Indian scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by creating the first-ever low-pungent mustard variety that is both pest and disease-resistant. This groundbreaking advancement has the potential to revolutionize the challenges faced by India’s traditional oilseed production, particularly in the case of rapeseed-mustard.
Significance of Rapeseed-Mustard in India’s Oilseed Production
Rapeseed-mustard holds a crucial position in India’s domestic oilseed production. With a share of approximately 42.6% in vegetable oil production and 30.3% in meal production, rapeseed-mustard stands as the most significant domestically-grown oilseed in the country. Beyond its oil extraction, the residual cake derived from the seeds serves as a protein-rich ingredient in livestock, poultry, and aqua feed.
Challenges with traditionally Grown Rapeseed-Mustard
The traditionally grown rapeseed-mustard faces challenges due to its high glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are compounds responsible for the characteristic pungency of mustard oil and meal. This high pungency adversely affects consumer acceptance, particularly among those who prefer milder cooking. Additionally, the rapeseed meal’s indigestibility for poultry and pigs poses a problem, while its usage for cattle and buffaloes requires supplementation with fodder grass and water. High glucosinolate levels are also known to lead to health issues such as goiter and organ abnormalities in livestock.
Canola-Quality Mustard Research
Efforts spanning two decades have been directed towards developing Canola-quality rapeseed-mustard to address these challenges. Scientists from Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research have been at the forefront of this research.
Distinguishing features of Canola-Quality Mustard
Canola-quality mustard stands out from its traditional counterpart in several aspects. Firstly, it boasts lower glucosinolate levels, with canola seeds containing less than 30 parts per million (ppm) compared to the 120-130 ppm present in Indian mustard seeds. Secondly, the reduced pungency achieved in canola-quality mustard rivals the standard of Brassica napus, a key variety of canola. This breakthrough holds promise for enhancing consumer acceptance while maintaining the desirable attributes of traditional mustard.
Challenges faced by Canola-Quality Mustard Seeds
Despite the benefits of canola-quality mustard, large-scale cultivation remains limited due to its vulnerability to pests and diseases. While reduced glucosinolate levels are favorable for oil and meal production, they compromise the plant’s overall defense mechanism. This susceptibility to external threats poses a challenge to widespread adoption.
Gene-Edited Mustard: A Novel Approach
In a recent study, Indian researchers focused on editing the glucosinolate transporter (GTR) genes to develop a more resilient mustard variety. These genes play a critical role in the accumulation of glucosinolates in mustard seeds. By using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool, researchers targeted 10 out of the 12 GTR genes in the high-yielding Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna.’ This technique involved precise cutting of DNA sequences, leading to non-functional proteins responsible for glucosinolate transport.
Advantages of Gene-Edited Mustard
The gene-edited ‘Varuna’ mustard showcased a balanced glucosinolate content, falling below the 30-ppm threshold for canola-quality. Remarkably, the leaves and pod walls surrounding the seeds exhibited significantly higher glucosinolate accumulation. This led to improved resistance against both fungal pathogens and insect pests, indicating the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing plant defense.
Distinguishing Gene Editing from Genetic Modification
Notably, the gene-edited mustard lines are transgene-free and not genetically modified (GM). Unlike GM crops, these lines do not contain foreign genes. The researchers employed CRISPR/Cas9 for targeted gene editing, and subsequent generations of the plant do not retain the Cas9 protein. This approach circumvents the rigorous regulatory procedures required for GM crops in India.
Significance and Potential Impact
This breakthrough holds immense promise for India’s agricultural landscape. With the nation heavily reliant on edible oil imports, the development of pest-resistant, high-yield mustard varieties could significantly reduce this dependency. Additionally, mustard’s high oil content makes it a vital source of fat for human consumption and protein for livestock. By enhancing crop yield, pest resistance, and product quality, this research could catalyze a positive transformation in India’s oilseed production sector.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How has the traditionally grown rapeseed-mustard posed challenges for both consumers and livestock?
- What distinguishes Canola-quality mustard from its traditional counterpart in terms of glucosinolate levels and pungency?
- What challenges have hindered the large-scale cultivation of Canola-quality mustard, despite its advantageous traits?
- How does gene editing differ from genetic modification, and why is this distinction significant in terms of regulatory approvals?
