GS PAPER III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: First-ever genetically modified rubber planted in Assam.

More about news:

• Rubber Research Institute of India had developed the plant tailored for the climatic conditions in the Northeast.
• The GM rubber has additional copies of the gene MnSOD, or manganese-containing superoxide dismutase, inserted in the plant, which is expected to tide over the severe cold conditions during winter — a major factor affecting the growth of young rubber plants in the region.
• The plant was developed at the Kerala-based Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII).

Why GM rubber adoption?

• Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for the colder conditions in the Northeast, which is one of the largest producers of rubber in India.
• Growth of young rubber plants remains suspended during the winter months, which are also characterised by progressive drying of the soil.
• This is the reason for the long immaturity period of this crop in the region.
• The MnSOD gene has the ability to protect plants from the adverse effects of severe environmental stresses such as cold and drought.
• GM rubber plants overexpressed the MnSOD gene as expected, offering protection to the cells. The plant is thus expected to establish well and grow fast in the region.
• Allaying unfounded fears about GM rubber, the planting had been done at an experimental level following all mandatory biosafety measures applicable to field trials involving GM crops.
• There was no risk of genes flowing from the GM rubber into any other native species, a concern often raised by environmental groups against GM plants in general.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/first-ever-genetically-modified-rubber-planted-in-assam/article34901294.ece?homepage=true

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