Developmental studies of transgenic maize expressing Cry1Ab on the African stem borer, Busseola fusca; effects on midgut cellular structure |
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Authors: | George Derick M Rind F Claire Bendall Mark W Taylor Mark A Gatehouse Angharad M R |
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Institution: | School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Busseola fusca is a major pest of maize in Africa but unfortunately is difficult to control using chemical insecticides. Insect‐resistant transgenic crops may provide an alternative viable strategy to control this pest. RESULTS: Recombinant Cry1Ab (1%) reduced larval weight by 60% over the trial period, while larval weight in the control group increased by 25%; no effects on mortality were observed. Insect survival, developmental rate and pupal and adult weight were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) on maize expressing Cry1Ab (MON810) compared with the non‐transformed parental line. These differences were more pronounced with second‐instar larvae than with third‐instar larvae. Leaf area consumed by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐fed larvae was significantly lower (0.5 cm2 larva?1 day?1) compared with the area consumed by control‐fed insects (3.3 cm2 larva?1 day?1). EM studies revealed that consumption of Bt maize deleteriously affected gut integrity. Effects were observed in columnar cells of the midgut epithelium, with the cytoplasm becoming highly vacuolated; the microvilli were disorganised, the mitochondria were abnormal and there was an increase in the number of lysosomal bodies. The rough endoplasmic reticulum had also become dilated. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the potential for Bt maize, when used as part of an IPM programme, for control of B. fusca. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry |
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Keywords: | Busseola fusca Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab Bt binding Bt maize |
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