Bt Eggplant Can Boost Marketable Yield by 192% in PH

Fruit and shoot borer (FSB) can cause 20 to 92% yield loss in eggplant production pushing Filipino farmers to spray insecticide up to 4 times a week. With the use of Bt technology, researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños developed an insect resistant eggplant. This is according to the latest ISAAA infographics titled Which Eggplant Will You Choose?

The infographic shows a comparison of using conventional and Bt eggplant in terms of FSB infestation, in terms of insecticide use, marketable yield, effects on non-target organisms, and benefits to farmers' well-being. When farmers use conventional eggplant, they are exposed to a broad spectrum of insecticides, ranging from non-toxic to highly toxic brands. The reported effects of such insecticides include dermal irritation, respiratory problems, altered vascular function, occupational skin cancer, and paralysis of body parts.

Bt eggplant, once it becomes available in the Philippines for planting, is projected to boost marketable yield by 192%,  increase the income of farmers, promote better health for their families, thus, giving farmers peace of mind.

The infographics, available for download in the ISAAA website, is based on the Socioeconomic Impacts of Bt Eggplant: Ex-ante Case Studies in the Philippines.