Bollgard

Bollgard is a brand of genetically modified (GM) cottonseed developed by Monsanto, now part of Bayer. Bollgard cotton is engineered to be resistant to certain types of bollworm, a major pest that can significantly reduce cotton yields. The Bollgard technology is based on the Cry1Ac protein, which is derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This protein is toxic to certain insects, including the bollworm, but not to humans or other non-target organisms.

The Bollgard system was first introduced in 1996 and has since been widely adopted by cotton farmers worldwide. The technology is designed to reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which can have environmental and health impacts. Bollgard cotton has been approved for use in over 20 countries, including the United States, India, and China.

However, the use of Bollgard cotton has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that GM crops can have unintended environmental consequences, such as the development of resistant pest populations and the potential for gene flow to non-GM crops. Proponents of Bollgard cotton, on the other hand, point to the technology's benefits in reducing pesticide use and increasing crop yields.

In recent years, there has been a decline in the adoption of Bollgard cotton in some regions, partly due to concerns about the environmental impact of GM crops and the availability of alternative pest management strategies. Despite this, Bollgard remains one of the most widely used GM crops globally.