SWITCHING ON BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS TO REDUCE SELECTION FOR RESISTANCE

The scope of plant genetic engineering in allowing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis encoding natural endotoxin is well illustrated by the p roduction of insect-resistance plants. There is great concern over inc reasing evidences of field resistance of insect pests to this endotoxi n. Efforts are on for prevention of the spread of this resistance and identification of strategies which give the best protection for the lo west cost in terms of increased resistance in the pests as well as env ironment-friendliness.