Mustard Oil Regulation in India

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

• Definition: GM crops are plants whose genetic material has been artificially altered using genetic engineering to express desirable traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or enhanced nutrition.
• GMO Definition: Genetically Modified Organisms include plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms whose DNA has been modified through biotechnological methods.

Development of GM Crops: Methods Used

• Gene Identification and Isolation:
  • The gene responsible for a desired trait is first identified in a donor organism (often a bacterium).
• Gene Transfer Methods:
  • Gene Gun Method: DNA-coated metal particles are shot into plant cells.
  • Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation: Utilizes the natural gene transfer ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to insert the desired gene.
  • Electroporation: Involves electric pulses to create pores in plant cell membranes, allowing DNA to enter.
  • Microinjection: A direct injection of DNA into plant cells using a fine needle.

Approved and Proposed GM Crops in India

• Bt Cotton:
• • Approved for commercial cultivation since 2002.
  • Engineered using genes from Bacillus thuringiensis to produce Cry proteins that kill cotton bollworms.
• Bt Brinjal:
  • Contains the cry1Ac gene from B. thuringiensis for insect resistance.
  • Approved by GEAC in 2009 but put under indefinite moratorium due to public and scientific concerns.
  • Biosafety research field trials of transgenic varieties (e.g., Janak and BSS-793) have been approved in eight Indian states.
• GM Mustard (DMH-11):
  • Developed by Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, Delhi University.
  • Not yet approved for commercial cultivation.
  • Created through a cross between Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and East European ‘Early Heera-2’.
  • Genetic modification achieved using barnase-barstar system:
    • §  Barnase gene (from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) induces male sterility in Varuna to prevent self-pollination.
    • §  Barstar gene (from the same bacterium) in Heera-2 counteracts barnase, enabling cross-pollination.

Significance of GM Mustard (DMH-11)

• Aims to improve yield and reduce erucic acid content in mustard oil (30–35% in DMH-11 vs. 40–54% in conventional varieties).
• Seeks to lower dependence on edible oil imports, which stood at $20.56 billion (NITI Aayog data).
• Introduces hybrid vigour in self-pollinating crops, which is otherwise difficult in mustard due to its reproductive biology.

PYQ:

With reference to the genetically modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:  (2020)

1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
3. GM mustard has been developed using the barnase/barstar system for hybrid seed production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3