4/6/2017 Common Examples of GM Products Bacillus thuringiensis Bt corn ·What is Bt pesticide? B.thuringiensis produces a insecticidal crystal or toxic Bt protein -Bt protein paralyzes the digestive tract of insects and pests Bt is harmless to humans and non-pest species Common Examples of GM Products Common Examples of GM Products Bt corn Bt corn ·What is Bt pesticide? ·What is Bt pesticide? first marketed in the US in 1958 affects specific insects registered with EPA in 1961 does not persist in the environment popularity increased in 1980 1.more insects were becoming resistant to Researchers moved the gene encoding Bt into synthetic pesticides plants 2.scientists and environmentalists were 1995,corn was the first Bt genetically becoming aware that the synthetic engineered plant instecticides were harming the environment Today Bt cotton Bt potato also are used4/6/2017 12 Common Examples of GM Products Bt corn • What is Bt pesticide? - B. thuringiensis produces a insecticidal crystal or toxic Bt protein - Bt protein paralyzes the digestive tract of insects and pests - Bt is harmless to humans and non-pest species Common Examples of GM Products Bt corn • What is Bt pesticide? - first marketed in the US in 1958 - registered with EPA in 1961 - popularity increased in 1980 1. more insects were becoming resistant to synthetic pesticides 2. scientists and environmentalists were becoming aware that the synthetic instecticides were harming the environment Common Examples of GM Products Bt corn • What is Bt pesticide? - affects specific insects - does not persist in the environment • Researchers moved the gene encoding Bt into plants • 1995, corn was the first Bt genetically engineered plant • Today Bt cotton Bt potato also are used