Expression of multiple insecticidal genes confers broad resistance against a range of different rice pests

Shahina Bano Maqbool, Sheikh Riazuddin, Nguyen Thi Loc, Angharad M.R. Gatehouse, John A. Gatehouse, Paul Christou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

187 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report the simultaneous introduction of three insecticidal genes (the Bt genes cry1Ac and cry2A, and the snowdrop lectin gene gna) into commercially important indica rice varieties M7 and Basmati 370, by particle bombardment. Transgenic plants expressed Cry1Ac, Cry2A and GNA at different levels, either singly or in combination at 0.03-1%, 0.01-0.5% and 0.01-2.5% of total soluble protein, respectively. The transgenes showed stable transmission and expression, and R1 transgenic plants provided significant (p<0.01) protection against three of the most important insect pests of rice: rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), yellow stemborer (Scirpophaga incertulas) and brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens). The triple transformants showed significantly (p<0.05) higher resistance to these insects than plants expressing single transgenes. Bioassays using the triple-transgenic plants showed 100% eradication of the rice leaf folder and yellow stem borer, and 25% reduction in the survival of the brown planthopper. The greatest reduction in insect survival, and the greatest reduction in plant damage, occurred in plants expressing all three transgenes. This approach maximises the utility of gene transfer technology to introduce combinations of genes whose products disrupt different biochemical or physiological processes in the same insect, providing a multi-mechanism defence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)85-93
Number of pages9
JournalMolecular Breeding
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brown planthopper
  • Cry1Ac
  • Cry2A
  • GNA
  • Insect resistance
  • Rice leaf folder
  • Yellow stem borer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Plant Science

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