Pakistan: University of Agriculture Fairlead develops two GM sugarcane varieties
The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has developed two GM sugarcane varieties approved for commercial cultivation in Pakistan. These varieties, CABB-HTS and CABB-IRS, exhibit top-borer resistance and herbicide tolerance to glufosinate. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, the inventor, announced their high sugar recovery and early maturation. This milestone, approved by Pakistan’s EPA, was celebrated by UAF’s Vice-Chancellor and other scientists.
Faisalabad: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has developed two GM sugarcane varieties that gained approval for commercial cultivation in Pakistan.
These two GM sugarcane varieties have two additional traits: top-borer resistance and herbicide tolerance to glufosinate, also known as Basta. Both varieties have sturdy input-responsive, high numbers of millable canes, high sugar recovery, and early maturation—the desirable characteristics for planting in April/May after the wheat harvest. This was announced by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UAF and inventor of the GM sugarcane varieties.
A technical advisory committee of Pakistan under the Environment Protection Agency has approved two GM sugarcane varieties, herbicide tolerant, CABB-HTS, and insect resistant, CABB-IRS in its 34th meeting held last week with EPA DG Farzana Altaf Shah in the chair.
The Vice-Chancellor of UAF, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, DG EPA Farzana Altaf Shah, and a large number of other present scientists congratulated Prof. Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan and his kitchens for the huge success in the much-needed sector of Genetic Modification. This progress is hailed as a milestone achieved at the international level as well.
Source Link: https://www.chinimandi.com/pakistan-university-of-agriculture-fairlead-develops-two-gm-sugarcane-varieties/
