Journal of Environment and Sociobiology

Nabajit Mondal ¹, Tirthankar Dalui ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Barasat Govt. College, Kolkata-700124, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Barasat College, Kolkata-700126, IN

Abstract

In recent years, genetically modified (GM) crops are used in agriculture through modern biotechnology. GM crops are classified into different varieties, viz., (i) genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT), having resistant capability against herbicides, (ii) genetically modified insect resistant (GMIR) crops, (iii) genetically modified virus resistant (GMVR), etc. But there is a big debate among scientists about the merits and demerits of GM crops. Apart from many benefits, GM crops have some bad effects on environment and non-target organisms, such as insects, natural enemies, etc. as they are thought to be promoting resistance in targeted organism.

Keywords

GM Crop, Resistant, Natural Enemies, Environment, Non-target Organism.

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Ankita Mondal ¹, Tirthankar Dalui ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Barasat Govt. College, Kolkata-700124, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Barasat College, 1 Kalyani Road, Kolkata-700126, IN

Abstract

Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) under review is the product of the world’s first selective breeding programme for tropical fish. The project began in 1988 by comparing the performance of existing Asian niloticus farmed strains and imported wild strains (Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and Senegal). Tilapia strains from different sources are combined in 8 x 8 diallel model and produce 64 crosses. All 64 possible pure- and crossbreeds among and within the four African and four Asian strains were measured in different test environments. Best combinations are then used to establish the base population. The GIFT project eventually yielded genetic improvements of 7.1 % genetic change over nine generations of fish or a 64% cumulative increase in tilapia growth over the base population. The advantages of this strain are that they grow quickly, survive well, ease of farming, low production cost, high survival, can tolerate lower oxygen quantity and lower water quality.

Keywords

GIFT, Super Tilapia, Diallel Model, Cross Breeds, Farming.

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