UPSC Prelims 2021 Q67: Science & Technology – Biotechnology & Genetics
- (a) clonal propagation of crop plants
- (b) developing genetically modified crop plants
- (c) production of plant growth substances
- (d) production of biofertilizers
Answer: (b) developing genetically modified crop plants
Explanation
Bollgard I and Bollgard II: Bt Cotton Technologies
| Technology | Bt Gene Inserted | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bollgard I | Cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) | Resistance to American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in cotton |
| Bollgard II | Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab (two-gene stack) | Resistance to multiple bollworm species (Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, Pectinophora) - broader spectrum |
Both Bollgard I (approved in India 2002) and Bollgard II (2006) are GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROP technologies developed by Monsanto (now Bayer). They are the only GM crops approved for commercial cultivation in India (Bt cotton).
Answer: (b) developing genetically modified crop plants.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Clonal propagation is asexual reproduction (tissue culture, cuttings) - not Bt/GM technology.
- (b) CORRECT. Bollgard I (Cry1Ac gene) and Bollgard II (Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab stack) are Bt cotton technologies - GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS developed by Monsanto. Bollgard I approved in India 2002; Bollgard II in 2006. Bt cotton is India's only commercially approved GM crop.
- (c) Incorrect. Plant growth substances are auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins - not Bt/GM technology.
- (d) Incorrect. Biofertilisers are Rhizobium, Azotobacter, mycorrhiza - not GM crops.
Key point
Bollgard I = Bt cotton with Cry1Ac gene (India approved 2002). Bollgard II = Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab stack (2006). Both by Monsanto. India's ONLY commercially approved GM crop is Bt cotton. GM brinjal, GM mustard controversies remain.
Remember
Bollgard I (single Cry1Ac gene) and Bollgard II (Cry1Ac + Cry2Ab two-gene stack) are Bt cotton technologies developed by Monsanto for insect resistance - they are examples of DEVELOPING GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROP PLANTS. Correct answer: (b).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Bt technology (bollworm resistance) with HT (herbicide-tolerant) technology (Roundup Ready).
- Not knowing Bollgard II offers broader-spectrum protection due to two-gene pyramiding.
- Missing that Bollgard II has faced resistance from pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in India since 2015 - concerns about durability.
Exam tip
GM crop technologies: Bt (insect resistance - Bollgard I/II for cotton), HT (herbicide tolerance - Roundup Ready), Golden Rice (Vitamin A), Bt brinjal (approved Bangladesh, blocked India), GM mustard (approved India 2022 but controversial). Bt cotton = India's only commercial GM crop.
Sources
- GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) - Approvals List
- Ministry of Agriculture - Bt Cotton Cultivation in India (Status Reports)