Genetically modified Bt cotton and global changes in the production of cotton fibers

Abstract

An overview of global trends and structural changes in the cultivation of cotton and cotton fiber production in the light of more severe requirements to ensure the health and social security of people, preservation of the environment and sustainable development is given. As cotton is the most common and most important natural fiber in the so-called narrow textile application, and at the same time the fiber characterized by a relatively large ecological footprint, for the last fifteen years it has been invested a lot in finding alternative solutions that would result in a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible production. The fact is that conventional cotton cultivation is increasingly giving way to the production of genetically modified Bt cotton, according to the principles of biocultivation organic cotton is produced, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategy is used to introduce pest management system, and recently the initiatives Fairtrade Cotton, Better Cotton Initiative and the Cotton made in Africa have gained prominence, which encourage environmentally friendly cotton production, with respect to ethics and social responsibility and fair economy. The features of these alternatives to conventional cotton cultivation and distribution of their application at the global level are considered. Here the emphasis is put on the cultivation of genetically modified Bt cotton, which today dominates on cotton fields around the world. The mechanism of insecticidal activity, specificity of cultivation, as well as the advantages and benefits achieved by the production of Bt cotton, but also doubts and questions to which the answers are to be found, are considered.