Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of
- (a) clonal propagation of crop plants
- (b) developing genetically modified crop plants ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) production of plant growth substances
- (d) production of biofertilizers
Why the answer is (b)
• Bollgard I and Bollgard II are Monsanto–Mahyco's genetically modified cotton technologies: Bollgard I (2002) carries the Cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, Bollgard II (2006) adds Cry2Ab, giving resistance to bollworms — option (b).
• Bt cotton is the only GM crop commercially approved in India and now covers over 90% of cotton area.
• Resistance in pink bollworm to Bollgard II has emerged, prompting demand for newer traits.
• The technologies have nothing to do with clonal propagation (a), growth substances (c) or biofertilisers (d).
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) clonal propagation of crop plants
- Bollgard is a GM trait, not a propagation method.
- (c) production of plant growth substances
- Bollgard does not produce plant growth substances.
- (d) production of biofertilizers
- Bollgard is unrelated to biofertilisers.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.