GM cotton aids insect predators

摘要

Transgenic crops that produce insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have proved effective in controlling bollworm and reducing the need for pesticides in cotton crops. This study of Bt crop performance in sites across northern China identifies a decrease in aphid pests and a marked increase in the numbers of ladybirds, lacewings and spiders - natural enemies of insect pests -compared with conventional crops.