lable at ScienceDirect

Crop Protection 28 (2009) 286

Contents lists avai

Crop Protection

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/locate/cropro

Book review

Integration of Insect Resistant Genetically Modified Cropswithin IPM Programs, J. Romeis, A.M. Shelton, G.G. Kennedy(Eds.), Progress in Biological Control, vol. 5. Springer (2008).446 pp, ISBN: 978-1-4020-8372-3 (HB), £63.99, $129, ISBN: 978-1-4020-8372-1 (PB), eISBN: 978-1-4020-8372-0 (eBook).

This series of books edited by Heikki M.T. Hokkamen is intendedto explore progress within various aspects of biological controlessentially to enable a change from chemical control and helpconservation of natural resources and reduce environmental pollu-tion. Previous volumes have covered microbial insecticides andecological approaches to biological control, so this one is uniquein examining the use of genetic modification of crops. It aims togive an authoritative synthesis of the impact of GM Bt crops canhave in integrated pest management (IPM) in different crops.

The book has 14 Chapters contributed by 42 authors. Chapter 1is essentially an overview by one of the editors, George Kennedy,which refers the reader to specific issues in subsequent chapters.A key issue is how governments can regulate the use of GM cropsand whether their regulation can help or hinder integration of Btcrops within IPM programmes (Chapter 2). This has been particu-larly important with concerns that insects can become resistantto Bt, so strategies to prevent resistance are crucial. It points outthe need for harmonizing regulatory requirements, especially asresources and scientific capacity are very limited in many devel-oping countries that need to benefit from the new technology.

Insect resistance management is considered in detail (Chapter 3)discussing the frequency of resistance alleles, the mode of action ofCry proteins and the expression of more than one Bt gene in thesame plant (pyramided plants). The impact of Bt plants on preda-tors and parasitoids in crops (Chapter 4) points out that while theCry proteins have no direct impact on natural enemies, effectivecontrol of target pests has inevitable consequences, but in theabsence of insecticide sprays, natural enemies are conserved toaid control of other pest species.

The next chapters cover specific crops – maize (Chapter 5),cotton (Chapter 6) and potato (Chapter 7), although commercialuse of Bt potatoes has not yet been accepted by consumers. Then

doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2008.01.012

the potential benefits in rice production (Chapter 8) and in vege-table and fruit crops, especially the need for virus resistant plantgermplasm (Chapter 9) are discussed. Growing Bt cotton has beenwidely accepted, but several non-target pests, such as mealy bugsin India and Pakistan have become problems. This is perhaps tobe expected in the advent of a new technology, where commercial-isation has moved ahead of sufficient local research, or that the Crytoxins have not been used in varieties already adapted to specificareas in terms of other pests and diseases.

Broadening the impact on non-target species to agro-ecosys-tems (Chapter 10) concludes that indirect effects are generallynegligible compared to the direct effects of changes in the environ-ment due to standard agricultural practices.

Growing Bt cotton and Bt maize has achieved a reduction inuse of insecticide sprays (Chapter 11) and is a welcome additionto sustainable IPM systems, but it illustrates the need for ongoingeducation and extension support for farmers to integrate the newtechnology with existing pest management. A discussion ofthe economic and social consideration of adopting Bt crops(Chapter 12) is followed by two chapters which look to the futurewith other insecticide compounds. Although Bt crops are nowgrown on over 40 million hectares, future adoption does needto take account of food systems, cultures and politics of differentregions. Each chapter is supported by an extensive list ofreferences.

This excellent book will surely contribute to a rational debateabout the role of GM technology in crop production when a growinghuman population is demanding an improvement in food produc-tion. It should be read by all those involved in the debate and this isfacilitated by the book being available as a paperback and an elec-tronic edition as well as the traditional hardback.

Graham MatthewsImperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot SL5 7PY, United Kingdom

E-mail address: g.matthews@imperial.ac.uk

27 January 2008