Relevance:
US developed and field-tested GE version of American chestnut tree (named as Darling 58) and is awaiting clearances from government agencies to grow them in wild.
News Summary:
- China allowed commercial plantations of two varieties of GE insect-resistant poplar trees.
- India has been experimenting with GE variety of rubber tree by inserting additional copies of gene MnSOD (manganese-containing superoxide dismutase) which enables plant to tolerate extreme climatic stress.
- GE variety will allow non-traditional rubber states (Assam, Mizoram) to cultivate better quality rubber.
- Fungal blight – Cryphonectria parasitica from the Chinese varieties of the tree killed over 4 billion American chestnut trees.
- Darling 58 – GE blight-resistant American chestnut was developed by adding an enzyme from wheat that breaks down the toxin produced by the blight.
About GE trees:
- GE tree is a tree whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques.
- In most cases, it introduces novel traits to plants which do not occur naturally within species.
- Significance of GE Trees –
- Fight climate change by creating trees that grow bigger, faster, resist disease and enhance carbon sequestration.
- Boost production of products such as biofuels and wood from such trees.
- Economic benefits for timber, pulp and paper industry.
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: (2018)
- GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that given the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Reference: Down to Earth
