Hybrid Bt cotton clears worm trial

Two months before the next season commences, there is good news on the trial front — initial reports suggest they are favourable and will soon be submitted to the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), the apex body which clears GM crops. ‘‘Results from nine trials have shown they are equipped to deal with bollworm which is our main concern,’’ said C.D. Mayee, director, Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR).

‘‘This hybrid fits well into the early sowing season of North India,’’ he added. It is now up to GEAC to analyse observations made by All India coordinated trials and decide whether they are going to clear it for this season or not. GEAC is expected to meet on May 6.

While Mahyco submitted only one hybrid for the North Mech 162, three had been cleared for South and Central India. The bad news is that the indigenous variety of Bt cotton might take at least two more years as the long-drawn clearance process is yet to begin.

Scientists claim it took long because they are developing an Indian parent rather than importing the original gene and crossing it.

Among the Bt hybrids that were cleared, Mahyco had used the Cocker gene developed in the US and mixed it with local varieties.