Transgenic Bt Crops : A Major Component of Integrated Pest Management – An Overview

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner genes have been introduced into a wide range of crops including tobacco, tomato, cotton, rice, potato, brinjal, maize, braccoli, oilseed rape, soybean, walnut, larch, poplar, sugarcane, apple, peanut, sweet potato, chickpea, alfalfa, and pigeonpea. There is significant increase in global area of transgenic crops in which Bt crops share a major portion of the total area as they are rapidly becoming an important component of integrated pest management programs of various crops. To realize the long term benefits from insect-resistant crops it is important that these crops be implemented and managed with appropriate strategies. Farmers need to be educated about the resistance management practices and effective implementation will require coordination among all the stake holders. Thus, Bt transgenic technology has greater potential in IPM and has to be harnessed appropriately for sustainable crop production and better environment.