Hainan province destroyed genetically modified corn and cotton crops being used in illegal trials in 2013, hinews.cn reported on Monday.

The provincial agricultural department confirmed on Monday that it checked the province's Sanya, Lingshui and Ledong cities and counties from Dec 23 to 27, 2013, and examined 107 crop samples, from which it identified and destroyed nine corn and cotton genetically modified crop trials. There were also six suspected samples waiting on further inspection and verification.

The department stressed that any genetically modified crop trials without prior permission are banned and those who conduct such trials will be punished in accordance with the relevant law.