Faisalabad: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has developed two GM sugarcane varieties that gained approval for commercial cultivation in Pakistan.
These two GM sugarcane varieties have two additional traits: top-borer resistance and herbicide tolerance to glufosinate, also known as Basta. Both varieties have sturdy input-responsive, high numbers of millable canes, high sugar recovery, and early maturation—the desirable characteristics for planting in April/May after the wheat harvest. This was announced by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UAF and inventor of the GM sugarcane varieties.
A technical advisory committee of Pakistan under the Environment Protection Agency has approved two GM sugarcane varieties, herbicide tolerant, CABB-HTS, and insect resistant, CABB-IRS in its 34th meeting held last week with EPA DG Farzana Altaf Shah in the chair.
The Vice-Chancellor of UAF, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, DG EPA Farzana Altaf Shah, and a large number of other present scientists congratulated Prof. Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan and his kitchens for the huge success in the much-needed sector of Genetic Modification. This progress is hailed as a milestone achieved at the international level as well.
