Bt cotton is very similar to any normal cotton plant grown all these years except for the insect-resistance trait conferred by Bt genes. These genes are derived from a commonly found soil bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis. The Bt genes are incorporated into cotton plants by a process called TRANSFORMATION. Once the Bt genes stably integrate into cotton plant they produce Bt proteins, which kills larvae feeding on plant parts. Thus Bt plants give protection from insect pests and thereby increase yields of cotton fibre.
Bt cotton and GM cotton are closely related but not identical. Bt cotton is a specific type of genetically modified (GM) cotton that has been engineered to express a protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which helps protect the plant from certain pests. While all Bt cotton is GM cotton, not all GM cotton is Bt cotton, as GM cotton can also refer to other genetic modifications that may enhance traits like herbicide resistance or drought tolerance.
One of the advantages of the BT Cotton is that it does not have the actual bacterium Bacillus thuriengensis in it which is harmless to humans. The other advantage is that the BT Cotton successfully repels the boll weevil larvae.
BT-plant means plant having BT-gene like BT-cotton. These are transgenic plants developed by genetic engineering.
vhb
Farmers typically spend significantly less on pesticides for Bt cotton compared to non-Bt varieties, primarily due to Bt cotton's inherent resistance to certain pests, particularly the cotton bollworm. On average, the reduction in pesticide costs can range from 30% to 50%, depending on regional pest pressures and farming practices. However, the exact amount spent can vary widely based on factors such as local agricultural practices, pest infestations, and market prices. Overall, the adoption of Bt cotton often leads to improved economic outcomes for farmers, including reduced pesticide expenditures.
pesticide Bt cotton, or Bacillus thuringiensis cotton, is used the same as any other cotton. The only difference is that it has a protein genetically added which is identical to that of B. thuringiensis bacteria which is toxic to many caterpillars, especially Lepidoptera species. Therefore it is an economically important "built-in" insecticide.
Bt cotton is an example of genetically modified organism.
explain common but differentiated responsibility
Bt stands for bacillus thuringiensis, a common soil bacterium toxic to lepidopteran insects. When "Bt" is placed before a plant name, such as in "Bt Brinjal" (the brinjal is known in the US as eggplant), it means the plant has been genetically modified to produce a protein toxic to certain insects in the same way the bacteria does.The protein has not been shown to be harmful to humans but is controversial in other contexts.
The Cry gene in Bt cotton encodes a protein that is toxic to certain insect pests like caterpillars and not harmful to humans because the protein specifically targets the insect digestive system, which is different from humans. Additionally, the protein is broken down during digestion, so it does not accumulate in the human body. Extensive studies have confirmed the safety of Bt crops for human consumption.
Yes. Most are herbicide resistant (soybean, canola) or produce insecticidal proteins (BT corn, cotton).
The main ones are corn, soybeans, and cotton. They all have varieties which are resistant to glyphosate (Roundup is one trade name), and corn and cotton have some insect resistance (Bt traits) as well.