India is set to begin the wide-scale cultivation of Imidazolinone-Resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids.
- Mustard is a major oilseed crop. India imported around 16 million tonnes of edible oil, worth nearly ₹1.6 lakh crore in 2024-25.
About IMI Resistant Mustard Hybrids
- It is developed througha process called mutation breeding, in which scientists breed crops to preserve certain natural mutations.
- Basis: The process is based on an enzyme called acetolactate synthase (ALS), which is essential for plant growth.
- Normal Plants: IMI herbicides inhibit the ALS enzyme, disrupting growth and causing plant death.
- IMI-resistant Hybrids: A mutation alters the ALS enzyme, preventing herbicide binding.
- Advantages of IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids
- Orobanche is a parasitic weed that attaches to mustard roots and draws water and nutrients from the host plant.
- Weed Management: Enables efficient control of Orobanche/Phelipanche.
- Lower Labour Dependence: Minimizes need for labour-intensive manual weeding operations.
- Other: Enhanced Productivity, etc.
How are Hybrids different from Genetically Modified Crops?
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