Bt cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop approved in India. Learn about its impact, approval process, and future prospects in Indian agriculture. Bt Cotton (W129) – Some content in the linked publication is dated What is Bt Cotton ? Bt cotton has been genetically modified by the insertion of one or more genes from a common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These genes encode for the production of insecticidal proteins, and thus, genetically transformed plants produce one or more toxins as they grow. The genes that have been inserted into cotton produce toxins that are limited in activity almost exclusively to caterpillar pests ... BT cotton is a genetically modified pest-resistant plant cotton variety, modified by the insertion of one or more genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (common soil bacteria) which produces an insecticide to combat bollworms. In this article, you will learn about the BT cotton important for the IAS exam. What is BT Cotton ? BT Cotton is a genetically modified variety of cotton developed to enhance pest resistance. This modification involves the insertion of specific genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which is naturally found in soil. The genes enable the cotton plant to produce proteins that act as insecticides, specifically targeting pests such as bollworms. The incorporation of these genes allows BT Cotton to produce two primary types of proteins: Cry proteins and vegetative ...
