A variety that is designated as "BG/RR" is a "stacked gene" transgenic cotton variety containing genes that code for an insecticidal protein that provides protection against various lepidopteran pests (bollworm, pink bollworm, etc.). The BG/RR indicates that both the Bollgard and Roundup Ready traits are combined or "stacked" in this particular variety. The abbreviation BG indicates that this variety contains the Bollgard gene owned by Monsanto. The source of that gene is Bacillus thuringiensis (a soil bacterium). This provides built-in protection against various lepidopteran pests without the need for other pesticides. The RR (Roundup Ready, also owned by Monsanto) designation means that this particular variety is also tolerant to over-the-top glyphosate (Roundup) applications through the four-leaf stage. Glyphosate can also be post-directed after the four-leaf stage in Roundup Ready varieties. It is important to minimize drift to the Roundup Ready cotton during the post-directed application in order to reduce the possibility of yield reduction.
