Helicoverpa species have been the main target pest for Bt cotton varieties but wider benefits have been achieved through the integration of Bt technology into IPM systems to provide the most environmentally acceptable outcome. All Bt varieties are grown in Australia under a comprehensive management strategy designed to minimise the risk of resistance evolution. .

In commercial use Ingard cotton varieties reduced pesticide applications for Helicoverpa spp by an average of 60%, providing major environmental benefits. Even greater pesticide reductions of up to 90% compared with conventional varieties were achieved with Bollgard II varieties. These reductions have provided both on-farm and wider benefits with enhanced abundance of beneficial insects, and greatly reduced environmental disruption.

Maintaining an appropriate balance and retaining the benefits of Bt cottons requires vigilant resistance management, sustained efforts to enhance beneficial species and non-disruptive, short residual pesticides for key sucking pests. Overall the stability of these systems will require mobilization of the whole farm environment and greater understanding of the flows of impacts and services between intensive cropping systems and the surrounding landscape.