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Developmental studies of transgenic maize expressing Cry1Ab on the African stem borer, Busseola fusca, effects on midgut cellular structure

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Claire RindORCiD, Mark Bendall, Emerita Professor Angharad GatehouseORCiD

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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

Publication metadata

Author(s): George DM, Rind FC, Bendall MW, Taylor MA, Gatehouse AMR

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pest Management Science

Year: 2012

Volume: 68

Issue: 3

Pages: 330-339

Print publication date: 12/08/2011

ISSN (print): 1526-498X

ISSN (electronic): 1526-4998

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.2260

DOI: 10.1002/ps.2260

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