Genetically modified plants are produced by inserting the desired gene of interest in the plant genome.
Example:
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Bt cotton is produced by inserting the gene ‘cry’ which codes for the Cry protein.
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The cry gene was obtained from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
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This cry gene produces proteins toxic to natural pests of cotton, i.e. Bollworms.
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By using Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer, cry gene was successfully inserted in the genome of Cotton which made it resistant to the Bollworms.
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Other examples of transgenic plant which were made resistant to pests include tomato and tobacco.
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Since the transgenic plant itself in naturally able produce proteins which are fatal to the pest, there would be no need for use of chemical pesticides.
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Thus, the usage of chemical pesticides will fall drastically thus preventing soil and water pollution.
