Q. Consider the following statements about the Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11): - It is the first public sector edible oil crop developed indigenously
- It has been developed using the Barnase-barstar system
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 & 2
Notes: First statement is correct. Deepak Pental, a Professor of Genetics, at the University of Delhi, has been credited for developing Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11). GM Mustard project was funded completely by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) – the largest producer and supplier of Dhara Brand Edible Oil in the country. The major problem with mustard is that it is a self pollinating crop and hence difficult to breed for the hybrid vigour, thereby, reducing its yield in the field. The newly developed DMH-11 is based on the technology called Barnase-barstar which aims at enhancing heterosis (increase in the level of production traits due to cross breeding) in mustard to increase its yield.