Vol. 7, Issue 8 (2018)

Author(s):
Jalu RK and Panera AV

Abstract:
Chickpea is one of the ten economically important grain legumes which represents valuable source of protein. There are many factors responsible for low yield, among which insect pests appear to be the most vital. Chickpea is attacked by more than 36 species of insect pests in India. Among these pests, the pod borer Helicoverpa armigera is the most serious one. Crop management practices such as application of bio-pesticides, insecticides and integrated pest management are less effective to control this devastating pest. Breeding for development of resistant lines is restricted by lack of resistant sources within the gene pool. Therefore, application of gene technology for chickpea improvement appears to be appropriate approach for development of Helicoverpa resistant lines. Genetic transformation of chickpea using various versions of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal genes have been carried out and found to confer resistance to pod borers in the laboratory bioassays. The most preferred genetically modified (GM) chickpea for field release is pyramided lines having two or more Bt genes with diverse mode of action for effective management of Helicoverpa. Here we discuss about the rationale for generation of Bt chickpea to enhance production.