Authorities experiment GMOs on cotton in the North

The cotton farmer can now unravel the age-old problem of weeding and use of insecticides in large quantities.

This solution was found by Bayer Cropscience, a research company set up by Sodecoton, for the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in cotton production. The experimental phase has to be assessed by the versatile Station of the Institute of agronomic research for development (Irad) Bokle.

Then, a public consultation on the tests in an open environment was organized in the main basins of Northern cotton production. After the presentation by Touboro in Mayo-Rey, it was the turn of Djalingo in the 3rd arrondissement of Garoua, to welcome the experts of this study to explain it to the people.

Bayer Cropscience suggested cotton species which are resistant to the application of herbicides and also that which resist the attacks of caterpillars coprophagous friantes of cotton.

It is necessary that before adopting this technology to the Sodecoton to improve its production. Irad, which is the technical branch of research, evaluated under experimental conditions the work of Bayer. During three campaigns, Irad in Garoua experimented with this technology, which has proved to be very effective.

These genetically modified cotton plants are resistant to herbicides which include the glufosates and the glufosinates, but also tolerance to attacks by Lepidoptera and coprophagous caterpillars.

According to the information collected from the head of versatile centre of Irad in Bokle, Dr. Olina mentioned that this technology has several advantages. "Economically, it reduces the quantities of insecticides used in production”.