Influence of Transgenic (Bt) Cotton on the Productivity of Various Cotton-Based Cropping Systems in Pakistan

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop in Pakistan with significant economic importance. Transgenic, insect-resistant cotton (carrying a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)) was inducted the cotton-based cropping systems of during 2002, and now sown >90% fields country. However, concerns are rising that Bt would decrease productivity winter crops (sown after cotton), leading to decreased system productivity. This two-year field study determined impacts transgenic (Bt) non-transgenic (non-Bt) genotypes on productivities (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, canola), overall including these crops. Four (two two non-Bt) three canola) were included study. Nutrient availability assessed harvest Similarly, yield-related traits recorded at their harvest. The converted net returns, returns computed. results revealed non-Bt significantly (p < 0.05) altered nutrient (N, P, K, B, Zn, Fe). attributes not affected by genotypes, whereas profitability varied among genotypes. Economic analyses indicated cotton–wheat most profitable, benefit–cost ratio 1.55 semi-arid region Pakistan. It concluded could be successfully into existing without any system.