World’s First Genetically Modified Rubber Planted In Assam
Source : Indian Express
GS III : Cultivation/Plantation

Approach “World’s First Genetically Modified Rubber Planted In Assam” : Mains

1. About new Plantation
2. GM Rubber and Cultivation
3. Rubber Cultivation In India

Why in News ?

As a major experiment in rubber farming Rubber Board has started field trial of world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber in Assam. 

Key Facts

• Developed in the biotechnology laboratory at Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Puthuppally, Kottayam, the new variety was planted at board’s Sarutari research farm in Guwahati.

  

• Rubber Board launched the field trial of the GM Rubber in Assam.
• GM Rubber is the second genetically modified crop to start field trial in India after Bt. Cotton.
• A decade before Kerala Government denied permission for the same citing its possible adverse impact on environment and apprehension on GM crops.
• Benefits of GM Rubber
  • They capacity to withstand adverse climatic conditions, the GM variant is expected to give a big boost to rubber production in the country.
  • It will resist reduced moisture or drought, low and high temperatures as well as high light intensity.
  • Expected to cut short the maturity period of rubber, indicating chances for early yielding as well.
  • Its growth will be faster and it will be ready for tapping earlier than normal rubber.

GM Rubber and Concerns

• Inserting the MnSOD gene, which was taken from the rubber plant itself.
• Its copies were multiplied in the laboratory and reinserted into a cell of the rubber plant which was then regenerated into a full plant that is now planted.
• There are no plant species in India that can breed with natural rubber.
  • There is no risk of genes flowing from GM rubber into any native species, a concern often raised by environmental groups
  • Authorities also dismissed concerns of antibiotic resistance genes from a plant citing that such genes would never come into contact with microbes or disease causing bacteria.

Rubber Plantation in India

• Natural rubber is planted in 16 states in India in which Kerala tops and India is the third largest natural rubber producing country of the world.
• Thailand and Indonesia are top producers in the world
• Rubber tree is a quick growing tall tree acquiring 20-30 metre height.
• Climate Required
  • It requires hot and humid climate with temperature of 25°-35°C
  • Annual rainfall of over 200 cm.
  • The rainfall should be well distributed throughout the year.
  • Well drained loamy soils on the hill slopes at elevation ranging from 300 to 450 metres above sea for best quality.

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