The genetic engineering approval committee (GEAC) on Wednesday considered new applications for commercial release of Bt cotton expressing approved gene events. According to sources, the GEAC discussed application relating to field trials and commercial approval of transgenic hybridsm expressing cry 1 Ac gene (MON 531 event), stacked genes cry 1Ac and cry 2Ab (Mon 15985 event), GFM cry 1A and cry 1Ac event -1. It also discussed applications for field trials of Bt cotton expressing approved gene events in north India during summer 2008 as recommended by the monitoring and evaluation committee and the review committee on genetic manipulation (RCGM) which includes hybrids expressing cry 1 Ac gene (MON 531 event), stacked genes cry 1Ac and cry 2Ab (Mon 15985 event), GFM cry 1A gene" and Hybrids expressing Cry 1Ac event -1, applications for field trials of Bt cotton expressing new gene events in the north zone during summer, 2008 as recommended by the MEC/RCGM. The GEAC met for the first time after the apex court vacated the ban on fresh approval of genetically modified crops.Application submitted by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co. Ltd., Maharashtra for permission to conduct Multi Location Research Trials (MLRT) of four transgenic stack cotton hybrids was also discussed.