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
Ilama (fruit) Ilama (fruit) The ilama or ilama tree ("Annona diversifolia") is a tropical fruit tree found in Central America. The name is derived from the Nahuatl "ilamatzapotl", of which the rough translation is "old woman's "sapote"". The name is also applied to a similar fruit, "soncoya" or "cabeza de negro" ("Annona purpurea"). The ilama fruit is eaten halved, by scooping the flesh out of the rind, and usually chilled when served. It is sometimes served with cream and sugar to intensify the flavor, or with a drop of lime or lemon juice to highlight a tart and bitter note. The ilama