100 years of Bacillus thuringiensis a critical scientific assessment

The insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have provided a uniquely specific, safe, and effective tool for the control of a wide variety of insect pests. Bt has been used in spray formulations for over 40 years, where it is considered remarkably safe, in large part because spe...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nester, Eugene W., Thomashow, Linda S. (Author), Metz, Matthew (Author), Gordon, Milton P. (Author)
Corporate Authors: American Academy of Microbiology, "100 Years of Bacillis Thuringiensis, a Paradigm for Producing Transgenic Organisms: a Critical Scientific Assessment" (Colloquium) (2002 November, Ithaca, N.Y.)
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Washington, DC American Academy of Microbiology [2002], 2002
Online Access:
Collection: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
LEADER 03170nam a2200289 u 4500
001 EB002191597
003 EBX01000000000000001329062
005 00000000000000.0
007 tu|||||||||||||||||||||
008 240105 r ||| eng
100 1 |a Nester, Eugene W. 
245 0 0 |a 100 years of Bacillus thuringiensis  |h Elektronische Ressource  |b a critical scientific assessment  |c Eugene W. Nester, Linda S. Thomashow, Matthew Metz and Milton Gordon 
246 3 1 |a One hundred years of Bacillus thuringiensis 
260 |a Washington, DC  |b American Academy of Microbiology  |c [2002], 2002 
300 |a 1 PDF file (18 pages)  |b illustrations 
505 0 |a Includes bibliographical references 
700 1 |a Thomashow, Linda S.  |e [author] 
700 1 |a Metz, Matthew  |e [author] 
700 1 |a Gordon, Milton P.  |e [author] 
710 2 |a American Academy of Microbiology 
710 2 |a "100 Years of Bacillis Thuringiensis, a Paradigm for Producing Transgenic Organisms: a Critical Scientific Assessment" (Colloquium) (2002 November, Ithaca, N.Y.) 
041 0 7 |a eng  |2 ISO 639-2 
989 |b NCBI  |a National Center for Biotechnology Information 
500 |a "This report is based on a colloquium, '100 years of Bacillis thuringiensis, a paradigm for producing transgenic organisms: A critical scientific assessment,' sponsored by the American Academy of Microbiology and held November 16-18, in Ithaca, New York"--Title page verso. - "A report from the American Academy of Microbiology"--Page 1 
856 4 0 |u https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559445  |3 Volltext 
082 0 |a 580 
520 |a The insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have provided a uniquely specific, safe, and effective tool for the control of a wide variety of insect pests. Bt has been used in spray formulations for over 40 years, where it is considered remarkably safe, in large part because specific formulations harm only a narrow range of insect species. Today, Bt insecticidal protein genes have been incorporated into several major crops where they provide a model for genetic engineering in agriculture. Effective protection of crops from insect pests afforded by insecticidal proteins has had a number of positive impacts on agriculture. Reduced insect damage im-proves crop yield, reduces fungal toxins in the food supply, and improves the livelihood of farmers. Replacement of toxic chemical pesticides with Bt has reduced hazards to the environment and farm workers. Bt-engineered crops are equally amenable to use in large or small scale farming operations and compatible with other agricultural practices and technologies. Concerns associated with the use of Bt include potential for harm to non-target organisms, development of resistance in populations of target insects, and, for engineered crops, possible ecological consequences of gene flow to non-engineered crops and wild relatives. These concerns merit continued attention on a case-by-case basis in order to ensure that Bt technologies have the maximum positive impact with a minimum risk on agriculture. Prudent use of Bt technologies will also be key in maintaining their usefulness for a long period of time