Advantages and Disadvantages of GMO Cotton Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages of GMO Cotton - Essay Example The countries that we know for producing GM cotton are the USA and India although the product also has production in China, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, among others. The major advantage of genetically modified cotton is that the plant is resistant to insect pests. More than 68% of the genetically modified cotton in China produces a substance that helps it to become resistant to insect pests. It is known as "Bacillus thurengiensis" toxin. There are a few problematic pests such as caterpillars that bore the cotton itself thus hard to fight. The European Union is yet to approve submissions made for the growth and use of modified cotton. There are problems that farmers in India are experiencing as the Bt toxin failed to work. The Bt cotton yields declined significantly as secondary pests invaded the cotton. The trouble led to the use of more pesticides on the plant plus the price for the cotton seeds went up by a large number.   Scientists suggest that the Bt cotton pro duces a number of beneficial insects which help the small-scale farmers in the production of cotton. China was the leading country in the study of the benefits of having genetically modified cotton. The toxin that is used is lethal to the bollworm that is usually a major problem for the cotton growers. There is a significant decline in the use of insecticides because of the reduction in the bollworm pest. The reduction in the number of pests means that the cotton produced in good health increases.