Bt Cotton

Reduced risk for wildlife

Broad spectrum insecticides are hazardous to wildlife and the various species react quite differently to specific products (USEPA 1998b, c). Reduction in the use of insecticides, many of which are highly toxic to wildlife (USEPA 2001) will reduce the risks to mammals, birds, bees, fish and other organisms. Comparing usage rates prior to commercialization of Bt cotton to usage post-commercialization in the US, there has been a two-thirds decrease for the products most toxic to birds and fish and a one-third decrease in products most toxic to humans (USEPA 2001). The North American Bird Breeding Survey shows a positive correlation between increases in average bird counts, adoption of Bt cotton, and reductions in insecticide usage (USEPA 2001). Whereas direct contact is the most hazardous, the indirect negative impact on habitats can be equally important and is well documented for birds (Ewald and Aebischer 1999). Many birds are dependent on insects for food and their elimination through the use of broad spectrum insecticides deprives birds of their food source.

Summary topics:

• Agronomic Benefits
• Environmental Benefits
  • Reduction in use of cotton insecticides
  • Less insecticides in aquifers and the environment
  • Farmer exposure to insecticide and health implications
  • Reduced production risks and enhanced opportunities to grow Bt cotton
  • Increased populations of beneficial insects
  • 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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