§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has evaluated on genetically modified cress that changes colour when it comes into contact with landmine explosives. [166846]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence is not currently involved in any research into mine detection using genetically modified cress.
A Danish company, Aresa Biotechnology, has developed a genetically modified cress plant that changes colour in response to nitrogen dioxide, which is sometimes a by-product of degrading explosives, in soil. The colour change has the potential to indicate the presence of mines, although not in all cases.
The MOD continues to monitor the progress of this research as it develops.