Contents - Faperta

Genetic Transformation of Crops for Resistance to Insect Pests 239
activity against the target insect pests. It should also be harmless to the natural enemies
and nontarget organisms, target the sites in insects that have developed resistance to the
conventional insecticides, be fl exible enough to allow ready deployment of alternatives (if
and when the resistance is developed in insect populations), and preferably produce acute
rather than chronic effects on the target insects. Some of the criteria can be achieved by
exploiting genes that are based on antibody technology. Single chain antibodies can be
used to block the function of essential insect proteins. The development of a delivery system
for toxins from the transgenic plants to the insect hemolymph will remove a key constraint
in the transgenic approach to crop protection. Incorporation of insecticidal genes in
crop plants will have a tremendous effect on pest management. We need to pursue a management
strategy that refl ects the insect biology, insect-plant interactions, and their infl uence
on the natural enemies to prolong the life span of transgenic crops. Emphasis should
also be placed on combining exotic genes with conventional host plant resistance, and also
with traits conferring resistance to other insect pests and diseases of importance in a crop in
the target region. Several genes conferring resistance to insects can also be deployed as
multilines or synthetics. While several crops with commercial viability have been transformed
in the developed world, very little has been done to use this technology to increase
food production in the harsh environments of the tropics. There is a need to use these tools
for providing resistance to insects in cereals, legumes, and oil seed crops that are a source
of sustenance for poorer sections of the society. Equally important is the need to follow the
biosafety regulations and make this technology available to farmers who cannot afford the
high cost of seeds and chemical pesticides. International research centers, advanced research
institutions, and the national agricultural research systems need to play a major role in
promoting biotechnology for food security of poor people in the developing countries.
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