Biotech regulator clears field trials of indigenously developed GM mustard

Biotech regulator clears field trials of indigenously developed GM mustard

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: For the first time in 16 years, the Genetical Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the authority to approve trials and release of genetically modified (GM) crops, has paved the way for the commercial release of GM mustard

Concept:

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Union Environment Ministry has approved seed production “prior to commercial release” of India’s first indigenously-developed transgenic hybrid mustard. It opens up possibilities for India’s first genetically modified (GM) food crop by farmers amid opposition from green groups and the so-called swadeshi lobby affiliated to the ruling party.
• DMH-11 contains two alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillusamyloliquefaciens that enable breeding of high-yielding commercial mustard hybrids.
• Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11, otherwise known as DMH – 11, is a genetically modified hybrid variety of the mustard species Brassica juncea.
• It was developed by Professor Deepak Pental from the University of Delhi, with the aim of reducing India’s demand for edible oil imports.
• DMH-11 was created through transgenic technology, primarily involving the Bar, Barnase and Barstar gene system.
• The Barnase gene confers male sterility, while the Barstar gene restores DMH – 11’s ability to produce fertile seeds. The insertion of the third gene Bar, enables DMH – 11 to produce phosphinothricin-N- acetyl-transferase, the enzyme responsible for Glufosinate resistance.
• This hybrid mustard variety has come under intense public scrutiny, mainly due to concerns regarding DMH – 11’s potential to adversely affect the environment as well as consumer health. DMH – 11 was found not to pose any food allergy risks, and has demonstrated increased yields over existing mustard varieties. Conflicting details and results regarding the field trials and safety evaluations conducted on DMH – 11 have delayed its approval for commercial cropping.
• Proponents of the GM technology-based crop say it is necessary for boosting domestic
  oilseed and vegetable oil production. India annually produces only 8.5-9 million tonnes (mt) of edible oil, while importing 14-14.5 mt that entailed a record foreign exchange outgo of $18.99 billion in 2021-22 (April-March).

About Mustard:

• Mustard is a largely self-pollinating crop, which makes development of hybrids (which typically yield more than normal varieties) difficult in the natural course.
• The CGMCP scientists, led by the former Delhi University vice-chancellor Deepak Pental, have developed what they claim is a robust and viable hybridisation system for mustard. Their GM hybrid is a product of crossing two plants containing alien ‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’ genes derived from a soil bacterium.