Invention Background

The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has developed the world's first Pink Bollworm-Resistant GM Cotton. Genetically Modified (GM) cotton, also known as Bt cotton, is created by incorporating a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt cotton became the first GM crop to be approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for commercial cultivation in 2002.

About the Invention:

• Background: Since the introduction of GM cotton in India, varieties such as Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2 have been effective in controlling certain bollworm species, including American bollworm and spotted bollworm.

• Issue: However, these varieties have not been successful in managing the Pink Bollworm (PBW) as the pest has developed resistance to the Cry 1Ac protein.

• Solution: To overcome this, CSIR-NBRI engineered a new insecticidal gene that provides stronger resistance against PBW compared to Bollgard 2 cotton. This new variety also offers protection against other pests like the cotton leafworm and fall armyworm.

About Pink Bollworm (PBW) and Its Impact:

• Major Cotton Pest: The PBW (also known as Gulabi Sundhi) undergoes multiple life stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval stage is the most damaging, as the larvae feed on the cotton bolls, causing loss of seeds and fibers.

• Spread and Severity: The PBW is a major issue in cotton-producing states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where it has caused yield losses of up to 30%.

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