In Jan 2009, ISAAA released its Brief 38 on “The Development and Regulation of Bt Brinjal in India (Eggplant/Aubergine)”. This brinjal brief has received favorable response from various stakeholders in India and abroad. The brief has been reviewed by India’s scientific journal Current Science in the April 10, 2009 and by the Asian Biotechnology and Development Review (ABDR) in the July 3, 2009 issue respectively. The Current Science reviewer states that “those who doubt the safety and benefits of Bt brinjal should go through this book to seek scientific clarifications. The authors need to be congratulated on their efforts in writing this useful and timely book. The book provides a comprehensive review on all aspects of brinjal (eggplant, Solanum melongena) cultivation and also describes the efforts made in developing Bt brinjal to control its major lepidopteran pest, the fruit and shoot borer (FSB) – Leucinodes arbonalis“.

“On the whole, the book gives an in-depth account of technical and scientific clarifications regarding the biosafety and benefits of the Bt brinjal. It is a great source of information for scientists, researchers, civil societies, students and stakeholders about the implications and prospects of Bt brinjal. This book should serve as an important source as it provides a wealth of information about existing rigorous scientific regulatory approval process in India” narrates the reviewer in the Asian Biotechnology and Development Review.

ISAAA Brief 38 is a comprehensive review of all aspects of the cultivation in India of the important vegetable brinjal. Importantly, the Brief summarizes the development, status and content of the extensive regulatory dossier in India for biotech Bt brinjal. A short version of this brief in the form of a Pocket K on Bt brinjal in India has been published, updated and translated in 8 Indian languages which are available at: http://www.isaaa.org/kc/inforesources/publications/pocketk/default.html#Pocket_K_No._35.htm

The full ISAAA Brief 38 is made available, free of charge on the ISAAA website at http://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/38/download/isaaa-brief-38-2009.pdf

(First published on Crop Biotech Update (ISAAA Newsletter), http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=5201, January 8, 2010.)