19-03-2014, 12:52 PM
Release of Bt Cotton in India: A Case Study
[b]Cotton trends in India[/b]
Farmers spend most money on controlling bollworms; up to 15 sprays and over RS. 1400 Cr
Insects resistance to chemicals is increasing
Yields are reduced in spite of sprays
Four components of Transgenic Cotton
Laboratory phase:
Involves identification of the gene, achieving stable transformation and adequate expression
Breeding phase:
Involves using the transformant as a donor parent for transferring the trait to other elite germplasm
Bio-Safety & Field studies:
Required to establish the safety of the transgenic product
Both small scale and large scale needed to establish the agronomic superiority and determine parameters like yield, quality etc
Regulatory Process for Transgenic Crops:
IBSC, RCGM, MEC, ICAR & GEAC.
Transgenic Plant
A transgenic plant is a normal crop plant with one or more additional genes from diverse sources engineered into the plant genome; the plant thus acquires new, stable and inherited trait/traits.
Transgenic Crop Plants: Traits
Food and fiber production
Increased yield
Nutritional quality
Insect and disease control
Weed and abiotic stress tolerance
Medicine and food processing
HISTORY OF Bt
First reported from diseased silkworm from Japan.
Berliner coined the name Bacillus thuringiensis, isolated the strain from a grain mill in German district of Thuriengien
First commercial preparation prepared in 1927
First large scale Bt based product released for sale in 1957 by Sandoz Corp.
It was a Bt variety kurstaki strain marketed as “Thuricide”
Approval
The GEAC considered the proposal in its 32nd meeting held on 26.3.02. After careful and in-depth consideration, the GEAC hereby accords approval for release into the environment of three transgenic Bt hybrid cotton varieties, developed by Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company MAHYCO, namely, Bt MECH 12, Bt MECH 162, and Bt MECH 184, containing Cry 1Ac gene and nptll and aad marker genes subject to conditions.
Approval conditions for commercialization of Bt cotton in India
Valid for three years: April 02 to March, 05
Three hybrids namely MECH12Bt, MECH162Bt and MECH184Bt
Provide same non Bt seed to meet refuge requirements
Conduct studies to monitor resistance development
Provide information to government on distribution of the seed through its dealers and agents
Labeling requirements such as GEAC number, etc.,
Develop Bt based IPM program
Undertake education and awareness program
Meet other requirements as stipulated