The genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
The genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is Correct Answer To make it pest-resistant.
The correct answer is To make it pest-resistant.
Key Points
- A genetically modified organism (GMO) or living modified organism (LMO), hereinafter referred to as GMO, is any organism whose genetic material has been modified using laboratory-based transfer of genetic material from another organism.
- Brinjal is prone to attack from insect pests and diseases, the most serious and destructive of which is the fruit and shoot borer (FSB) Leucinodes orbonalis.
- FSB feeds predominantly on brinjal and is prevalent in all brinjal producing states.
- It poses a serious problem because of its high reproductive potential.
- FSB larvae bore into tender shoots and fruits, retarding plant growth, making the fruits unsuitable for the market and unfit for human consumption.
- Fruit damage as high as 95% and losses of up to 70% in commercial plantings have been reported.
- FSB-resistant brinjal or Bt brinjal was developed using a transformation process similar to the one used in the development of Bt cotton.
Important Points
- The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- It functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
- The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
- GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
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Feb 20, 2025