UPSC 2018: 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 University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

India’s GM mustard (DMH-11) uses barnase–barstar genes from a soil bacterium to induce male sterility and restore fertility, facilitating cross-pollination and hybrid seed production—Statement 2 is correct. These genes do not confer broad pest resistance (Statement 1 incorrect) and the crop was developed by Delhi University’s CGMCP team, not jointly by IARI and PAU (Statement 3 incorrect). Thus only Statement 2 is valid.([learningcorner.epaper.thehindu.com](https://learningcorner.epaper.thehindu.com/article/66088166?utm_source=openai))