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A Method of Controlling Corn Rootworm Feeding Using a Bacillus thuringiensis Protein Expressed in Transgenic Maize
Author(s) -
Vaughn Ty,
Cavato Tracey,
Brar Gurdip,
Coombe Timothy,
DeGooyer Todd,
Ford Stephanie,
Groth Mark,
Howe Arlene,
Johnson Scott,
Kolacz Kathryn,
Pilcher Clinton,
Purcell John,
Romano Charles,
English Leigh,
Pershing Jay
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci2004.0304
Subject(s) - bacillus thuringiensis , biology , genetically modified maize , western corn rootworm , hybrid , transgene , agronomy , genetically modified crops , genetically modified organism , crop , zea mays , gene , bacteria , genetics
The corn rootworm (CRW; Diabrotica spp.) is one of the most serious pests of corn in the USA. Chemical insecticides and crop rotation have been the only two options available to growers for managing CRW. Unfortunately, both of these tactics can be ineffective as a result of either resistance or behavioral modifications. In this paper, we describe transgenic maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids that control CRW. These hybrids were created with a Cry3Bb1 Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) variant that is approximately eight times more lethal to corn rootworm larvae than the wild‐type protein. A DNA vector containing the modified cry3Bb1 gene was placed under control of a root‐enhanced promoter (4‐AS1) and was introduced into embryonic maize cells by microprojectile bombardment. Described here is the molecular genetic characterization, protein expression levels, and field performance of the recently commercialized MON863 hybrids.