|
Delhi University’s Transgenic Mustard Hybrid DMH-11
Transgenic mustard hybrid DMH-11 is in the news as it is promoted to improve mustard yields and reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports. Concerns are raised about the suitability of DMH-11 for India’s farming systems, including small farms and ecological risks.
Transgenic Mustard Hybrid DMH-11:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Developing institution | DMH-11 comprises a development by Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants. |
| Gene source and composition | DMH-11 comprises 3 genes derived from the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: Barnase, Barstar, and Bar. |
| Gene functions | Barnase provides for male sterility and cross-pollination, Barstar provides for fertility restoration and hybrid seed production, and Bar provides for tolerance to glufosinate herbicide. |
| Mustard cultivation regions (India) | Mustard cultivation applies to dry regions of central and northwestern India. |
| Major yield constraint (mustard) | Major yield constraint comprises the parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca (broomrape/Margoza). |
| Herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops | HT crops comprise crops engineered or bred to tolerate a particular herbicide, allowing the herbicide to control susceptible weeds while the crop survives. |
| Glufosinate-based weed control | Glufosinate provides for suppression of susceptible weeds while HT mustard survives. |
| Non-suitability concerns | Concerns comprise small farms relying on mixed and intercropping unlike large monocultures; ecological risks to companion crops, biodiversity, pollinators, and soil and water ecosystems; repeated herbicide use promoting herbicide-resistant weeds; and nutrition loss because “weeds” like Bathua and Celosia provide food, fodder, nutrients, and medicinal benefits. |
| Non-GM HT mustard varieties | Conventionally mutagenised HT mustard varieties comprise tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides and non-classification as GM crops. |
| Measures mentioned | Measures comprise improving weed management and agronomic practices rather than relying solely on herbicides; scaling up the System of Mustard Intensification; and promoting India’s diverse oilseed base including groundnut, sunflower, sesame, safflower, coconut, and niger. |