Abstract
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a system of protecting crops that meets the requirements of sustainable development by allowing farmers to manage pests in a way that is cost-effective, environmentally sound and suitable to adopt under local conditions. The ideal IPM component for resource poor farmers is host-plant resistance. Genetically modified (GM) crops can make a substantial contribution to this option of host-plant resistance. It can be combined with other practical strategies to optimize IPM programmes, thus preventing pest populations from reaching economically damaging levels. Crops genetically engineered to produce Bt toxins are planted in millions of hectares worldwide. The benefits of GM crops extend beyond the reduction in insecticides, because they are compatible with other pest management tactics, especially biological control. Natural enemy abundance and biological control are significantly enhanced in Bt crops when compared to insecticide-treated conventional fields. Current GM crops play a major role in IPM systems with benefits for farmers and the environment. Intelligent resistance management will be a key for sustainable use of GM crops in IPM while there is a need for better harmonization of GM crops with existing IPM strategies.
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