Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 30-41 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 30 Feature Review Open Access Long-term Sustainability of Bt Transgenic Crops in Agricultural Systems Hongwei Liu Modern Agricultural Research Center of Cuixi Academy of Biotechology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: hongwei.liu@cuixi.org Bt Research, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0004 Received: 05 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 19 Jan., 2024 Published: 08 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu H.W., 2024, Long-term sustainability of Bt transgenic crops in agricultural systems, Bt Research, 15(1): 30-41 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0004) Abstract Bt transgenic crops have achieved significant success in improving agricultural yield and pest resistance, becoming an essential part of modern agriculture. However, their long-term sustainability requires in-depth research. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the performance of Bt crops in terms of agronomic performance, environmental impact, resistance management, socio-economic factors, regulatory and policy considerations, technological advancements and innovations, and long-term ecological and economic sustainability. The results show that Bt crops not only have advantages in increasing yield and pest resistance but also improve crop health and quality. However, the impact of Bt crops on biodiversity, soil health, and non-target organisms needs continuous monitoring and assessment. Effective resistance management strategies must be developed to ensure the long-term effectiveness of Bt technology in addressing pest resistance. On the socio-economic front, the promotion of Bt crops needs to consider farmers' acceptance and economic benefits, as well as the comprehensive impact on rural communities. The improvement of policy and regulatory frameworks will facilitate the safe use of Bt crops and international trade. Additionally, with the advancement of new Bt varieties and genetic engineering technologies, the application prospects of Bt crops are broader. This study highlights the importance of an integrated approach in assessing the long-term sustainability of Bt crops and provides scientific evidence for future research and policy formulation. Keywords Bt transgenic crops; Long-term sustainability; Agricultural systems; Environmental impact; Resistance management 1 Introduction Bt transgenic crops have revolutionized pest management in agriculture by providing an effective alternative to chemical pesticides. These crops, genetically engineered to express Bt toxins, target a variety of insect pests, significantly reducing the need for insecticide applications and benefiting both the environment and the economy (Xiao and Wu, 2019; Koul, 2020; Peterson et al., 2020). Bt crops such as maize, cotton, and soybean have been widely adopted globally, offering protection against major pests and contributing to increased crop yields (Fleming et al., 2018; Xiao and Wu, 2019; Koul, 2020). However, the long-term effectiveness of Bt crops is threatened by the evolution of resistance in target pest populations (Tabashnik and Carrière, 2017; Gassmann et al., 2019; Tabashnik et al., 2023). Sustainability in agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security, environmental health, and economic viability. The overuse of chemical pesticides has led to numerous ecological issues, including biodiversity loss, pest resistance, and negative impacts on non-target species (Catarino et al., 2015; Peterson et al., 2020). Bt transgenic crops offer a more sustainable pest management solution by reducing reliance on chemical insecticides and minimizing their associated environmental impacts (Catarino et al., 2015; Xiao and Wu, 2019; Peterson et al., 2020). However, the sustainability of Bt crops is challenged by the potential for pests to develop resistance, which could undermine their long-term efficacy and necessitate a return to more harmful pest control methods (Tabashnik and Carrière, 2017; Gassmann et al., 2019; Tabashnik et al., 2023). This study evaluates the long-term sustainability of Bt transgenic crops in agricultural systems. By analyzing the current application of Bt crops and their impact on pest management and agricultural productivity, exploring the mechanisms and prevalence of pest resistance to Bt crops, and examining possible strategies for managing and mitigating resistance, this study aims to discuss the broader ecological and economic implications of Bt crop use
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==