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Transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and biological control

Nature Biotechnology volume 24, pages 63–71 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The area devoted to growing transgenic plants expressing insecticidal Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is increasing worldwide. A major concern with the adoption of Bt crops is their potential impact on nontarget organisms including biological control organisms. Regulatory frameworks should advocate a step-wise (tiered) approach to assess possible nontarget effects of Bt crops. Laboratory and glasshouse studies have revealed effects on natural enemies only when Bt-susceptible, sublethally damaged herbivores were used as prey or host, with no indication of direct toxic effects. Field studies have confirmed that the abundance and activity of parasitoids and predators are similar in Bt and non-Bt crops. In contrast, applications of conventional insecticides have usually resulted in negative impacts on biological control organisms. Because Bt-transgenic varieties can lead to substantial reductions in insecticide use in some crops, they can contribute to integrated pest management systems with a strong biological control component.

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Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to Anthony M. Shelton, Paul Jepson, Alan Raybould, Detlef Bartsch and Felix L. Wäckers for their thoughtful reviews and helpful comments. We also thank our colleagues at FAL Reckenholz for fruitful discussions. This project was partially funded by the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Plant Survival, research program of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

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  1. Agroscope FAL Reckenholz, Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture, Reckenholzstr. 191, Zurich, 8046, Switzerland

    Jörg Romeis, Michael Meissle & Franz Bigler

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Romeis, J., Meissle, M. & Bigler, F. Transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and biological control. Nat Biotechnol 24, 63–71 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1180

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