Bt cotton

Bt cotton is a genetically modified cotton plant engineered to produce proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These proteins are toxic to certain herbivorous insects, such as bollworms, which are common pests of cotton crops. The primary goal of developing Bt cotton was to reduce the need for chemical pesticide applications.12

The Bt toxin works by disrupting the digestive system of susceptible insects after they ingest it, leading to starvation and death. This targeted action means Bt is generally considered safe for humans, other mammals, and beneficial insects like bees. However, concerns exist regarding the potential for insects to develop resistance to the toxin, and strategies like planting refuges of non-Bt cotton are used to mitigate this risk.2