GM crops are designed to develop natural resistance from insects and pests. Which of the following crops are modified using Bacillus thuringiensis?

All of the above

The correct answer is Option (4) -All of the above

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) refer to plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals whose genes have been altered through manipulation. GM plants have proved to be beneficial in various ways, as follows:

(i) GM technology has made crops more resilient to abiotic stresses, such as cold, drought, salt, and heat, enabling them to thrive in challenging environmental conditions.

(ii) Genetic modification has decreased the reliance on chemical pesticides by creating pest-resistant crops, which reduces the need for harmful chemical inputs and promotes sustainable agriculture.

(iii) GM has contributed to reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing the shelf life of crops, and ensuring better food security.

(iv) The efficiency of mineral usage by plants has been improved through genetic modification, preventing early soil fertility exhaustion and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

(v) Genetic modification has been utilized to enhance the nutritional value of food, with examples like golden rice, enriched with Vitamin 'A', providing essential nutrients to combat malnutrition.

Bt toxin is produced by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt for short). Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to insects without the need for insecticides; in effect created a bio-pesticide. Examples are Bt cotton, Bt corn, rice, tomato, potato and soyabean etc.