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Transgenic plants: an emerging approach to pest control
J J Estruch1, N B Carozzi, N Desai
1CIBA Agricultural Biotechnology, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA. estruchj@am.abru.cg.com
Nature Biotechnology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Insect pests damage crops worldwide. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic crops offer pest resistance, with new generations incorporating novel proteins for broader insect control.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Insect pests cause significant global crop damage, impacting agricultural economies.
- Conventional pest management relies heavily on chemical pesticides, posing environmental concerns.
- Transgenic crops offer a sustainable alternative for reducing crop losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops.
- To highlight the role of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins in pest control.
- To introduce emerging second-generation insect-resistant crops with novel pest control mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on transgenic crop technology.
- Analysis of the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins.
- Examination of novel protein strategies in second-generation insect-resistant crops.
Main Results:
- First-generation insect-resistant crops utilize Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins.
- Second-generation crops are being developed with both Bt and non-Bt proteins.
- These new strategies offer novel modes of action and broader pest activity.
Conclusions:
- Transgenic crops represent a key advancement in sustainable agriculture.
- Continued innovation in pest-resistant traits is crucial for global food security.
- Future research focuses on diverse protein combinations for enhanced pest management.