Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Pest resistant genetically modified crops (primarily cotton and maize) have been genetically modified to be toxic to certain insects, making them resistant to pests. They are commonly referred to as Bt crops because the genes that were introduced were originally discovered in a bacterial species known as Bacillus thuringiensis. Specifically, these bacteria produce a class of toxins known as Cry toxins.
Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely grown in the United States, where an estimated 40% of GM maize is used in industrial-scale biofuels (agrofuels) that are subsidised by the federal government. The remainder of this maize, as well as Bt maize grown in Brazil and Argentina, is primarily used for animal feed. South Africa also grows a small amount of Bt maize.
Bt maize is also grown in small quantities in Europe, primarily in Spain, where it is used in animal feed. Bt corn is also grown in small quantities in the United States.
In India and China, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop that is permitted to be produced. Other countries where it has been grown in lower numbers include Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, and Burkina Faso.
The pesticide is produced inside Bt plants rather than sprayed on the outside, and because it is unable to be washed away, there is concern that it may have adverse effects on humans, animals, and wildlife if and when the crop is consumed.
To limit the risk of targeted pests gaining resistance, Bt crops are supposed to be cultivated alongside non-GM crops and plants as refuges (meaning that they are no longer killed by the toxin produced in the plant). In spite of this, resistant pests have been discovered in the United States and India. In China, there have been reports of an increase in the number of other types of pest that are not affected by the toxin produced by the Bt cotton crop.
For example, one experiment in the United States used pests that had been sterilised using radiation to try to lower the population of pests in fields of Bt crops in an attempt to cope with the problem of resistant pests. GM insects are being developed by Oxitec in the United Kingdom, with the hope of being paid for releasing them in fields where Bt crops are grown. The insects have been genetically programmed to die before reaching adulthood, and they are intended to reduce the population by mating with wild insects, according to the researchers.
Example of pest resistant crops: Many crops, including corn, cotton, soybeans, and potatoes, are available in pest-resistant varieties, which is a welcome development. The use of Bt crops results in less pesticide use, a reduction in the overall need for crop management, an increase in yield, and cost savings as a result of the reduction in pesticide use.
Advantages of pest resistant BT crops:
The following are the most significant advantages of Bt crops:
It contributes to the increase in crop yield, which in turn increases the farmer’s income. As a result, farm production has increased as well.
They aid in soil pollution control by reducing the use of synthetic pesticides, which is beneficial.
Bt crops contribute to the protection of beneficial insects.
Because of increased yields in a short period of time, it can easily feed an expanding population.
It results in the production of disease-free crops as a result of the reduction of pesticides used in agriculture.
It allows for greater productivity on a smaller amount of land.
Disadvantages of pest resistant BT crops:
There are a few disadvantages to using Bt crops as well:
Bt crops are more expensive to produce than conventionally grown crops.
It has the potential to interfere with the natural process of gene flow.
Pests may develop resistance to the toxins produced by these crops, resulting in a reduction in crop production.
Conclusion:
Pest resistant genetically modified crops (primarily cotton and maize) have been genetically modified to be toxic to certain insects, making them resistant to pests.They are commonly referred to as Bt crops because the genes that were introduced were originally discovered in a bacterial species known as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely grown in the United States, where an estimated 40% of GM maize is used in industrial-scale biofuels (agrofuels) that are subsidised by the federal government.Many crops, including corn, cotton, soybeans, and potatoes, are available in pest-resistant varieties, which is a welcome development. It contributes to the increase in crop yield, which in turn increases the farmer’s income.Bt crops contribute to the protection of beneficial insects.Because of increased yields in a short period of time, it can easily feed an expanding population.It allows for greater productivity on a smaller amount of land.
