THE IMPACT OF TRANSGENIC BRINJAL FOR THE CONTROL OF LEUCINODES ORBONALIS GUENEE AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON NON-TARGET ARTHROPODS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is the most important vegetable crop in the Asia Pacific region, with Pakistan being the seventh largest producer. There are many biotic and abiotic factors affecting its production in terms of quantity and quality including insect pests as a significant constraint. In Pakistan, the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis is the major insect pest of brinjal. However, some other chewing and sap-sucking insects are also essential pests. Bt-brinjal, a transgenic variety, has been introduced in India and Bangladesh for the management of lepidopteran pests. Before the commercialization of transgenic brinjal in Pakistan, it must be assessed for its effects on the environment and non-target organisms. This study is presenting the overview of transgenic brinjal as an option to manage brinjal shoot and fruit borer along with current and future challenges in areas of its commercialization.