ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Applications of biotechnology have existed as long as people have grown crops and unknowingly used microorganisms in the process of making bread, cheese, alcoholic drinks, and tanning leather. Today, biotechnology is stimulating many positive changes in agriculture (Penn, 2000; James, 2002a; Chrispeels and Sadava, 2003). Some of the recent tools of biotechnology, especially genetic engineering, have revolutionized the speed of crop improvement and availability of valuable new traits. A current example is the use of Cry proteins found in the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt), to improve crops by suppressing injury from crop pests-known as Bt crops. The first generation of commercial Bt crops has surpassed our expectations for pest control, economic return and safety. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the challenges and current status of Bt crops, their integration into insect pest management programs, their benefits and risks, and where we can bring light to the subject, their social-cultural, environmental, and economic impacts. We will also discuss some future Bt crop products and the new Bt traits they may possess. We hope this chapter will bring the reader a clearer and more factual perspective on Bt crop products, their value and contributions to society.
