The First Year Commercial Performance of WideStrike~(TM) Biotech Cotton

摘要

Only four types of insect-resistant biotech cottons have been commercialized as of early 2006. Three of them are Bollgard (CrylAc), Bollgard II (CrylAc+Cry2Ab) and WideStrike~(TM) (Cry 1 Ac+Cry 1F). The fourth type of insect-resistant cotton was developed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and carries the Cry 1A gene. It is called 'Guokang' and its use is limited exclusively to China (Mainland). Both the Bollgard and Guokang biotech varieties have been commercialized in China (Mainland),but more than 3 million hectares were planted to Guokang-type varieties, out of approximately 3.5 million hectares planted to biotech cotton in 2005/06. While Bollgard cotton was commercialized in 1996 and Bollgard II toward the end of 2002, 2005/06 was the first year when WideStrike? went into commercial production.