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Improved Varieties of BT Cotton: A Boon for Farmers
Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) cotton has revolutionized the cotton industry, especially in developing economies. It is a genetically-modified crop that contains a BT gene that makes it resistant to bollworms. As a result, farmers need not use harmful pesticides and insecticides, thereby reducing the overall cost of production and increasing their profits. In this article, we will discuss the improved varieties of BT cotton and how they benefit farmers.
Improved Varieties of BT Cotton
India is the largest producer of cotton globally, and BT cotton accounts for almost 95% of the cotton grown in the country. However, over the years, the BT cotton varieties have experienced a decline in yields, reduced fiber quality, bacterial leaf blight, and other biotic and abiotic stresses. This has led to the introduction of new and improved varieties of BT cotton, such as:
1. Hybrid BT cotton
Hybrid BT cotton varieties are produced by cross-breeding two different varieties of cotton. These hybrids have higher yields, better fiber quality, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Farmers can choose from a range of hybrid BT cotton varieties, depending on their soil and climatic conditions, and enjoy higher profits due to higher yields.
2. Bollgard-II BT cotton
Bollgard-II is a second-generation BT cotton variety that has two BT genes, making it more resistant to pests than the first-generation Bollgard-I cotton. It is also resistant to other pests such as tobacco caterpillar and pink bollworm. This improved BT cotton variety can increase yields by 20-25%, making it a popular choice among farmers.
3. RRF BT cotton
RRF (Resistant Resinified Formulation) BT cotton is a new variety that has been developed by combining a hybrid BT cotton variety with an insecticide. The insecticide coating on the seeds makes them more resistant to pests, reducing the need for spraying pesticides during the early stages of growth. This has improved yields and reduced the overall cost of production for farmers.
4. Herbicide-tolerant BT cotton
Herbicide-tolerant BT cotton has been developed to control weeds and reduce labor costs associated with manual weeding. This variety of BT cotton can resist herbicides, allowing farmers to spray herbicides in their fields without damaging their crop. It also improves weed control, leading to higher yields and better quality fiber.
Benefits of Improved Varieties of BT Cotton
Improved varieties of BT cotton provide numerous benefits to farmers, such as:
• Higher yields: Improved BT cotton varieties have higher yields than traditional cotton varieties, leading to increased profits for farmers.
• Reduced pesticide use: BT cotton is resistant to bollworms, reducing the need for pesticides and insecticides, thus reducing environmental pollution and improving the health of farmers.
• Better fiber quality: Improved BT cotton varieties are known for their better fiber quality and low trash content, leading to higher prices in the market.
• Reduced input costs: By reducing pesticide use and the need for manual weeding, farmers can reduce their overall input costs.
Conclusion
Improved varieties of BT cotton have transformed the cotton industry by providing farmers with higher yields, better quality fiber, and reduced input costs. These improved varieties are resistant to pests, diseases, and other biotic and abiotic stresses, resulting in better profits and a more sustainable farming environment. With further research in the field of biotechnology, we can expect more advancements in BT cotton varieties, leading to a more prosperous future for farmers.