Characterization of the Cry1Ah resistance in Asian corn Borer and its cross-resistance to other Bacillus thuringiensis toxins

Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 10;8(1):234. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18586-2.

Abstract

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins are effective to manage lepidopteran pests. Development of insect-resistance is the major threat to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops such as Cry1Ah-Maize. Laboratory selection with Bt-Cry1Ah toxin incorporated in artificial diet, during 48 generations of Asian corn borer (ACB) Ostrinia furnacalis produced 200-fold resistance. This resistant colony ACB-AhR readily consumed and survived on Cry1Ah-expressing Bt-maize. Cross-resistance analysis showed high cross-resistance to Cry1F (464-fold), moderate cross-resistance to Cry1Ab (28.38-fold), Cry1Ac (22.11-fold) and no cross-resistance to Cry1Ie toxin. This ACB-AhR cross-resistant phenotype is different from ACB-Cry1Fa resistant population that showed no cross resistance to Cry1Ah, suggesting that different mechanisms of resistance were selected in these two populations. Bioassays of reciprocal F1 crosses-progeny suggested autosomal inheritance of Cry1Ah resistance with no maternal effects. The dominance of resistance increased as concentration decreased. In Cry1Ah-maize tissues the progeny of reciprocal F1 crosses behaved as functionally recessive. Progenies analysis from backcrosses (F1 × resistant strain) suggested polygenic contribution to Cry1Ah- resistance in ACB-AhR. The use of multiple toxins is an imperative factor for delaying evolution of resistance to Cry1Ah-corn in ACB. However, the fact that ACB-AhR showed cross resistance to Cry1Fa indicates that selection of toxins for pyramided plants should be carefully done.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / genetics*
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Toxins / metabolism
  • Disease Resistance / genetics*
  • Moths*
  • Plant Diseases / parasitology*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Zea mays / genetics*
  • Zea mays / parasitology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins