Question

Differentiate between the following:

Bt cotton and Local cotton crop

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Bt cotton	Local cotton crop
Genetic modification	Bt cotton is genetically engineered to carry a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.	A conventional local cotton crop is not genetically engineered to carry the Bt gene.
Pest resistance	Bt cotton produces Bt protein, which protects the plant against certain insect pests, including bollworms.	A local cotton crop without the Bt gene does not produce Bt protein for protection against bollworms.
Effect on bollworms	When bollworm larvae ingest the Bt protein, it damages their gut and eventually kills them.	Bollworm larvae can feed on a susceptible local cotton crop and damage its bolls.
Insecticide use	Bt cotton can reduce the need for insecticide spraying against targeted pests.	A local cotton crop may require insecticide spraying to control bollworms, depending on pest pressure and management.
Yield and crop protection	By controlling targeted insect pests, Bt cotton can help protect yield.	The yield of a local cotton crop depends on its variety, growing conditions and pest-management practices.