Advances of transgenic Bt-crops in insect pest management: An overview

The application of transgenic technology has resulted in useful GM insect-resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted globally, and are a vital tool for pest control. The use of notable Bt crops, such as Bt-maize and Bt-cotton, have resulted in significant reductions of insecticide use and clear benefits on the environment and farmer health. Consequently, Bt-crops can be a useful component of integrated pest management (IPM) systems to protect the crop from targeted pests. Development, commercial use, benefits and risks associated with the adoption of GM insect-resistant crops and future of transgenic Bt-varieties to mediate crop protection against insect pests have been discussed in this review.