Bt brinjal fruit and shoot borer larvae feed on Bt brinjal plants, they ingest the Bt protein Cry1Ac along with plant tissue. In the insect gut, which is alkaline with a pH >9.5, the protein is solubilized and activated by gut proteases. The Bt protein binds to specific receptor proteins present in the insect membrane, resulting in pore formation in the membranes. This leads to disruption of digestive processes, paralysis, and subsequent death of the fruit and shoot borer larvae. The first agreement to develop Bt Brinjal was signed in 2005 between India’s leading seed company, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company, better known
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help subsidize the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables during non-meal times during school. The FFVP was created to improve children's diets both at school and at home, increase the variety of foods available to students, and create healthier school food environments. The program focuses on providing students with fresh fruit and vegetables, as snacks, outside normal breakfast and lunch hours during the school day. Fruits and vegetables are to be given as