Improved Varieties of BT Cotton
BT cotton is a genetically modified crop that is resistant to certain pests. The BT gene present in this cotton produces a protein called Bacillus thuringiensis, which is toxic to bollworms that damage the cotton plants. Since the introduction of BT cotton in the 1990s, it has become one of the most popular crops among cotton farmers around the world. Here we take a brief look at the improved varieties of BT cotton.
Early BT cotton varieties were developed specifically to control the bollworm pests. However, with time farmers began to face other pest problems such as leafhoppers, aphids, and whiteflies. This led to the development of second-generation BT cotton, which also controlled these pests to some extent. The third-generation BT cotton, however, addressed the limitations of the previous two generations and offered even more benefits.
The third-generation BT cotton varieties are superior in many ways. They offer higher yields, early-maturing traits, and broad-spectrum pest control. Some of the key improved varieties of BT cotton are:
1. Cry1Ac+Cry2Ab cotton – It is a two-gene expressing variety that provides protection against bollworm, tobacco budworm, and pink bollworm.
2. Cry1Ab/Cry2Me cotton – This variety is durable against the rootworm complex and also provides complete protection against cotton bollworm.
3. Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac cotton – It offers effective control of cotton bollworm and other pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
4. Cry1Ac/Cry1F cotton – This variety offers superior control of bollworm, as well as the entire complex of lepidopteran pests.
In addition to these four, there are many improved varieties of BT cotton available in the market today, each offering unique advantages. For example, some BT cotton varieties have been engineered to require lower amounts of water, making them suitable for areas with low rainfall. Other varieties have been developed to improve the quality of fiber produced by the plant, which is important for the textile industry.
The development of newer and improved varieties of BT cotton has made the crop more valuable to farmers around the world. They can choose the variety that best suits their needs and the specific regional conditions. The use of these improved varieties has resulted in higher yields and a significant reduction in the use of pesticides, thereby benefiting both the farmers and the environment.
In conclusion, the development of improved varieties of BT cotton has helped in addressing pest problems, ensuring better yields, and improving the quality of fiber produced. Though there have been concerns about the safety of genetically modified crops, extensive research and regulatory measures have made sure that these crops are safe for human consumption and for the environment.