Genetically modified or transgenic cotton, called Bt cotton, was designed to produce a naturally occurring chemical derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that is toxic to certain insects, including the pink bollworm. The toxin is considered to be safe for humans and non-target organisms. Bt cotton has been widely adopted by cotton growers in many parts of the world, including India, China, the United States, and Mexico, as a means of controlling pink bollworm infestations and reducing the need for insecticide applications. In some areas, the adoption of Bt cotton has led to significant reductions in pink bollworm populations, resulting in higher crop yields.