Progress and prospects for field use of bt genes in crops

Abstract

After ten years of development, genetically engineered crops expressing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis encoding insecticidal proteins are commercially available. Bt crops, for example Bt potatoes, cotton and corn, demonstrate high levels of protection from feeding damage by major insect pests, leading to a reduction in insecticide usage (e.g. Bt cotton) or a yield increase (e.g. Bt corn). Integrating Bt crops into traditional farming systems and preserving their performance by delaying resistance development in insect populations are the main challenges to be overcome. After ten years of development, genetically engineered crops expressing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis encoding insecticidal proteins are commercially available. Bt crops, for example Bt potatoes, cotton and corn, demonstrate high levels of protection from feeding damage by major insect pests, leading to a reduction in insecticide usage (e.g. Bt cotton) or a yield increase (e.g. Bt corn). Integrating Bt crops into traditional farming systems and preserving their performance by delaying resistance development in insect populations are the main challenges to be overcome.