Bollgard-3

Bollgard-3 is a new genetically modified (GM) cotton variety engineered for enhanced pest resistance, offering improved protection and yield for farmers.

Bollgard-3

Bollgard-3 Latest News 

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for Bollgard-3 in Punjab, ahead of the cotton sowing season.

About Bollgard-3

  • It is a new pest-resistant genetically-modified (GM) cotton variety.
  • It was developed by Monsanto more than a decade ago, and shows remarkable resistance to pests.
  • It contains three Bt proteins Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A that cause insect death by disrupting their normal gut function. This in turn allows for the growth of a healthier cotton crop, and increases yield.
  • Farmers are demanding the introduction of Bollgard-3, which is particularly effective against lepidopteran pests like pink bollworm.
  • Bollgard-1 was a Monsanto-developed Bt cotton introduced in India in 2002, followed by Bollgard-2 in 2006. The latter remains prevalent today.
  • And although these do have some pest-repellent properties, they are not effective against the whitefly and the pink bollworm, which arrived in Punjab in 2015-16 and 2018-19 respectively.

What is Bacillus Thuringiensis?

  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a soil-dwelling bacterium with potent insecticidal properties.
  • In the past few decades, researchers have successfully inserted certain genes from Bt in various crops, like cotton, providing these with insect-repellent properties.

Bollgard-3 FAQs

Q1: What is the Bollgard 3 gene?

Ans: Bollgard III is a genetically modified (GM) cotton event primarily expressing three Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding the in planta insecticidal proteins Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A.

Q2: What is Bt technology?

Ans: Bt technology uses genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to create plants that are resistant to certain pests. 

Q3: What is Bollgard 1 and Bollgard 2?

Ans: Bollgard I and Bollgard II are brand names of genetically modified cotton varieties that produce a protein to protect against bollworms. 

Source: IE

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on June, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Prelims Test Series
UPSC Prelims Test Series
₹6000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now