What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India? 1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome. 2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies. 3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have an adverse impact on health. 4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have an adverse effect on biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

QUESTION

Medium

Science & Technology

Prelims 2012

What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?

Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have an adverse impact on health.
There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have an adverse effect on biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bt brinjal is created by inserting a gene from a soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), not a fungus. Specifically, the Cry1Ac gene is used to provide resistance against the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (BFSB).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Bt brinjal seeds are not "terminator seeds." While the developer (Mahyco) holds the intellectual property rights, the technology itself does not include a Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT) that prevents seeds from being reused. However, like many hybrids, the yield might decrease in subsequent generations, leading farmers to prefer buying new seeds.

Statement 3 is correct: A major point of resistance from activists and health experts is the lack of long-term independent studies on human health. Apprehensions include potential allergenicity and changes in the nutritional profile.

Statement 4 is correct: India is a center of origin and diversity for brinjal. Critics argue that cross-pollination between Bt brinjal and wild/local varieties could lead to genetic contamination, potentially wiping out indigenous biodiversity.

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