Genetic Alchemy: Unlocking the Untold Potential of Bt -Brinjal for Pest Management

Author: Harshita Thota, I.R. Delvadiya and B.R. Reddy

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Abstract

Brinjal, also known as eggplant or aubergine, is a popular vegetable crop belonging to the Solanaceae family, and it originated in India. It is widely cultivated on over 1.847 million hectares of land, with an annual production of more than 52 million metric tonnes. Even though brinjal is a widely cultivated crop, it is vulnerable to various insect-pest attacks. Among them, the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) pose a persistent threat to farmers. In countries like Bangladesh, BSFB infestation can cause significant crop loss, up to 86%, These losses have a direct impact on crop yield and are primarily attributed to the utilization of insecticides that target a broad spectrum of insects. The development of genetically modified brinjal, also known as Bt brinjal, was driven by the need for an insect-resistant variety that could effectively control the eggplant fruit and shoot borer pest. This transgenic brinjal has the potential to increase productivity in Bangladesh and other countries. Due to environmental concerns, socio-economic impacts, health and safety concerns, there are challenges faced in the release of Bt brinjal in India. Genetic engineering has led to the development of various biotech/genetically modified crops that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses and are beneficial for human health and the conservation of natural resources.

Keywords

Bt Brinjal, Fruit-Shoot Borer, GMO, Transgenic, Resistant

Conclusion

Crops that have been genetically modified (GM) have the potential to solve several problems that commercial agriculture is now facing. These crops are anticipated to be among the most inventive and fast-growing industries on the international market, providing advantages to farmers as well as consumers and the economies of significant nations. The introduction of Bt brinjal has elicited varied responses from different committees involved in its development. India, as a developing nation, is grappling with the challenges posed by its rapidly growing population. The escalating demand for food has placed emphasis on the significance of Bt crops, making them a potential solution to address this issue. While there are various concerns and questions regarding the safety and associated issues of Bt brinjal, it is worth noting that Bt brinjal is already being marketed in Bangladesh. Therefore, these concerns should not simply be dismissed, but rather considered and addressed in order to make an informed decision about the product.

References

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How to cite this article

Harshita Thota, I.R. Delvadiya and B.R. Reddy (2023). Genetic Alchemy: Unlocking the Untold Potential of Bt -Brinjal for Pest Management. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1058-1065.