Genetic engineering, with a new finding, seems to have won a minor victory from the prospect of providing people with organic, eco-friendly and health-friendly cotton in a real sense.
According to scientists, the genetically modified crops still need some pesticide. It is because; the Bt cotton continues to suffer damage from pests. The pests attack cotton bolls that are just above the ground, such as lygus bugs and whiteflies.
Though there is no difference in the overall yields, GM cotton yields 9 per cent more per kilogram of insecticide applied. So compared to conventional growers, GM farmers prosper more just by spending less on insecticides. And hence, not only the environment is less polluted growing the Bt cotton, but the fabric made out of it is also milder and less injurious to health.
Via: New Scientist
