Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will soon undertake the second round of field trials for pink bollworm-resistant (PBW) genetically modified (GM) cotton in the forthcoming kharif seasons, giving hope to scores of cotton growers facing economic crisis due to repeated crop loss due to pest attacks in the last few years.
Experts said that the seeds of 3-4 private sector companies may be approved soon for the controlled trials.
Scientists at the Bathinda-based regional research station (RRS) of the PAU are engaged in field trials that started last year at undisclosed locations.
Strict confidentiality is being maintained to ensure that a genetically engineered seed is sown in confined and controlled conditions and is not exposed to other flora.
In 2024, PAU started testing the seeds of Bioseed Research Limited, a Hyderabad-based company of DCM Shriram Group, to examine its defence against the PBW, locally known as gulabi sundi. The pest feeds on the reproductive parts of cotton plants, where the fibre is produced, reducing the yield and quality of the crop.
Experts clarified that the outcome of the GM cotton crop trials would take at least three years before the central authorities take a final call for commercial availability of the hybrid.
Trials for GM seeds are conducted after approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), a central agency, and a nod from the state government.
PAU vice-chancellor Prof Satbir Singh Gosal had earlier confirmed to HT about the Bollgard-III trials being conducted on behalf of the GEAC.
Bollgard, a Bt cotton hybrid, was developed by Monsanto more than a decade ago, having a remarkable resistance to pests.
In 2002, GEAC approved the use of a genetically modified variety of cotton, the Bt cotton, to combat this pest. However, by 2009, the bollworm began to develop resistance to a toxic protein present in cotton.
Crop breeder at RRS, Bathinda, Paramjit Singh, who is leading the trials, said on Thursday, that the ongoing project is significant as the pink bollworm is considered to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton crop worldwide and is a major problem for the cotton industry in India, including Punjab, refusing to disclose the outcomes of the first year’s trials of Bioseed citing protocols.
“The deteriorating farm situation warranted the need for continued research in the field of GM cotton. Several institutions are working to develop GM seeds to combat the pink bollworm. During the field trials, our team of researchers evaluated different parameters of the crop, including assessing damages from bollworm infestation, seed cotton yield, along with safety of the crop from mice and rabbits. The team is also studying the impact of the crop on soil microorganisms and fauna and assessing if the crop has any impact on other unrelated organisms in the ecosystem,” Paramjit said who played a crucial role in the development of the Bt1 cotton variety by PAU after a patent held by a corporate seed company ceased in 2016.
“Field trials of GM crops have strict rules where only authorised persons have access to the areas of tests. During the experiment of the pink bollworm-resistant seeds in 2024, no cotton was grown in the vicinity of the spot where the GM cotton crop was grown. Approval for trials is required to be renewed every year from the GEAC and sanctioned from a panel of the state government where every detail is recorded for review by the experts,” he added.
