Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context

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

clonal propagation of crop plants
developing genetically modified crop plants
production of plant growth substances
production of biofertilizers
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are used in the context of developing genetically modified crop plants.
– Bollgard I and Bollgard II are trade names for genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds developed by Monsanto (now part of Bayer).
– These technologies involve introducing genes from the bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) into the cotton plant’s genome.
– The Bt genes (specifically *cry1Ac* in Bollgard I and *cry1Ac* and *cry2Ab* in Bollgard II) produce proteins that are toxic to certain insect pests, particularly the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and other lepidopteran pests.
– This genetic modification makes the cotton plant resistant to these pests, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and improving yields. This is a classic example of genetic modification for pest resistance in crops.
Bollgard cotton is widely cultivated in India and other parts of the world. While beneficial for pest control, its use has also raised concerns about pest resistance evolution and environmental impacts.
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