GM Corn

Insect Resistance

This modified corn contains a built-in insecticidal protein from a naturally occurring soil microorganism (Bt) that gives corn plants season-long protection from corn borers and root worms. The Bt protein has been used safely as an organic insect control agent for over 40 years. This means most farmers do not have to spray insecticide to protect corn from those insects, which cause significant damage and yield loss in many areas. Bt corn also reduces toxin contamination arising from fungal attack on the damaged grain.  

Bt corn was the second most dominant crop to be grown commercially in 2000. It occupied 6.8 million hectares, equivalent to 15% of the global GM area.

Approved for:

Food Argentina, Australia, Canada, EU, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, US
Feed Argentina, Canada, EU, Japan, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa, Switzerland, US
Food and/or Feed Australia, China, EU, South Africa, Uruguay, US
Environment Argentina, Canada, EU, Japan, Philippines, South Africa, Uruguay, US
Marketing EU, Japan
Source: AGBIOS 2004

Related topics:

Summary Report on the Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops - [View the 2004 report]

Transgenic Crops - [Click Here]

Extensive Study on Bt Cotton - [Click Here]

Download the complete copy of the ISAAA Briefs on Global Status/Review of GM Crops - [Click Here]

SciDev.Net's dossier on GM crops - [Click here]

Global Status of Approved Genetically Modified Plants -  [Click here]
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