Transgenic control of pest Lepidoptera in cotton: developments to date and future prospects globally

1996 marked the introduction of the first transgenic cotton, expressing the Bt delta-endotoxin, Cry1Ac, for the control of lepidopteran larvae. Its effect has been significant. Second generation improvements, as well as a broader choice of varieties or hybrids expressing Bt proteins available in the marketplace, are continuing to improve the control of lepidopteran pests and benefit cotton growers all over the world. This review will discuss some effects of the deployment of second generation Bt cotton globally and the potential for continued improvement through the development of third generation products.