The genetically modified potato line shows a shift of the tuber starch composition to amylopectin. No difference regarding persistence in agricultural habitats or invasiveness in natural habitats compared to conventional potato varieties is expected. Nor is it expected that a selective advantage or disadvantage is conferred to the GM lines via the introduced traits. Interactions of the GM potato lines with non-target species and resulting effects will be comparable to those of conventional potato varieties. No toxic or allergenic effects are expected from elevated levels of amylopectin starch, nor from the neomycin phosphotransferase. Measures in place under current field trial practice will protect the trial from damage by animals as well as safeguard that all seed and plant material is properly managed, harvested, stored, transported or disposed of to minimize or prevent contact to humans or animals. No effects are expected on biogeochemical processes. The GM potato lines will be cultivated under conventional agricultural practices.

Comprehensive data from previous releases have shown that potato clone EH92-527-1 is compositionally – with the exception of the modified starch structure - as well agronomically equivalent to the parent variety Prevalent. There is no evidence that insects associated with the GM clone are more or less abundant compared with the non-GM parent. The GM clone is no more susceptible or resistant to aphids, leafhoppers, larvae, worms, snails or potato cyst nematodes than the parent variety. Similarly there is no evidence for modified susceptibility to Phytophthora, Erwinia, Alterniaria and the viruses PVP, PLRV, PMTV and TRV. No adverse impacts on the environment and human health were observed during any field trials carried out so far.

The release is foreseen as part of the application process for variety registration and variety protection of potato event EH92-527-1.

An English summary of the notification including the risk assessment is available at the EU WebSNIF internetsite EC-JRC GMO Register under notification number B/NL/03/09.

The consent is available at
http://www.ggo-vergunningverlening-zoeken.nl (notification number IM 03-009) (only in Dutch).

The same event is also notified for placing on the market. Information concerning the placing on the market is also available at the WebSNIF internetsite (http://gmoinfo.jrc.it) under notification number C/SE/96/96/3501.