Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Punjab University (PU), Lahore, has successfully developed two varieties of cotton containing traits of insect resistance. It is the result of several years of research and development of CEMB.
These varieties have been approved by National Biosafety Committee, Pakistan Environment Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment in Islamabad in its 7th meeting held on November 23, 2009. Professor, CEMB, Dr Tayyab Husnain, presented the research results and the committee has approved two varieties with a lot of appreciation and pride.
This is the first time in the history of Pakistan that genetically modified plant varieties have been developed indigenously and also approved by the government of Pakistan. CEMB-01 variety contains single gene while CEMB-02 contains double Bt genes, which give excellent protection against lepidopteron insects.
These varieties will be available to farmers for cultivation for next crop season after approval of Punjab Seed Council, whose meeting is scheduled in February 2010. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran and CEMB Director Dr Amin Athar have congratulated CEMB faculty members and especially those scholars who worked on this project.
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