Such genes are expected to be extremely rare in the insect population. Insects with more common genes for partial, or low-level, resistance will not survive the very high levels of ICPs. Additional insecticidal genes are being sought. The idea is to develop transgenic plants that express several insecticidal genes targeting different sites within the insect. In order to survive plants with such multiple defences, an insect would probably have to possess multiple resistance genes.
Some scientists believe it is highly unlikely that insects can acquire such genes.
In any case, these scientists anticipate that plants expressing additional insecticidal genes will be available before insect resistance to a single, highly expressed ICP from Bt develops. Module Objectives Students will be expected to write a report that details the key process involved in generating Bt-toxin producing crop plants. Results of insect resistance of transgenic crops Future problems and prospects Resources and References Below are a few web sites and references that will help you get started on module 1. This is in NO way an exhaustive list of material. Evolutionary Biology and Genetically Engineered Crops.