UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I · Q67 of 98 General Science easy

Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

  1. (a) clonal propagation of crop plants
  2. (b) developing genetically modified crop plants ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) production of plant growth substances
  4. (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.

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