Science & Technology

The first genetically engineered (GE) crop in India was Bt cotton, introduced in 2002. Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These genes produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, particularly the bollworm, which is a major pest affecting cotton crops.

Production of Bt Cotton

The production of Bt cotton involved the following steps:

1. Gene Identification and Isolation: Scientists identified and isolated the gene from Bacillus thuringiensis that produces the Bt toxin. This gene is known as the Cry gene.
2. Gene Insertion: The Cry gene was inserted into the cotton plant’s DNA using a technique called genetic transformation. This can be done through several methods, including the use of a bacterium like Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which naturally transfers genes into plants, or by using a gene gun to shoot tiny particles coated with the DNA into plant cells.
3. Selection and Breeding: The transformed cotton plants were then grown, and those that exhibited resistance to bollworms were selected. These plants were further bred to ensure that the Bt trait was stable and could be passed on to subsequent generations.

Pros of Bt Cotton

1. Pest Resistance: Bt cotton provides effective control against bollworms, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
2. Higher Yields: Reduced pest damage leads to higher cotton yields, improving farmer incomes.
3. Environmental Benefits: Lower use of chemical insecticides results in less environmental pollution and can benefit non-target organisms like beneficial insects.
4. Reduced Costs: Farmers save money on insecticide purchases and application.

Cons of Bt Cotton

1. Development of Resistance: Over time, target pests can develop resistance to the Bt toxin, rendering the technology less effective.
2. Impact on Non-Target Organisms: There are concerns about the impact of Bt toxin on non-target organisms, although studies on this have shown mixed results.
3. Biodiversity: The widespread adoption of Bt cotton may reduce agricultural biodiversity.
4. Cost of Seeds: Bt cotton seeds are often more expensive than conventional seeds, which can be a burden for small-scale farmers.
5. Regulatory and Ethical Concerns: There are ongoing debates about the safety and ethics of genetically modified crops, including concerns about long-term health effects and corporate control over seed supplies