The CSIRO hopes to plant its first trials of genetically modified barley in Western Australia within weeks. The scientific organisation planted trial sites of GM wheat and barley in NSW last year and has applied to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator for permission to extend those trials into the west this year. Three varieties of GM barley and 11 of GM wheat will be grown on a small one-hectare trial plot on a private farm in the state’s wheatbelt.