Bt Corn

Bt corn is a genetically modified variety of corn that contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene helps the corn produce a protein that is toxic to certain pests, such as the European corn borer. By incorporating this natural pesticide, Bt corn is designed to resist insect damage, potentially reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This can lead to higher crop yields and lower production costs. However, the use of Bt corn has sparked discussions about environmental impacts, farmer practices, and food safety, making it a significant topic in agriculture and biotechnology.