Context:
India’s first genetically modified mustard crop Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) has failed to meet the minimum weight criteria required for the commercial release as seed.
- It has a weight of about 3.5 grams per 1,000 seeds, which is lower than the norm of 4.5 grams to be eligible for notification as a seed variety.
About DMH-11:
- DMH-11 is a transgenic crop because it uses foreign genes from different species.
- Developed by – Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP).
- A cross between 2 varieties – Varuna and Early Heera-2
- As the cross did not occur naturally, it involves introduction of genes from 2 soil bacteria – Barnase and Barstar
- Contains 2 alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
- 1st gene (‘barnase’) – Induces temporary sterility, preventing it from undergoing self-pollination.
- 2nd gene (‘barstar’) – Blocks the action of the barnase gene.
- Resultant – Both high-yielding and also capable of producing seed/ grain
- Status – Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), has approved the environmental release of Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) in 2022.
- Benefits – Bring better yield and lower costs to farmers; Reduce edible oil import dependency.
Bt. cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop that was approved for commercial cultivation in 2002 by the Government of India. Genes from a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis is used to combat bollworms.
To read more on GM Crops, Click here
About GEAC:
- India’s apex biotechnology regulatory body.
- A statutory body notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Ministry – Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change
- Purpose – To assess proposals regarding the release of genetically engineered products and organisms.
- Members – 24 (at present) and meets monthly.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
It involves barnase and barstar genes and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for hybrid seed production. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
GM mustard was developed by Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
