Decision taken in the 104th meeting of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
(GEAC) held on 15.11.2010.

The 104 meeting of the GEAC was held on 15.11.2010 in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) under the chairmanship of Shri M.F. Farooqui, Additional Secretary, MoEF and Chairman, GEAC. The deliberations and decision taken in the GEAC meeting in respect of Agenda items 4 to 6 are
as follows:

…………………….

5.11 Permission to conduct Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) trial of Para Rubber Tree [Hevea brasiliensis [Wild. Ex Adr. De Juss.) Muell. Arg.] on Hb. SOD-L1 & L2 (Two transgenic events lines)] by Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam.

5.11.1 The Committee considered the request of Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam. has requested permission to conduct Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) trial of Para Rubber Tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Wild. Ex Adr. De Juss.) Muell. Arg.] on Hb. SOD-L1 & L2 (two transgenic events (lines) developed using the same gene construct in the same species and variety) containing manganese superoxide dismutase gene (cDNA) . Trials will be conducted at two locations, namely Dapchari, Thane and Chethackal, Thombikandom, Kerala belongs to Rubber Research institute in an area of 0.4 ha.

5.11.2 The Committee noted that the purpose of the trials is to evaluate:
i. The potential of Hevea brasiliensis transgenic plant integrated with MnSOD gene for enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress and tapping panel dryness syndrome as well as to assess the capability of the plants to grow better with higher yield under adverse conditions.

ii. The proposed design is RBD with four treatments, five replicates and a plot size of six. Boundaries and isolation belt will be planted with non-modified Hevea brasiliensis plants.

iii. The data to be collected include growth and latex yield data recording; physiological parameters determining abiotic stress tolerance such as leaf water potential, photosynthetic net assimilation rate (‘A’), fluorescent parameters like Dark Fv/Fm & Phi. PSII; antioxidant enzyme assay of superoxide dismutase & peroxidase and estimation of H2O2 content.

iv. TPD (tapping panel dryness syndrome ) incidence will also be recorded.

5.11.3 The Committee also noted the following reproductive isolation measures are
proposed:
i. In the Trial site-I, towards the eastern and western side, for about 200 m no sexually compatible species are growing. Towards the northern and southern side, 75 m each will be kept as isolation belt by planting the same species.

ii. In the Trial site-II, 50 m on all sides will be kept as isolation belt by planting the same species.

iii. In both the trial sites, after flowering (by the 5 year after planting), all the seeds produced by the existing plants of the same species within 100 m from the boundary of the trial area will be collected and destroyed by burning.

5.11.4 The Committee further noted that the IBSC has recommended the proposal. The application was earlier considered by the RCGM in the 88 meeting held on 20.04.2010 wherein it was decided that the opinion of three scientists specializing in molecular biology viz. Dr. M. Udaya Kumar, UAS, Bangalore; Dr. V. Siva Reddy, ICGEB, New Delhi and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, IHBT, Palampur may be taken prior to forwarding the same for GEAC approval as this would be the first transgenic tree crop to be permitted for BRL-I trials. Based on comments of the three scientists and clarifications submitted by the applicant, the proposal was recommended by the RCGM in the 94th meeting held on 26.10.2010. The Committee considered the comments received from the experts and noted that the applicant has provided requisite clarification satisfactorily.

5.11.5 In view of the above stated facts and taking into consideration the recommendations of the RCGM, the Committee approved the request to conduct Biosafety Research Level-1 (BRL-1) trials of Para Rubber Tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Wild. Ex Adr. De Juss.) Muell. Arg.] on Hb. SOD-L1 & L2 (Two transgenic events lines.

See an old post below:

We want soil health for sustainable agriculture and survival of humanity.

The analysis of Indian Rubber Statistics by a farmer from his tear and wear through spread sheets which is updating periodically on Google docs.

The data published by the Indian Rubber Board is available below to verify the above documents published in spread sheets.

An analysis of Indian Rubber Statistics 2010-11

Ref: Monthly Rubber Stastical News August 2010 Vol 69 No 3

Summary

Small scale dealers are controlled by VYAAPAARI VILA published by Malayalamanorama daily. The biggest manufacturers group publication manorama can harass other manufacturers through price fluctuations under the pretext of visual grading system, zero percent import duty on exported finished products, varying price difference between RSS 4 and Dealers price (vyaapaari vila) with the support of small scale dealers which is not recorded in the site of Indian Rubber Board. An easy way to grow for a manufacturer is the availability of raw products on lower prices to him only, and unexpected price hike will discourage other manufacturers.