1. The Royal Commission’s Recommendation
The Royal Commission recommended:
that, prior to the release of any Bt-modified crops, the appropriate agencies develop a strategy for the use of the Bt toxin in sprays and genetically modified plants, taking into account:
- the concept of refugia;
- limitations on total planted area;
- home gardener use.
The Commission heard from growers and researchers about the use of the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as an insecticidal treatment. These groups noted that the continual presence of Bt toxin in genetically modified plants could increase the risk of Bt resistance developing in local insect populations, which would reduce the value of Bt pesticides in conventionally and organically grown crops. It was noted that home gardeners also use Bt sprays.
The Commission agreed that Bt resistance should be avoided and considered that New Zealand needs to develop a strategy to manage the use of this insecticide, whether incorporated in genetically modified plants or used conventionally as a spray. The aim of such a strategy would be to delay the onset of insect resistance to Bt.
The Government accepted this recommendation and directed officials, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, to investigate and report on the practicalities of strategies to help preserve the long-term effectiveness of Bt insecticide.
Contact for Enquiries
Dr Sharon Adamson
Manager,
Innovation Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0618
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0741
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