Bt Cotton In Brazil Could Cut Sprays In Brazil

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Scott C. Lucas|3 October 2006

“Today, cotton production in Brazil requires about 20 applications of insecticides to control insect pests,” says Uitdewilligen. “With transgenic cotton, we estimate a reduction of 25%.” Biotech cotton has been approved for commercial planting by the Brazilian Technical Commission for Biosafety (CNTBio).

“With a reduction in costs and a decrease in the use of insecticides, we will improve our competitiveness in the international cotton market,” Uitdewilligen continues. He also stated that Brazil has a ten-year delay in adopting the technology compared to international competitors like the US, China, and India, which affects the competitiveness of the Brazilian product.