A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) To make it pest-resistant
(b) To improve its taste and nutritive qualities
(c) To make it drought-resistant
(d) To make its shelf-life longer
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Bt Brinjal is a transgenic brinjal created by inserting a gene cry1Ac from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal.
- This genetically modified brinjal gives resistance against insects such as the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis).
- Bt Brinjal was developed by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco).
