Genetically Engineered Plants in Insect Pest Control: Mechanisms, Applications and Biosafety

Genetically engineered plants expressing insecticidal traits constitute an important component of contemporary pest-management systems. This manuscript reviews the mechanisms, applications and biosafety considerations associated with genetically modified crops developed for insect pest control, with emphasis on Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, Bt maize and Bt soybean. It explains how Bacillus thuringiensis-derived Cry and Vip proteins suppress target pests through ingestion, solubilisation and activation in the insect midgut, followed by receptor binding, pore formation, epithelial disruption and larval mortality. The review also discusses emerging approaches, including gene pyramiding, RNA interference, host-induced gene silencing and trait stacking, as strategies for improving the durability and specificity of pest-control technologies. Across the four crop systems, the manuscript indicates that genetically engineered pest-resistant crops can reduce dependence on broad-spectrum insecticides and support integrated pest management when deployed with appropriate stewardship. However, the benefits are influenced by crop type, pest complex, agroecological setting, seed quality, regulatory conditions and farmer access to technical support. Key concerns include resistance evolution, secondary pest emergence, biosafety assessment, non-target effects and the need for continuous monitoring. The manuscript therefore presents genetically engineered pest-resistant crops as useful but management-dependent tools that must be integrated with ecological, agronomic and regulatory practices to support sustainable crop protection.