Figure: Red African marigold. Photo Source: USDA APHIS.

ISAAA February 11, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has announced that it is seeking public comment on a petition to deregulate a variety of African marigolds developed using genetic engineering. This variety has been modified to produce red flowers, a trait not typically found in traditional African marigolds.

As part of the evaluation process, APHIS has published a draft plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) to examine whether the engineered plant poses any environmental or agricultural risks. Starting February 11, 2026, the public is invited to participate in a 60-day review period to provide feedback on the petition and the agency's scientific findings. Stakeholders, researchers, and citizens are encouraged to submit data, studies, or general comments through the federal eRulemaking portal by April 13, 2026. Following the comment period, the USDA will review all submissions before making a final determination on whether the red marigold can be grown and sold without federal regulatory oversight.

For more details, read the announcement on the APHIS website.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=21697