Mustard and Orobanche Aegyptiaca
This summary explores the challenges faced by India's largest indigenous edible oil source, mustard, primarily due to the parasitic weed, Orobanche aegyptiaca, and considers the potential of genetically modified (GM) mustard as a solution.
Key Facts about Mustard
- Mustard Importance:
- India's biggest edible oil-yielding crop.
- Accounts for over 4 million tonnes (mt) of the annual 10.5-10.6 mt indigenous production.
- Majorly grown in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal.
- Economic Impact: Aimed at reducing the 16 mt per year edible oil imports, valued at $15.9 billion in 2023-24 and $18.3 billion in 2024-25.
- Crop Cycle: Sown from mid- to late-October and harvested after 130-150 days.
Threat from Orobanche Aegyptiaca
- Nature of the Threat:
- A parasitic weed that extracts nutrients, carbon, and water from mustard plant roots, causing wilting and stunted growth.
- Described as the “No. 1 hidden threat” by Bhagirath Choudhary of the South Asia Biotechnology Centre.
- Reproduction and Spread:
- A single shoot can produce 40-45 flowers, each containing 4,000-5,000 seeds, viable for up to 20 years.
- Seeds disperse via wind and water, leading to rapid field infestation.
- Impact on Farming Practices:
- The first irrigation, 25-30 days post-sowing, also facilitates germination of Orobanche seeds.
Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard
- Development:
- The transgenic mustard hybrid DMH-11 was developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University.
- Involves crossing genetically dissimilar plant varieties to create higher-yielding hybrids.
- Challenges in Hybridisation:
- Mustard’s self-pollinating nature restricts hybrid development.
- Genetic Modification Process:
- Includes two alien genes from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: 'barnase' for male sterility and 'barstar' to block 'barnase' action, allowing for seed production in hybrids.
- Field Trials and Yield Improvement:
- DMH-11 demonstrated a 28% yield increase over the traditional variety 'Varuna' in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) trials.
Regulation of GM Crops
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the regulator for the introduction of any GM material in India.
