|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nutritious GM potatoes ready for field trials
|
|
Wednesday, 17 December, 2008, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, New Delhi
|
Following the recent report on genetically modified (GM) brinjal being ready for field trials, the Shimla-based Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) has developed GM potato varieties with the Amal gene acclaimed for improved nutritional efficiency, transgenic potatoes, the RB gene for late blight resistance, along with the Bt gene for insect resistance. The institute has also developed transgenic potatoes for reduction of cold-induced sweetening, according to a report in the Financial Express.
"All these GM potato varieties are in advanced stages and ready for limited field trials under the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM)," said CPRI director S K Pandey. India has joined the Global Potato Genome Sequencing Project which was initiated in mid-2006ans coordinated by Netherland-based Waggeingen University.
Amal, a storage albumin protein gene sourced from amaranthus hypochondriacus by the Delhi University at its South Delhi campus, has been used by CPRI to develop a GM potato variety in collaboration with Delhi-based National Institute for Plant Genome Research. CPRI has claimed that the protein content in this GM potato variety has increased by 40%.
Four selected transgenic lines of Kufri Chipsona-1 expressing Ni-Inhh gene have also been developed by CPRI for reducing cold-induced sweetening in storage.
Bt Brinjal is the first food crop undergoing field trials in India. Mahyco, the Indian arm of the US-based seed and biotech major Monsanto, has completed safety tests as required by the regulations as early as 2006, and has proceeded to conduct large-scale field trials.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|