With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The GM mustard uses three genes: barnase, barstar, and bar, derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for hybrid seed production.

The barnase gene induces male sterility. The barstar gene restores fertility, enabling fertile hybrid plant and seed production.

The bar gene synthesizes the PAT enzyme, providing tolerance to glufosinate, a broad-spectrum herbicide. Glufosinate inhibits nitrogen metabolism and ammonia detoxification in plants lacking the bar gene.

Statement 1 is incorrect: GM mustard's genes confer herbicide tolerance, not pest resistance.

Statement 2 is correct: The 'barnase' and 'barstar' genes facilitate cross-pollination and hybridization in mustard, which is primarily a self-pollinating plant.

Statement 3 is incorrect: GM mustard was developed by scientists at Delhi University, with funding from the Department of Biotechnology.

Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

Sources:

• [The Hindu - Nod for GM mustard unlikely soon](http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/nod-for-gm-mustard- unlikely-soon/article19724129.ece)
• [MOEF - Safety assessment report on GE Mustard](http://www.moef.gov.in/sites/default/files/Safety%20assessment%20report%20on%20 GE%20Mustard_0.pdf)
• [InsightsonIndia - Daily current affairs, 25 October 2017](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/10/25/insights-daily-current-affairs-25-october- 2017/)