Drought Tolerant Research Trials, 2006-07

Biotechnology, or the use of cotton varieties with genetically modified (GM) traits, is a major environmental success story for the Australian cotton industry. The introduction of biotechnology over 10 years ago has seen a 90% reduction in the amount of pesticides required and has become an important tool in the farming system.

Used within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, biotechnology is one of many techniques to control pests in an environmentally responsible way. Other common methods include pupae busting, the introduction of predator insects such as spiders, trap and refuge crops and applying ‘soft’ pesticides with precision using GPS.

To ensure biotechnology is used safely, the Australian cotton industry has an industry-wide Resistance Management Strategy that was developed in conjunction with the CSIRO and independent scientists. This includes strict rules for the amount allowed to be grown and crop management practices.

In over 10 years of cotton’s use of biotechnology in Australia there has been no incidence of cross contamination, super weeds, market failure or any other environmental or human health issue. The use of biotechnology is heavily regulated by the Australian government.

Quick Facts:

  • Genetically modified cotton, has been grown in Australia since 1996 and now accounts for over 95% of the crop
  • The Bt proteins contained in Bollgard II® occur naturally in soil organisms - Bt sprays have been used for over 50 years in organic farming throughout the world
  • GM technology globally has resulted in 172 million kg less pesticide used by growers and a 14% reduction in the environmental footprint associated with pesticide use
  • GM crops globally have made a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 10 billion kilograms, equivalent to removing five million cars from the roads for a year
  • In developing countries, cotton biotechnology has provided health benefits to smaller resource-poor farmers who in the past had applied pesticides to cotton by hand using minimal or no protection

For more facts on cotton and biotechnology, click here.

To download Cotton Australia’s “Cotton and Biotechnology “ brochure, click here.