University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

Also, using molecular-marker assisted selection ICRISAT developed the Pearl millet
hybrid HHB 67-2, capable of surviving the downy mildew disease that plagues
Northern India. If there is no natural resistance in crops to pests or diseases,
ICRISAT tries developing transgenic crops with resistant genes from outside the
crop’s own gene pool, such as the ICRISAT-bred transgenic groundnut resistant to
the Indian Peanut Clump Virus.
A similar project developed by the ICRISAT aims for the cultivation of biopesticides,
such as the Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) – a project also rewarded with the
World Bank's Development Marketplace Award in 2005 (The Hindu Business Line
2005). This virus is effective in managing Pigeonpea pod borer insects (Helicoverpa
armigera), and the project’s high priority comes from the fact the pod borer infests
nearly 200 crops types and that Pigeonpea is one of the crops most favoured by
ICRISAT because of its high harvest yield and food content.
The traditional pod borer repellent method – the farmers' practice of shaking
pigeonpea plants to dislodge the larvae, after which larvae are collected and burnt –
forms the basis of the ICRISAT technique. Now, instead, the larvae are collected and
used for local NPV cultivation. By applying the virus in collaboration with the
traditional method pod borer infestations can be reduced by up to 85 percent.
Areas of Sustainability - The Ecological Perspective
The three cases reflect the ecological activities of the ICRISAT well. Agricultural
development is their mission stated focus, combined with the collection and
improvement of crops to help the farmers and the poor of the semi-arid tropics. A
noble cause, but not one without controversy.
A reader will probably accept the first case with ease, since the process of reclaiming
non-arable land for future cultivation and vegetation growth is so very positive. New
land is in fact created. And if the land was wasted by human efforts in the first place,
as could well happen by over-irrigation, it is only applaudable that it is being
reclaimed by human efforts. However, case three will make most readers do a double
take. Genetic modification is undoubtedly a touchy subject.
On one hand, the poorest and most mal nutritioned countries of the world are
naturally in need of more productive foodstuffs. The starving man will not ask for
all-natural food only. However, there are several ethical traps to be considered.
GM crops have so far been frowned upon in most of the industrialized countries,
even though there is a tangible lobby to allow for greater leniency even there. There
are many fears connected to the new crops; fears that may or may not be realistic, but
the possibility of unexpected consequences to GM produce is still large enough that
caution is advisable. There is the clear possibility that a modified crop will be a
better competitor than local varieties, removing its peers by sheer strength. A
resistencymodified crop may harmfully affect a vital part of a local eco-system
(insects, worms, that serve to develop soil and are staple food to many larger
animals), creating unbalancing effects in the food chain. And there may be subtle
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