Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is preparing for the second round of field trials for pink bollworm-resistant (PBW) genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds during the upcoming kharif season. These trials offer hope to cotton farmers who have faced repeated crop losses due to pest attacks in recent years. The trials are expected to involve seeds from 3-4 private companies, which could soon be approved for controlled trials.
Last year, the Bathinda-based regional research station (RRS) of PAU began testing seeds from Bioseed Research Limited, a Hyderabad-based company, to evaluate their resistance to the pink bollworm, a pest known to damage cotton crops by feeding on reproductive parts where the fiber is produced. The ongoing trials, led by crop breeder Paramjit Singh, are being conducted under strict confidentiality at undisclosed locations to ensure controlled conditions and prevent exposure to other flora.
The research is part of a longer-term effort, as it may take around three years to complete the trials and obtain approval from central authorities for commercial use. The trials are conducted with approval from the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) and the state government.
Pink bollworm remains one of the most destructive pests affecting cotton crops worldwide. The ongoing GM cotton trials aim to provide a solution for the cotton industry in India, including Punjab, which has been grappling with the pest’s impact on crop yields and quality.
