GEAC rejects Bt Mech 915

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) at its meeting on April 25, rejected Mahyco-Monsanto Biotech (MMB)'s application for commercial cultivation of Bt Mech 915 variety of Bt cottonseed in northern India. According to GEAC chairperson Sushama Choudhary the Bt Mech 915 hybrid cottonseed developed by MMB is sensitive to dangerous leaf curl virus. This has pulled the GEAC to go against the MMB's proposal.

The Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) that conducted detailed evaluations of field trials in nine locations in north India has pointed out this aspect as one of the shortcomings of Mech 915-hybrid cottonseed. The CICR report also analyzing the fibre samples of Bt cotton reported that it was not up to the mark.