Indian Bt gene monoculture, potential time bomb

In March, 2005, an unprecedented number of hybrids of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-resistant cotton will be planted in India. A recent model simulating the development of insect resistance to Bt cotton predicts that such monoculture could lead to resistance within a few years. The risk of resistance as a consequence of gene monoculture is higher in India where Bt crops are planted illegally than in other countries producing transgenic crops. Next month 12 new Bt cotton hybrids will enter the Indian market, all carrying the same cry1Ac gene. Bt cotton carrying cry1Ac to confer resistance against bollworms.