bollworms, and one aimed at protection against certain bugs, aphids and thrips. In addition, the GM cotton contains 3 introduced genes for herbicide tolerance, conferring tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate and dicamba herbicides.

Bayer’s new ThryvOn Technology cotton trait, first announced in 2020 (see AgbioNews Jan 6, 2020), provides control of tarnished plant bugs (Lygus hesperus and Lygus lineolaris) and thrips (Frankliniella spp.). This will represent the first commercialised trait in the cotton industry specifically designed to protect the crop from these pests.