Soon, Bt gene to help cotton growers kill weeds

The Bt gene gave cotton farmers freedom from bollworm. Now the weedicide-resistant gene is likely to relieve them of weeds as well.

Field trials at eight centres across the country — including one at the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) headquarters here — have thrown up heartening results.

The Bollgard II Roundup Ready Flex (RRF) hybrid, the weedicide-resistant new variety of cotton from Mahyco-Monsanto, nullified the weed effect during the trial.

“The results are very good. The weeds have been completely routed, not only helping the cotton to grow better and faster, but also saving the farmer’s expenses on weed control,” says CICR director Keshav Kranthi.

RRF is the next-generation Bt product from Monsanto already in use in countries like the US, Australia and Brazil.

As of now, farmers have to de-weed the fields as use of herbicide affects cotton too.

(Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Soon--Bt-gene-to-help-cotton-growers-kill-weeds/737241)