Genetically modified plants expressing insecticidal Cry proteins originating from a soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provide a powerful tool for managing insect pests. Unfortunately, insect ability to develop resistance to insecticidal proteins potentially jeopardizes its long-term efficiency. Review of registration materials submitted by plant biotech industry to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the existing scientific literature shows that currently available evidence in support of reducing refuge for the pyramided genetically modified corn plants to 5% of the total crop area is essentially limited to predictions of a single unpublished mathematical model developed “in-house” by the industry scientists. Additional research and a more extensive (and open) scientific discussion will be of great benefit for ensuring sustainable use of this technology
