The frost tolerance gene from the Arctic flounder fish has been introduced into strawberry, tomato and potato. A rat gene has found its way into lettuce to increase vitamin C component. And so on. For now, much or all of these, are happening in the west.
Closer home, the transgenic approach has been yielding success in the control of disease in some vegetables and fruits.
The tomato tospovirus has affected over 80 per cent of the tomato crop in Bangalore, said Dr Akella Vani, Indian Horticultural Research Institute. By transferring the viral gene into the crop in experimental plots, it was able to give it resistance to the disease, she said.
So also in the case of ring spot virus affecting most papaya in the city. Or watermelon bud necrosis.
Whether by using the gene of the pathogen itself or by using animal antibody genes, the institute has found the crops regaining health. In such a scenario, should we welcome the technology or should we be scared of it? Is it as dangerous as said to be? Or is it all wrong perceptions?
Awareness
That is what the Foundation for Biotechnology Awareness and Education (FBAE) has been attempting through its regular awareness programmes where it presents experts in the field addressing audiences, mostly of students.
Is labelling required for modified food? "There is no harm in labelling except for some commercial interests. But it is important to remember that 'gene food' (modified food) is no different from any other food as along as it is tested for the usual suspects," said Prof S B Sullia, dept of microbiology, Bangalore University.
He also felt that toxicity and allerginicity tests could be done, though in the case of Bt cotton these claims have been disproved. "May be for genes taken from scorpio, wasps, spiders, etc it is good to test for toxicity as these have not yet stood the test of time." The professor was also categorical that the much feared gene transfer to weeds has not happened in the case of Bt cotton.
According to Prof Kameshwar Rao, executive secretary, FBAE, the fears over Bt cotton and GM crops is unfounded. As to the Vidarbha suicides, linked in reports to failure of the Bt Cotton grown over huge acreage, he said, "The soil there is just not suitable for cotton of any kind. So also in Warrangal."
Bio-diversity
On a question if GM crops could affect bio-diversity, he said vehemently, "It has not happened so far, and it won't happen."
Dr Akella Vani also pointed to how conventional breeders have since a long time eliminated many landraces in return for the "excellent hybrids they gave the people. Was anyone complaining? The loss of variability is a price we have to pay. We need to preserve our germ plasm in gene banks for the future."