Comparative Evaluation of Economic and Environmental Impact Transgenically Modified Crops with Synthetic Chemicals for Insect Control on Cotton

This presentation combines both a review of the literature and original data from our research. The comparative efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) traits Bollgard, Bollgard II, WideStrike, and non-Bt expressing cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., for control of the noctuid complex of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie); fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith); beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner); and cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner), were evaluated in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas during 2005-2009.  Noctuid larval survival and damage to leaves on non-Bt cotton were 3.6-fold greater than on Bollgard II or WideStrike cotton and 1.5-fold greater than on cotton varieties with the Bollgard trait. Transgenic cotton has reduced the need for conventional insecticides with benefits to human health and the environment. The revenue differences between Bt and conventional cotton for last four years in LRGV of Texas was 214.3 $/ha and profit about 94.9$/ha. We also analyzed cotton noctuid losses between Bt and conventionally grown cotton in the USA summary of all states and Texas summary of all regions.