Bt Cotton

Less insecticides in aquifers and the environment

The substantial decreases in insecticides associated with the cultivation of Bt cotton, 78,000 MT less formulated insecticides in China in 2001, and 848 MT of insecticide (a.i) in the US, lead to significant decreases in insecticide run off into watersheds, aquifers, soils and generally into the environment. Whereas the insecticides that are currently approved meet maximum toxicity requirements of regulatory bodies, many insecticides have lethal effects on non-target organisms, and aquatic animals in ponds and streams (Edge et al 2001). This is of particular concern in developing countries where monitoring is not undertaken to detect pollution of natural resources.

Several recent studies in the US have used computer models, used by EPA, to study the potential effects of commercialization of transgenic crops on water quality in aquifers and watersheds. Predictions suggested that the substitution of conventional insecticides with Bt cotton would impact positively on water quality. Some initial experiments to monitor water quality have confirmed the predictions that transgenic crops have the potential to have a significant positive impact on water quality. The following studies are underway:

• The computer model predictions of Estes et al 2001, suggest that the substitution of conventional insecticides by Bt cotton, Bt corn and herbicide tolerant corn is likely to impact positively on water quality by significantly reducing pesticide concentrations in ground and surface water.

• A monitoring study on Bt cotton in the Mississippi Delta (Cullum and Smith 2001) has confirmed computer predictions that, compared with conventional cotton, the level of pyrethroid insecticides was substantially lower in Bt cotton plantings.

Summary topics:

• Agronomic Benefits
• Environmental Benefits
  • Reduction in use of cotton insecticides
  • Farmer exposure to insecticide and health implications
  • Reduced production risks and enhanced opportunities to grow Bt cotton
  • Increased populations of beneficial insects
  • Reduced risk for wildlife
  • Reduced fuel and raw material consumption, and pollution
• Social benefits
  • Social implications of saving water by reducing number of insecticide sprays
• Economic benefits
  • China
  • USA
  • India
  • Others
  • Distribution of economic surplus to Bt cotton stakeholders

Related topics:

• The cotton crop
• Global distribution of cotton in developing and industrial countries, by area, production, consumption, imports, and exports
• Number of cotton farmers worldwide and size of farms
• Insect pests of cotton
• Crop losses due to insect pests of cotton and the cost of control
• Global insecticide usage on cotton
• The use of Bt genes in cotton
• Assessment of environmental risk and Insect Resistance Management (IRM) strategies
• Global adoption of Bt cotton
• Bt cotton experience to date
• Summary: Agronomic, Environmental, Social and Economic Benefits
• Future global potential for Bt cotton: opportunities and challenges
• Highlights

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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