Bt brinjal

Bt Brinjal

Bt Brinjal is a genetically modified variety of brinjal (eggplant) that has been engineered to express a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This protein provides the plant with resistance to certain insect pests, particularly the Leucinodes orbonalis, commonly known as the brinjal fruit and shoot borer.

Development

The development of Bt Brinjal was primarily undertaken by the Indian seed company Mahyco, in collaboration with Monsanto and several public sector institutions. The genetic modification involves the insertion of a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis into the brinjal genome, which encodes for the Bt toxin. This toxin is specific to certain insect pests and is considered safe for human consumption and non-target organisms.

Benefits

The primary benefit of Bt Brinjal is its ability to significantly reduce the damage caused by the brinjal fruit and shoot borer, a major pest in brinjal cultivation. This can lead to higher yields and reduced need for chemical insecticides, which can be beneficial for both the environment and the health of farmers.

Controversies

Bt Brinjal has been the subject of significant controversy and debate. Concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact, such as the development of resistance in target pests, effects on non-target organisms, and gene flow to wild relatives. There are also socio-economic concerns, including the impact on smallholder farmers and seed sovereignty.

In India, the introduction of Bt Brinjal was met with opposition from various groups, leading to a moratorium on its commercial release in 2010. The debate continues, with proponents arguing for its benefits in terms of pest control and yield, while opponents caution against potential risks and advocate for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Regulatory Status

As of the latest updates, Bt Brinjal has been approved for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh, where it has been grown since 2014. In contrast, India has maintained a moratorium on its commercial release, pending further studies and public consultation.

Also see

• Genetically modified organism
• Bacillus thuringiensis
• Monsanto
• Genetic engineering in agriculture
• Brinjal fruit and shoot borer