(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) GM CROPS

(APRIL-2025)

GM CROPS

Scientists at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow have developed the world’s first GM Cotton variety that is completely resistant to the Pink Bollworm (PBW)—a major cotton pest.

What’s New?

The new GM Cotton variety shows:

High resistance to Pink Bollworm
Protection against other pests like: Cotton leafworm, Fall armyworm

What is Bt Cotton?

Bt cotton is a genetically modified version of cotton that contains genes from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
These genes produce insect-killing proteins (toxins), which protect the cotton plant from pests.

What Pests Does It Control?

The first generation of Bt Cotton (Bollgard-I) produced a toxin called Cry1Ac, which is effective against:

Tobacco budworm
Pink Bollworm (initially)

Issues with Bt Cotton in India

Not 100% effective anymore:

Bt Cotton was introduced in India in 2002 (Bollgard I & II), developed in partnership with Monsanto.
Over time, Pink Bollworm has developed resistance, especially in parts of Gujarat.
Monsanto itself admitted that Bollgard cotton has become ineffective in these areas.

Environmental Impacts:

Bt crops reduce the use of broad insecticides, which is good for the environment.
But there are concerns about impacts on non-target insects (like beneficial arthropods).
Over time, there’s also a rise in toxin levels in the soil, as the GM plants continuously emit toxins.