First genetically produced 'plant-pesticides'

The EPA has approved, for the first time, limited registration of a genetically engineered pesticide procedure called 'plant-pesticides' for potatoes, corn and cotton.
    These plant pesticides are produced when genetic information necessary to make an insecticidal substance is taken from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria and transferred to a crop plant. The transfer of this genetic material into plants allows them to produce the pesticidal substance which can act against certain pests. "We are on the verge of a revolution on how to control pests", said Janet Anderson of the EPA. The EPA believes this will allow for a reduction in conventional pesticides and provide less risk to public health and the environment.
    However, many scientists are concerned that incorporating these Bt strains will speed the process of insect resistance to Bt, and undermine its value as a safer pesticide.
    Currently work on the potato seed is most advanced against the problematic Colorado beetle, and the EPA has already given it full registration. The seed is likely to be used over a fairly wide area. This strain of Bt attacks narrow range of pests. It does not, for example, affect ladybirds which attack many agricultural pests. Considerable amounts of pesticides are used in the US in this sector and the potato plant-pesticides could reduce the use of esfenvalerate, carbosulfan, endosulfan, permethrin and disulfoton. 

The three plant pesticides are:
Seed potatoes: Bacillus thuringiensis  delta-endotoxin as produced by the CryIIIA(b) gene and its controlling sequences, registered by Monsanto.
Corn seed: Bacillus thuringiensis  delta-endotoxin protein as produced by the CryIIIA(b) gene and its controlling sequences, registered by Ciba-Geigy and Mycogen Crop.
Cotton seed: Bacillus thuringiensis  delta-endotoxin as produced by the CryIIIA(b) gene and its controlling sequences, registered by Monsanto.

Pers. comm. EPA Activities 17 April 1995.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 28, June 1995, page 31]