Question 83 from UPSC CSE 2021 - S&T

Question

Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. developing genetically modified crop plants

Strategy: Focus on the term Bollgard I and II, which is directly linked to Bt cotton, a well-known genetically modified crop in India. Recognize that Bollgard refers to proprietary insect-resistant technology, which is a form of genetic modification, not cloning, biofertilizers, or plant growth substances. This allows for the direct identification of the correct option.

Key Info: **Bollgard Technologies**
Bollgard I and Bollgard II are trade names for transgenic cotton developed by Monsanto. These technologies involve introducing specific genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a soil bacterium, into cotton plants to make them resistant to bollworm pests.

- **Bollgard I**: Introduced in India in 2002, it contains the Cry1Ac gene. This enables the plant to produce a Bt toxin toxic to certain Lepidopteran larvae, primarily the American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).
- **Bollgard II**: Introduced in 2006, this is an advanced version with two Bt genes (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab). It provides broader and more durable resistance to bollworms, including new pest species like Spodoptera.

The technology is approved for commercial use in India by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

**Bt Cotton in India**
Bt cotton is India's most widely cultivated genetically modified crop. Its adoption has reduced reliance on chemical pesticides for controlling bollworms, increased yields, and brought significant economic benefits to farmers, along with associated ecological effects.

- **Genetic Modification**: In agriculture, this refers to altering the genetic makeup of crops to introduce desirable traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutrient profiles. In India, such crops are regulated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

**Distinguishing from Other Options**
- **Clonal propagation** is a method of asexual reproduction, not genetic engineering.
- **Plant growth substances** and **biofertilizers** are unrelated to Bollgard, which is specific to transgenic pest resistance.

The Bt genes in Bollgard do not affect human health or non-target organisms under approved use, though their adoption is subject to regulatory and socio-economic debates.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: clonal propagation of crop plants

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: production of plant growth substances

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: production of biofertilizers