Context
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Recently, the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant was planted on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.
About GM Rubber Plant
- GM Rubber is the 2nd genetically modified crop to start field trial in India after Bt. Cotton.
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Source; Business Line It is developed at the Kerala-based Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII).
- It is first of its kind developed exclusively for the northeast and is expected to thrive in the climatic conditions of the region.
- It has additional copies of gene MnSOD (manganese containing superoxide dismutase) in it.
- The MnSOD gene used in the GM rubber was taken from the rubber plant itself.
GM Rubber crop in Northeast India
- The growth of young rubber remains suspended during the winter months which are also characterised by progressive drying of the soil.
- The MnSOD gene has the ability to protect plants from the adverse effects of severe environmental stresses such as cold, drought, etc.
- Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and it is not naturally suited for the cold conditions in northeastern region of the country.
Significance of GM Rubber Plant
- It will resist reduced moisture or drought, low and high temperatures as well as high light intensity.
- The new crop is expected to cut short the maturity period of rubber, indicating chances for early yielding as well.
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There are no plant species in India that can breed with natural rubber and there is no risk of genes flowing from GM rubber into any native species.
Key Fact
- Tripura, which is the second largest natural rubber producing state in the country after Kerala, is currently cultivating natural rubber in 85,500 hectares of land and producing 62,000 tonne rubber annually.
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