English

Esmail Abdalla Elzaki Mohammed

doi:10.5897/bmbr2016.0256

Abstract

The genetically engineered insect-resistant crops, Bt crops, were first commercially grown in 1996 and adopted in different countries. The economic benefits of Bt crops are reducing the use of insecticides and more safe to environment, however, development of resistance by insects might reduce their efficacy. Unfortunately, the field population evolved resistance to different Bt toxins and the number of resistant species is going to increase, which threat the continuous success of Bt crops. Thus, understanding the Bt resistance mechanisms, including the molecular basis of resistance is important for well-resistance control in Bt crops. This review paper displayed the mechanisms of insect pests resistance to Bt crops and appropriate strategies to delay and manage the resistance in Bt crops. Key words: Field-evolved resistance, molecular mechanism, resistance to Bt toxins, resistance management strategies, transgenic crops.

Highlights

In 1948, the first case of insecticide resistance has been reported in synthetic insecticide (DDT) within 6 years of its introduction
This study provides a valuable information that should be taken into consideration for designing pyramid crops and the development of sustainable management tactics for resistance in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops (Carrière et al, 2015)
Release of sterile insect method is well-known for decades, which has been successfully used in different insect pests (Gould and Schliekelman, 2004; Krafsur, 1998). The application of this technique to suppress pests resistant to transgenic crops was first reported by Tabashnik et al (2010) using computer stimulation study, which showed that the resistance of pink bollworm in Bt cotton was suppressed by release of sterile moths (Tabashnik et al, 2010)

Summary

Introduction

In 1948, the first case of insecticide resistance has been reported in synthetic insecticide (DDT) within 6 years of its introduction. Insect pests developed resistance to Bt crops by different mechanisms (Tabashnik, 2001). Pyramids Bt crop is a transgenic Bt crops producing two or more Bt toxins to kill the same pest and have been used widely to delay the development of pest resistance.

Results

Conclusion