Genetically Modified (GM)cotton, also known as Bt cotton, is developed by incorporating a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Bt. cotton is the only GM crop approved in 2002 by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for commercial cultivation.
About the Invention
- Background: Since the introduction of GM cotton in India, varieties like Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2 have controlled certain bollworm species (e.g., American bollworm, spotted bollworm).
- Issue: However, they have not been effective against PBW as it has developed resistance to the Cry 1Ac protein.
- Solution: To address this, CSIR-NBRI engineered a novel insecticidal gene, demonstrating superior resistance against PBW, compared to Bollgard 2 cotton.
- It also protects against other pests like the cotton leafworm and fall armyworm.
About Pink Bollworm (PBW) and its Detrimental Effects
- Major Cotton Pest: PBW (gulabi sundhi) goes through multiple stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- The larvae are the most damaging stage, feeding on the cotton bolls, leading to loss of seeds and fibers.
- Spread and Severity: States like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have experienced yield losses of up to 30%.
