Biotech Updates

First GM Chickpea in the Pipeline

April 29, 2011

Indian researchers at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) are using genetic modification to develop chickpea with increased resistance to heliothis moth which causes reduction in grain yield and quality. According to Pauran Gaur, principal scientist of the study, the result of their research will be the first GM chickpea developed, if successful.

"We already had GM plants but they weren't very effective, so we are working on developing more events for Bt chickpea so we can have resistance to that insect," said Gaur. She also added that the development process might be completed in five years.

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