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* Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. Genetically
modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering, unlike
similar food organisms which have been modified from their wild ancestors through selective breeding
(plant breeding and animal breeding) or mutation breeding.
* GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s.
What is Bt?
* Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt) is a Gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacterium, commonly used as a pesticide.
* B. thuringiensis also occurs naturally in the gut of caterpillars of various types of moths and butterflies,
as well as on the dark surface of plants.
Advantages of Bt ?
* The level of toxin expression can be very high thus delivering sufficient dosage to the pest.
* The toxin expression is contained within the plant system and hence only those insects that feed on the
crop perish.
* The toxin expression can be modulated by using tissue-specific promoters, and replaces the use of
synthetic pesticides in the environment.
* The latter observation has been well documented worldwide.
What is Bt Brinjal?
* Bt Brinjal is a transgenic brinjal created out of inserting a gene [Cry 1Ac] from the soil bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal.
* The insertion of the gene into the Brinjal cell in young cotyledons has been done through an
Agrobacterium-mediated vector, along with other genes like promoters, markers etc.
* This gives (so said) Brinjal plant resistance against lepidopteran insects like the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot
Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and Fruit Borer (Helicoverpa armigera).
* It is reported that upon ingestion of the Bt toxin by the insect, there would be disruption of digestive
processes, ultimately resulting in the death of the insect.
Why it is Important Issue ?
* The importance of this development can be understood from the fact that no GM Brinjal has been
released for an advanced stage of field trials in open conditions anywhere in the world and that this is the
first time that GEAC has given permission for large scale open trials for a food crop in India.
* Our country has repeatedly proven itself incapable of regulating GM technology and has allowed
contamination as a routine affair.
* The proliferation of illegal Bt Cotton in the country is a good testimony to serious irreversible lapses that
could happen at the trials stage.
* A vegetable, more than other food items, goes through very little processing and is directly consumed
through cooking and therefore requires great caution in decision-making.
Origin of Brinjal :
* India is the Centre of Origin for Brinjal or Eggplant. Brinjal has been cultivated in India for the last
actual field trials in 11 select locations. No adverse effect has either been reported on the soil or in the
consumption of Bt brinjal.
* Some studies suggest that Bt Brinjal may be more environment friendly than regular brinjal.
* Another concern often expressed about genetically-modified seeds is that the intellectual property is
owned by multinational firms.
* In the case of Bt brinjal, however, Indian research institutions have been very closely associated with the
researchthe Tamil Nadu Agriculture University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The
seeds are being manufactured by the Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company in collaboration with Monsanto.
* Given the periodic scenario of high food prices and reports of supply crunches, India has little choice but
to raise yields of key foodgrains and vegetables. There is much talk of another Green Revolution.
* GM is one technology that can be used in the very near future to facilitate such a revolution.
* Many other parts of the world are already leading us by some margin on the production of GM crops.