Expression of synthetic cry1Ab and cry1Ac genes in Basmati rice (Oryza sativa l.) Variety 370 via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for the control of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)

Movement of pests to non-host crops due to resistance of their host plants is discussed. We report the simultaneous control of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and protection of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) from the damages of this non-host pest. Indica rice Basmati 370 variety was genetically engineered via the Agrobacterium-mediated system for expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (cry1Ab and cry1Ac), hygromycin resistance (hpt) and β-glucuronidase (gus) genes. Molecular analysis of R0 and R1 progeny plants confirmed the integration, transcription and translation of all transgenes, with a 100% cointegration of linked genes. Southern blot analysis revealed the integration of transgenes in the range of one to three copy numbers. Northern blots revealed the presence of intact, full-length transcripts of the cry1Ab and cry1Ac. The expression of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac was estimated up to 0.1% of total soluble protein. Inheritance of the introduced genes to R1 progeny was found to be in agreement with the Mendelian ratio in most of the transgenic lines. Bioassays, feeding of R1 progeny, of four independent transgenic lines, showed high levels of resistance to the European corn borer. Transgenic lines showed 100% mortality 5 d after the infestation in the bioassay experiments.