Dr. Inez Hortense Slamet-Loedin

The objective of this research is to test the efficacy of stress-induced cytokinin synthesis gene (IPT under control of delayed senescence promoter SARK) in conferring drought tolerance in indica varietal background (events transformed at IRRI, cv IR64) and in japonica background (events transformed at UC-Davis (cv. Kitaake)).

• All vectors will be in the plasmid collection of the Rice Biotechnology Laboratory, IRRI and/or Molecular Physiology, Cambridge.

• The tested plants will be kept in isolation in the CL4 transgenic greenhouse to prevent access of unauthorized personnel.

• Plant materials for disposal will be placed in sealed plastic bags.

• Plants grown in CL4 will be destroyed and the pots and soil will be autoclaved at high temperature and high pressure.

• Plant materials from the screenhouses (CS02 and others) will be disposed through appropriate disposal system in compliance with biosafety and related regulations in the Philippines.

• Access to the screenhouses will be for authorized staff only.

• A barcode entry system is applied in the screenhouses to record the entry personnel; a logbook is available for visitors not having IRRI access card system.

• Screenhouse facilities are adequate to prevent entry of rats, birds, etc.

• Transgenic seeds harvested from CL4 and the screenhouses will be kept in hermetically-sealed aluminum foil packages and stored in locked refrigerators designated for storage of transgenic seeds in Rice Biotechnology Laboratory, IRRI.

• Movement of all materials will be done in compliance of all relevant biosafety and phytosanitary requirements of the Philippines.