Biotechnology and Roundup Ready Alfalfa

Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) Alfalfa or Roundup-Ready Alfalfa (RRA) was approved for planting in the US in February, 2011. RRA is a genetically engineered variety of alfalfa, which can be used safely in combination with the herbicide 'glyphosate' (Roundup). RRA was originally deregulated and commercialized in 2005 but then a lawsuit in 2007 rescinded the deregulation, halting further plantings. The USDA-APHIS subsequently conducted an exhaustive Environmental Impact Statement from 2007-2011, and came to the conclusion that GT alfalfa did not present and direct or indirect plant pest risks. There are a range of varieties currently available for planting.Click here for a listing of UC alfalfa publications on biotechnology and related topics.

• New Technology for Alfalfa (2012) by Mark McCaslin and Peter Reisen - California Alfalfa & Grains Symposium 2012
• What are the Available Tools for Co-Existence of genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered Alfalfa? (2011)
• A Survey of Growers on GE Crops and Coexistence (2011) by Dan Putnam and Steve Orloff
• Roundup Ready Alfalfa, What Have we Learned to Date? (2011) by Steve Orloff and Dan Putnam
• Questions and Answers: Roundup Ready Alfalfa Deregulation (2011) - UCANR Publication
• Biotechnology 101: What You Need to Know in a Few Minutes (2004) by Peggy G. Lemaux