Hybridisation, the process of crossing genetically dissimilar plant varieties to produce first-generation (F1) offspring with higher yields, is challenging in mustard due to its self-pollinating nature. However, scientists have achieved hybridisation in mustard through genetic modification (GM), specifically with the development of hybrid mustard DMH-11 by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University. This hybrid mustard contains two alien genes from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a soil bacteria.

Genetic Modification Process:

• The first gene, called 'barnase', induces male sterility by impairing pollen production in the mustard plant.
• The male-sterile plant is then crossed with a fertile parental line containing the second gene, 'barstar', which counteracts the effects of the barnase gene.
• The resulting F1 progeny exhibits high yield and retains the ability to produce seeds.

Concerns Associated with the Crop:

• The development and cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops, such as hybrid mustard DMH-11, raise concerns related to the precautionary principle.
• This principle suggests that in the absence of scientific consensus or adequate information, caution should be exercised when dealing with innovations that could have significant adverse impacts on human health or the environment.
• Decision-making surrounding GM crops often faces criticism for relying solely on the precautionary principle, which some argue impedes scientific progress or leads to inaction.

In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), is responsible for evaluating proposals related to the release of GM organisms into the environment. While Bt cotton is the only GM crop currently permitted in India, the cultivation of genetically modified varieties of edible oils and other crops is prevalent in the country. As discussions continue on the safety and implications of GM crops, regulatory bodies like the GEAC play a crucial role in assessing their environmental and human health impacts.

Bt Cotton

Why is the Supreme Court (SC) examining the matter of GM crops?