A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, ha...
A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is to make it pest-resistant. Bt brinjal is a suite of transgenic brinjals formed by inserting crystal protein gene from soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis in genome of many brinjal cultivars like promoters, terminators and antibiotic resistance marker genes by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. It results in modification in genes of Brinjal with genetic engineering. Bt brinjal is used to give resistance against lepidopteron insects, in particular the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer.
Hence, the correct option is (a).
A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, ha...
Introduction:
The genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as Bt-brinjal, has been developed with the objective of making it pest-resistant. This technology involves the insertion of a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the brinjal plant, which helps in producing a protein toxic to certain pests. This modification aims to enhance the crop's resistance against harmful insects and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers.
Pest Resistance:
The primary objective of developing Bt-brinjal is to make it pest-resistant. By introducing the Bt gene into the brinjal plant, it produces a toxin that is harmful to specific pests, such as fruit and shoot borer. This particular pest causes significant damage to brinjal crops, leading to substantial yield losses. Bt-brinjal offers an effective and sustainable solution to combat such pests, reducing crop damage and increasing yields.
Reduced Dependence on Pesticides:
Bt-brinjal's pest-resistance properties significantly reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Traditional brinjal cultivation often requires frequent and excessive pesticide applications to control pests. These pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment, human health, and beneficial organisms. By adopting Bt-brinjal, farmers can minimize the use of pesticides, thereby mitigating the associated risks and ensuring safer food production.
Enhanced Crop Yield and Quality:
By minimizing pest damage, Bt-brinjal can potentially increase crop yields. Pests like the fruit and shoot borer cause significant damage to brinjal fruits and shoots, leading to reduced yields. By incorporating the Bt gene, the crop's ability to withstand pest attacks improves, resulting in healthier and higher-yielding plants. Additionally, Bt-brinjal does not compromise the taste and nutritive qualities of the crop, ensuring that consumers receive a quality product.
Economic Benefits for Farmers:
Bt-brinjal offers economic benefits to farmers by reducing their expenditure on chemical pesticides. Pesticides can be expensive, and their frequent use adds to the production costs. By adopting Bt-brinjal, farmers can save on pesticide expenses, making cultivation more financially viable. Additionally, the improved yield and quality of Bt-brinjal can fetch higher market prices, further enhancing farmers' income.
Conclusion:
The development of Bt-brinjal with its pest-resistant properties aims to provide an effective and sustainable solution to combat pests, minimize pesticide use, increase crop yield, and enhance farmers' economic prospects. By choosing Bt-brinjal, farmers can reduce crop losses, improve food security, and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.