India approves trials of first public sector Bt cotton variety

摘要

The Indian Genetic Engineering Approval Committee(GEAC)has approved an application to conduct field trials on a genetically modified insect-resistant Bt cotton variety developed by the country's Central Institute for Cotton Research(CICR-Nagpur). Approval has been granted for trials of CICR's BN Bt variety and four hybrids. The variety and hybrids express the Bt Cry1Ac toxin.This is the first time that approval for field trials of a Bt cotton variety rather than a hybrid has been granted.