Varsity develops new type of cotton

Bangalore, Nov 6 (UNI) University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, has developed a new variety of BT cotton, an extra long staple cotton with a high restistance for pest attacks.

University Vice Chancellor P G Changappa told reporters here today the variety was awaiting permission for conducting of the field trials in different agro-climatic conditions before the release of the crop for commercial production in the next two years.

''The new crop not only has the capacity to reduce pest attacks but also increase the yield,'' he said.

Stating the variety had no side effects on both human and cattle population, he said the university had already approached the Union Biotechnology Department for conducting field trials.

The university had released already six new varieties of different crops, including ML 365 Ragi, a high yielding and drought-resistant crop, during the year and five more were in the pipeline to be released in the next few months.

The new ragi variety was developed by crossing Indo-African genotypes and developing recombination inbred lines using marker assisted selections and farmers' participation evaluation, he said.

He said the university planned to conduct a three-day 'Krishimela' from November 13 focussing on organic farming.

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