Insect pest control by copying nature using genetically engineered crops

Abstract

A ‘copy Nature’ strategy for insect pest control is presented which aims to be relatively sustainable and environmentally friendly. Many higher plant genes encoding insecticidal proteins exist in Nature which can be expressed in transgenic plants in a tissue or development-specific manner, or in response to environmental stimuli. These genes can either be expressed singly or in combination so as to enhance host resistance to insect pests. The results so far, which have been obtained mainly in the growth-room, are discussed in both a scientific and applied context. The feasibility of this technology, either as a partial substitution technology for synthetic chemicals or as a component in IPM systems, now needs to be evaluated in the farmer's field. If proven there, its long-term use may depend on promoting agronomic and farm management which minimizes the build-up of resistance in insect populations.