Production of Bt cotton through genetic engineering

Some strains of B. thuringiensis produce protein crystals during a particular phase of their growth that have insecticidal activity. They kill certain insect groups like lepidopterans, coleopterans  and dipterans.

Specific Bt toxin genes were isolated from B. thuringiensis and incorporated into crop plants like cotton. 

Bt cotton developed through genetic engineering helped to reduce the dependence of chemical pesticides as the plant itself acts as a bio-pesticide.