Interaction Between Entomology and Gene Technology: Bt-transgenic and Gene Drives for Pests Control .

Interaction Between Entomology and Gene Technology: Bt-transgenic and Gene Drives for Pests Control .

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J. C. Ndayıragıje, T. Özek, H. Çevik and İ. Karaca,  Türk Bilim ve Mühendislik Dergisi,  3:108-115. 2021.

Pest control is the major agricultural activity for increasing crop productivity thus insuring food security. Recent pest management programs are depending too much on chemical pesticides, which are a threat to our health and environment. One of the greatest entomological achievements for the benefits of plant protection is the use of Bacillus thuringiensis to produce transgenic plants resisting pests. However, such organisms comprise inconveniences against human health and biodiversity in terms of genetic pollution. In many countries, the use of Genetically Modified Organisms is prohibited. This study review on integration of growing gene technology with actual scientific achievements can help to determine a sustainable solution to the pest’s problem. In this way, many literatures were referred on to comparatively criticize the effectiveness, safety and sustainability of gene drive over Bt transgenic based on scientific soundness. Gene drive technology is a new technic consisting of gene engineering and on-field monitoring of its transgenes. The case in point is the inappropriateness of Bt-transgenes. Practically, gene drive can be an alternative to Bacillus thuringiensis in pest control for increased safety and environmental protection.