Pest-resistant crops

Pest-resistant crops are genetically modified plants designed to withstand or repel pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. By incorporating specific genes, these crops produce natural defenses—such as toxins harmful to pests or proteins that disrupt pest digestion—making them less likely to be damaged. This approach helps increase crop yields, lowers farming costs, and can reduce environmental impact by minimizing chemical use. Examples include Bt cotton and Bt corn, which contain genes from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis that target insect pests specifically.