Genetically engineered (modified) crops (Bacillus thuringiensis crops) and the world controversy on their safety

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops are plants genetically engineered (modified) to contain the endospore (or crystal) toxins of the bacterium, Bt to be resistant to certain insect pests. In 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in USA approved the commercial production and distribution of the Bt crops: corn, cotton, potato, and tobacco. Currently, the most common Bt crops are corn and cotton. The crystal, referred to as Cry toxins, is proteins formed during sporulation of some Bt strains and aggregate to form crystals. Such Cry toxins are toxic to specific species of insects belongs to orders: Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Nematoda. In 2016, the total world area cultivated with genetically modified crops (GM crops) reached about 185 million ha. This review shows that there is a worldwide controversy about the safety of Bt crops to the environment and mammals. Some researchers support the cultivation of Bt crops depending upon the results of their laboratory and field studies on the safety of such crops. Others, however, are against Bt crops as they may cause risk to human.

Mitigation of emerging implications of climate change on food production systems

“…Such Cry toxins are toxic to specific species of insects belonging to orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Nematoda. In 2016, the total world area cultivated with genetically modified crops (GM crops) reached about 185 million ha, although there is a worldwide controversy about the safety of B. thuringiensis crops to the environment and mammals (Abbas, 2018).…”

Modern Techniques in Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control and Resistance Management: History Review and Future Perspectives

“…Currently, a number of genetically modified Bt crop cultivars are widely used by farmers as alternatives to chemical insecticides for control of economically important insect pests globally (United States, Canada; India, China, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa) [2]. In 2016, the total area cultivated with GM crops globally was estimated as 185 million hectares [25]. Given that CPB has developed resistance to all major classes of chemical insecticides, other control solutions are required.…”

Impact of genetically modified crops on rhizosphere microorganisms and processes: A review focusing on Bt cotton

“…The three main environmental and ecological risks associated with the use of GM crops are: (1) gene transfer from GM crops to wild relatives and related species, (2) development of herbicide, insect or virus tolerant or resistant crops, and (3) inadvertent detrimental impact on other non-target species and soil ecosystems (Liu, 2010;Tsatsakis et al, 2017). Even in the scientific community, controversy still exists regarding the cultivation of GM crops, with some researchers supporting the cultivation based on positive laboratory and field scale studies, while others are in strong opposition to the use of GM crops due to risks to mammals (Abbas, 2018). Supporters of GM crops often believe that it will aid in food security and minimize environmental degradation and also sustain agricultural production.…”