Pakistani scientists develop GMO for CLCV resistant cotton plant

Date:10-23-2012

In collaboration of Punjab University’s Centre for Excellence Molecular Biology (CEMB) and Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) Dr Idrees Ahmad Nasir and Dr Saleem Haider develop amazing CLCV resistant cotton plant. CLCV damages an estimated 3 million bales worth cotton which cost approximately Rs 250-300 billion every year.

PARB started a project in collaboration with CEMB and IAS in Punjab University in 2009 to develop GMO that can effectively resist the virus growth in cotton plant with a cost of Rs 29 million.

The GMO construct against the virus was built in Toronto University. It was incorporated in the best cotton varieties of Punjab in collaboration with IAS and CEMB. The methodology used to build the construct is called RNAi technique.

The scientists of CEMB and IAS briefed the minister that international and national collaboration developed through PARB played a critical role in the success of this project. They further said that couple of confirmatory tests was needed before the seed of GMO could be given to the farmers.

These research stages can be completed within 1-2 years.

The minister also lauded Dr Mubarak Ali and his team for their leadership in conceptualization, planning, coordination and implementation of the project. He emphasized to speed up the research work so that the fruit of the scientific success could reach farmers as soon as possible.

According to Agriculture Minister the Punjab government would provide every help to support this type of projects to enhance crop productions of all major crops including cotton.