With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
- 1.GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
- 2.GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- 3.GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
The GM mustard hybrid 'DMH-11' was developed by scientists at the Delhi University's South Campus, not jointly with Punjab Agricultural University. Statement 1 is incorrect because the genetic modification in DMH-11 primarily focuses on herbicide tolerance and enhanced yield, not broad pest resistance derived from soil bacteria genes for that purpose. Statement 2 is correct as the genetic modification incorporates genes for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and barnase/barstar systems, which are crucial for facilitating cross-pollination and the development of hybrids.
Source: UPSC gs1 2018