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Archives
Dec. 1-31, 2003
First GM pigeonpea: Farmers'
arm to productivity
by *Mary Charlotte
O. Fresco, S&T Media Service
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| GM pigeon pea |
Imagine a crop that is resistant to the
pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera)—the main culprit
behind millions of losses every cropping season. Imagine
a crop that could bring about greater yield and more
profit to the farmers. What could come to mind is a
newly –developed genetically modified (GM) pigeon
pea that promises farmers greater productivity.
After the GM peanut the International
Crops Research Institute of the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
again contributes to global agricultural research as
it launches another first—the first GM pigeon
pea.
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| pod borer |
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is one of
the oldest food crops and is considered one of the five
most important edible legumes in the world. It grows
well in tropical and sub-tropical environments. In India,
where ICRISAT is situated, pigeon pea is considered
a staple food. In fact, India is the leading producer
of pigeon pea followed by other countries like Uganda,
Tanzania, and Kenya. The Philippines also produces pigeon
pea along with other Asian countries like Thailand and
Indonesia. Aside from providing food, pigeon pea production
supports the livelihood of many farm families particularly
those living in rainfed areas.
A highly nutritious food, pigeon pea
was considered as native to Africa. From remains discovered
in tombs, pigeon pea was known to have been grown in
Egypt between 2,200 and 2,400 B.C. and perhaps carried
to India by traders. Pigeon pea varieties are classified
as tree type, tall varieties, and dwarf. This plant
is a vigorous, drought-tolerant legume that produces
large pods that can easily be harvested.
Among, the leading problems of pigeon
pea farmers are crop losses due to the pesky pod borer.
Thus, researchers have long recognized that host plant
resistance is the most effective management option.
Scientists from ICRISAT were able to
develop the GM pigeon pea by introducing a synthetic
gene, Bt Cry1Ab, that offers resistance against lepidopteran
insect pests like pod borer. They transferred the Cry1Ab,
a gene extracted from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and
the soybean trypsin inhibitor through mediated genetic
transformation, Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
After extensive molecular characterization
of the transgenics and insect bioassays in the glasshouse,
the newly modified pigeon pea was subjected to field
trials. Screening for resistance was done from over
14,000 pigeon pea samples. The scientists are now going
through a second season of contained trial to secure
the biosafety of the pigeon pea. If the trials were
successful, the GM pigeon pea will be subjected to open
field trials. This activity is done in collaboration
with ICRISAT’s national partners.
This is indeed good news for farmers
particularly those in pigeon pea growing areas. Through
GM pigeon pea, insecticide use will be minimized, and
production will increase.
For more information about the newly-developed
pigeon pea, please contact k.sharma@cgiar.org
Sources:
1.“ICRISAT’s transgenic pigeonpea at: http://www.icrisat.org/web/ASP/satrends.asp?issueid=35&issuemonth=11&issueyear=2003#1
2.Phatak, S.C., R.G. Nadimpalli, S.C. Tiwari, and H.L.
Bhardwaj. 1993. Pigeonpeas: Potential new crop for the
southeastern United States. p. 597-599. In: J. Janick
and J.E. Simon (eds.), New crops. Wiley, New York.
December 1-31 2003 Articles:
:: Philippines plans for 2004 International Year of Rice
:: BAR Chronicle wins 2003 Gawad Oscar Florendo Award
:: Year of the Rice: Rice and World Poverty and Hunger
:: Committee to review DA websites created
:: This year's PANTAS awardee
:: First GM pigeonpea: Farmers' arm to productivity
::: More December 2003 articles :::
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