Use of GM cotton linked to rise in aphid numbers

The following is an excerpt.

In an unexpected trade-off, the cultivation of cotton that has been genetically engineered to reduce caterpillar damage by producing its own insecticide has been linked to higher numbers of another pest — aphids.

Previous studies had linked the increase in aphids to reduced insecticide use by farmers cultivating Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton.

Now researchers have for the first time tied the suppressed production of natural defence compounds in Bt cotton — caused by the lack of caterpillar attacks — to a surge in non-target pests such as the cotton aphid.

Read the full article here: Use of GM cotton linked to rise in aphid numbers

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