ANSWER: Whitefly
Explanation:
Punjab farmers have lost two thirds of their cotton crop to whitefly even as NBRI developing a cotton variety resistant to the pest. The institute found a gene derived from a vegetable to be effective against the whitefly. The gene induces whitefly sterility and prevents reproduction of the pest. CSIR’s research lab, NBRI has applied for patent for the technology in 8 nations. Whitefly is a common pest affecting 30 plant varieties such as papaya, brinjal and cotton as well as okra in fields. Cotton is currently grown in 9 Indian states namely MP, TN, Gujarat, Telangana, Karntaka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra. The northern states are more affected by the whitefly pest. Whitefly takes away the nutrients from the leaves of the crop and stunts their growth. This pest can destroy the crop in just 6 to 8 weeks. NBRI tested genes from 250 plants to find the one effective for eliminating whitefly in cotton crops. Protein formed by the gene is easily digestible in lab trials.
