New Delhi, India
June 27, 2008
Source:
CropBiotech Update
As a penultimate step in
regulatory procedure for commercialization of GM crops, the
Government of India through its biotechnology regulatory body
(GEAC) has approved experimental seed production of Bt brinjal
(eggplant) hybrids to Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (Mahyco).
Mahyco, a leading seed company in India has been at the
forefront in successfully introducing
cutting-edge-biotech-products i.e. Bt cotton hybrids. The GEAC
has permitted experimental seed production of seven Bt brinjal
hybrids namely MHB-4 Bt, MHB-9 Bt, MHB-10 Bt, MHB-11 Bt, MHB-80
Bt and MHB-99 Bt at Mahyco's fields at Jalna, Maharashtra in the
coming Kharif season 2008. The seeds shall be produced under the
strict supervision of Director Horticulture Research or Director
Research of the State Agriculture University with a view to
facilitate the monitoring and supervision mechanism as
stipulated by the GEAC.
The new hybrid Bt brinjal variety contains cry1Ac gene (EE1
event developed indigenously by Mahyco), which makes the crop
resistant to the Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB). A major constraint
in brinjal production, the pest can cause significant yield loss
and reduce the number of marketable fruits. Farmers often resort
to intensive use of pesticides to control the FSB. The FSB
resistant varieties have been evaluated for their agronomic
performance, safety and efficacy in controlling FSB and their
effect on beneficial insects in Mahyco and Indian Institute of
Vegetable Research (IIVR). The FSBR variety is expected to give
higher yields with less pesticide use. Mahyco has already
transferred this technology to public sector institutions not
only in India but also to public sector institutions in
Bangladesh and the Philippines.
Decision taken by the GEAC regarding approval of Bt Brinjal seed
production at:
http://www.envfor.nic.in/divisions/csurv/geac/decision-june-85.pdf
Bt Brinjal safety dossier is also available on GEAC website at:
http://www.envfor.nic.in/divisions/csurv/geac/information_brinjal.htm
Source: Indian Ministry of
Environment & Forests |
|
