| Transgenic plants producing insecticidal protein derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely adopted since their commercial introduction in 1996. The widespread adoption of such plants has reduced use of conventional insecticides while attaining yield gains, thus providing economic, environmental and human health benefits. However, the benefits from Bt crops will be reduced or even eliminated if pests develop resistance to these toxins so that Bt crops are less or no longer effective. Although field resistance to Bt crops has not yet been found in the continental U.S., resistance to Bt sprays has been found in diamondback moth and greenhouse populations of cabbage looper. Hence, considerable attention has been devoted to developing management... |
