No specific environmental impact is expected. The trait and the gene that is introduced are already present within the apple germplasm. Benchmarks are provided by the resistant cultivars carrying the same gene originating from conventional breeding programs. Such non-GM apple cultivars with this particular gene are being cultivated and commercialized for approximately 12 years now without any known positive or negative effects on the environment other than that less chemoprotectants have to be used in cultivation. Therefore, no direct or indirect selective advantages in natural environments are to be expected for the GMPts carrying this gene; cultivation of elite, high quality apple cultivars equipped with this gene by GM will contribute to the desired reduction in the use of chemicals. This can be regarded as a benefit for growers and consumers.

Control of risks is achieved by the small scale of the trial, by the use of a gene derived from apple itself. Apples will not enter the food chain and will be collected, scored for symptom development and destroyed. An isolation distance of 150 metres will be implemented within which no growth or cultivation of other apples will take place. No pollinators will be used, only hand pollination. Monitoring will take place with a minimum of four times per month during the growing season.

A secondary goal of this field trial is to gain data on environmental and other aspects required by the Dutch government to be able to prepare for so-called Category 2 field trials with these cisgenic and/or intragenic apple lines.