TN univ develops new variety of GM brinjal

The transgenic variety, developed by Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, would be susceptible to just 1% damage from common pesticide and bacteria.

The Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) has developed a new variety of genetically modified hybrid Bt brinjal.

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The new variety has been jointly developed by the departments of Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Vegetable Crafts of TNAU, Vice-Chancellor C Ramaswamy said on Wednesday.

Resistant to shoot and fruit borer, a constant threat to brinjal farmers, the genetically modified brinjal would require less dosage of pesticides and fertilisers, he said.

The transgenic eggplant would be susceptible to just one per cent damage from common pesticide and bacteria, whereas the regular variety is 30 per cent more prone to be attacked and destroyed by these agents, he said, adding that field trial of the new variety has been positive.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Environment Council (TNEC) and Tamil Nadu Movement for the Protection of Livelihood Resources, headed by organic agriculture scientist Nammalwar, have announced a massive signature campaign against Bt brinjal from Thursday.