How can one do plant breeding for developing resistance to insect pests? Give a few examples...

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Biology

How can one do plant breeding for developing resistanceto insect pests? Give a few examples to insect resistancecharacteristics. Also mention the source of pest resistancegenes.

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The concept of Bt Bacillus thuringiensis commonly known as Bt is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil For years bacteriologists have known that some strains of Bt produce proteins that kill certain insects with alkaline digestive tracts When these insects ingest the protein produced by Bt the function of their digestive systems is disrupted producing slow growth and ultimately death Bt is very selective different strains of the bacterium kill different insects and only those insects Strains of Bt are effective against European corn borers and cotton bollworms Lepidoptera Colorado potato beetles Coleoptera and certain flies and mosquitos Diptera Bt is not harmful to humans other mammals birds fish or beneficial insects Bt was first identified in 1911 when it was discovered that it killed the larvae of flour moths Bt was registered as a biopesticide in the US in 1961 Today it is used in insecticide sprays sold to home gardeners and others worldwide In 1983 the World Health Organization used Bt in West Africa to control diseasecarrying blackflies In the US various strains of Bt are used to control spruce budworms and gypsy moths in forests cabbage worms in broccoli and cauliflower loopers or budworms in cotton and tobacco and leaf rollers in fruits However less than one percent of all pesticides used in the US each year contain Bt Monsanto As an ingredient of commercial sprays Bt is relatively expensive and has some drawbacks Although some pesticides kill on contact Bt must be eaten by insects to be effective Sunlight breaks down Bt and rain washes it from the plants Therefore Bt must be applied exactly where and when the target insects are See Answer

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