Governing evolution: A socioecological comparison of resistance management for insecticidal transgenic Bt crops among four countries

Abstract

Cooperative management of pest susceptibility to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops is pursued worldwide in a variety of forms and to varying degrees of success depending on context. We examine this context using a comparative socioecological analysis of resistance management in Australia, Brazil, India, and the United States. We find that a shared understanding of resistance risks among government regulators, growers, and other actors is critical for effective governance. Furthermore, monitoring of grower compliance with resistance management requirements, surveillance of resistance, and mechanisms to support rapid implementation of remedial actions are essential to achieve desirable outcomes. Mandated resistance management measures, strong coordination between actors, and direct linkages between the group that appraises resistance risks and growers also appear to enhance prospects for effective governance. Our analysis highlights factors that could improve current governance systems and inform other initiatives to conserve susceptibility as a contribution to the cause of public good.

Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
Yves Carriere, University of Arizona
Zachary S. Brown
Sharon J. Downes
Govind Gujar
Graham Epstein, Indiana University
Celso Omoto, Universidade de São Paulo
Nicholas P. Storer
David Mota-Sanchez, Michigan State University
Peter Søgaard Jørgensen, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Scott P. Carroll
Date
Journal
Ambio
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