BioVoice News August 2017 Issue 3 Volume 2 | Page 94

news bytes sandal tree could connect with its host plants up to a distance of three metres. Not just this, an individual tree can form a network with several hosts including the grass around them. This process of nutrition uptake, however, is not one-sided. While meeting their nutrition needs from hosts, sandal trees partly meet nutrition needs of their hosts, according to the study published in journal Current Science. WILL DECIDE THE FATE OF GM MUSTARD IN SEPTEMBER, GOVT TELLS SC In its reply to the Supreme Court of India on the matter of genetically modified mustard, the union government has said that it will take another one and a half month to arrive at a decision. It told the highest court that it will convey its final position on whether to 94 BioVoiceNews | August 2017 allow the commercial rollout of GM mustard crop or not after completing the final assessment until mid-September. Post the completion of public consultations on the safety dossier document of GM mustard variety developed by the Delhi University scientists, it was widely expected that the government would make its position clear. However, that didn’t happen, indicating that there was a lack of consensus or may be political repercussions. However, now on July 31, 2017, the SC bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud told Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha asked the government to make its position clear so that if former takes a decision in favour of GM mustard crop, they would like to hear the petition challenging the commercial release. ICAR CELEBRATES ITS 89TH FOUNDATION DAY The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 89th Foundation day and the Annual Award distribution function recently at New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Agriculture, and Farmers Welfare Minister, Mr