[log in to unmask] wrote:

> Perhaps we can get a GM pollen that kills wax moths?

Ironically, the big biotech seed companies that produce and store Bt corn seed
have big problems with Indian meal moth infestations in their own warehouses!
Despite attempts to seal the moths out, moths still get in and make a mess
of webbing and frass over the surface of the seed (stored in two ton metal bulk bins
and in cloth bags).

Does the biotech industry have a high tech solution for controlling this
common moth using a Bt product? Not hardly. Instead they rely on conventional
chemical sprays (applied weekly as aerosol fogs via automatic
fogging systems) and fumigants such as hydrogen phosphide gas to deal
with the problem. The biotech companies know (after decades
of experience) that Bt sprays and powders are just marginally effective
(compared to conventional chemical insecticides) at either preventing
infestations of lepidopterans or controlling advanced infestations.
That's why  Bt products such as "Dipel" never became popular
as a grain/seed protectants.  The level of control has been inadequate.

So no, the biotech industry will not be commercially marketing Bt corn
pollen as a hot new product you can buy to control wax moths (or anything
else for that matter).

Paul Cherubini