Biotechnology meets ecology: Insect-resistant transgenic plants

A major fraction of the genetically modified (GM) crops grown commercially today contain Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for insect resistance. Because of their interactions with insects, such GM crops may have an impact on agro-ecosystems. A first issue is the potentially detrimental effect of Bt crops on non-target organisms with beneficial ecological roles. To assess such effects, novel methodologies or ecological genomics are being developed. Another important issue is development of resistance in the target insect populations. Several resistance management strategies are proposed, the most promising of which appears to be the pyramiding of different resistance genes. Modern genomics technologies as mRNA profiling will help increase understanding the molecular basis of resistance to Bt as well as the ecological impact of non-target effects of Bt. This can help design molecular or agronomic strategies to detect, delay, reduce or eliminate undesired or potentially adverse effects.