Different Types of Bt Crops
Bt crops of several varieties have been produced to give resistance to certain insect pests. The insertion of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes into these crops enables them to manufacture insecticidal proteins, offering an inherent defence mechanism against specific pests. Among the most common varieties of Bt crops are:
- Bt Cotton: Bt cotton is one of the most extensively used Bt crops. It has Bacillus thuringiensis genes that offer resistance to certain lepidopteran pests such as the cotton bollworm and pink bollworm.
- Bt Corn: Bt maize has been genetically engineered to generate poisons that are effective against certain lepidopteran pests such as the European corn borer and the corn earworm. This sort of Bt crop has been widely planted in order to mitigate losses caused by these insect pests.
- Bt Soyabean: In order to give resistance against certain lepidopteran pests, namely the soybean looper, Bt soybeans were created. In soybeans, Bt technology is being introduced with the goal of increasing production while lowering the need for chemical pesticides.
- Bt Eggplant: The genetically engineered Bt brinjal variety is resistant to the aubergine fruit and shoot borer, a significant pest that hinders the development of aubergine in some areas.
Bt Crops
Bt Crops’ full form is Bacillus thuringiensis crops. Bt Crops are a class of genetically modified (GM) crops, those that have had their genes taken from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. Bt crops are genetically modified with cry protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, which results in resistance against specific pests. In this article, we will learn about Bt crops, their development, types, advantages and disadvantages, and mode of action in detail.
Table of Content
- Definition of Bt Crops
- What are Bt Crops?
- Examples of Bt Crops
- How Bt Crops are Produced?
- Different Types of Bt Crops
- Bt Crops in India
- Advantages of Bt Crops
- Disadvantages of Bt Crops
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