1
|
Svobodová Z, Skoková Habuštová O, Sehadová H. No bioaccumulation of Cry protein in the aphidophagous predator Harmonia axyridis. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 97:104015. [PMID: 36400325 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The uptake of insecticidal Cry1Ab from genetically engineered (GE) maize, via herbivore Rhopalosiphum padi, to a predator Harmonia axyridis and its potential intergenerational transfer were investigated. Cry1Ab concentration was found to be 400-fold lower in R. padi compared to GE maize, and more than two-fold lower in H. axyridis. For 62% of H. axyridis samples, Cry1Ab was under the limit of detection (LOD), for another 13% were under the limit of quantification (LOQ). The concentration of Cry1Ab was similar between H. axyridis exposed short-term and long-term with the exception of adults after long-term. There was no correlation between Cry1Ab in females and eggs and neonates. The performance of H. axyridis was comparable between Cry1Ab and control. Histological investigation did not show any pathological changes in the digestive and reproductive systems. The detected route of exposure is unlikely to be important for functional biological control by H. axyridis in agroecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zdeňka Svobodová
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Oxana Skoková Habuštová
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadová
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cai L, Liu X, Tian Z, Michaud JP, Shen Z, Li Z, Zhang S, Liu X. Safety of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa toxins for the predatory stink bug Arma custos (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Sci Total Environ 2022; 851:158120. [PMID: 35987246 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The widespread adoption of Bt crops expressing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis has created a need to assess the potential effects of these toxins on non-target organisms, especially species such as Arma custos, a generalist predator that provides important biological control services in many field crops in Asia. Direct dietary exposure of A. custos to Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa proteins produced no adverse effects on life history traits, despite continuous exposure throughout development and early adult life to concentrations significantly higher than the Bt protein concentration likely encountered by A.custos in the field, even when feeding directly on Bt plants. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the presence of Bt proteins in A. custos midguts, but quantitative real-time PCR analysis of 12 genes associated with detoxification, antioxidative responses, immune responses, and metabolism revealed no significant changes in expression in adult bugs. Indirect exposure to these toxins via consumption of intoxicated prey, larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), likewise produced no negative impacts on survival, development, adult weight, or female fecundity in either the F0 (exposed) or F1 (unexposed) generation, but female fresh weight was reduced in the F0 generation by the Cry1Ah (50 μg/g) treatment. Finally, a competitive binding assay with labelled protein and a ligand blotting assay both demonstrated that the Cry1Ah protein could not bind to receptors on the midgut brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of A. custos adults. Therefore, we conclude that Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa proteins are unlikely to have significant negative effects on A. custos populations if employed as plant-incorporated protectants in field crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limei Cai
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tian
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - J P Michaud
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Station-Hays, Hays, KS 67601, USA
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skoková Habuštová O, Svobodová Z, Kodrík D, Sehnal F. Cry3Aa Toxin Is Not Suitable to Control Lepidopteran Pest Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). Plants 2022; 11:1312. [PMID: 35631737 PMCID: PMC9145897 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The toxicity of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry3Aa—originally used against the main potato pest, the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata—was verified on this species and then evaluated against the Egyptian armyworm, Spodoptera littoralis, which is a pest of several economically important plants. Larvae of S. littoralis were fed a semi-artificial diet supplemented either with a recombinant or with a natural Bt toxin Cry3Aa and with the genetically engineered (GE) potato of variety Superior NewLeaf (SNL) expressing Cry3Aa. Cry3Aa concentration in the diet and the content in the leaves were verified via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) during and at the end of the experiments. The biological effectiveness of the coleopteran-specific Cry3Aa with previous reports of activity against S. littoralis was tested on five different populations of S. littoralis larvae by monitoring 13 parameters involving development from penultimate instar, weight, the efficiency of food conversion to biomass, ability to reproduce, and mortality. Although some occasional differences occurred between the Cry3Aa treatments and control, any key deleterious effects on S. littoralis in this study were not confirmed. We concluded that the Cry3Aa toxin appears to be non-toxic to S. littoralis, and its practical application against this pest is unsuitable.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang M, Ma Y, Luo J, Ji J, Gao X, Wu C, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Wang L, Niu L, Cui J. Transgenic insect-resistant Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/1Ab does not harm the insect predator Geocoris pallidipennis. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2022; 230:113129. [PMID: 34979310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton has brought significant economic and environmental benefits. However, GM crops must undergo strict environmental monitoring and long-term observation. An important natural enemy insect in cotton fields, Geocoris pallidipennis, can ingest the Bt protein expressed in GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous insects that feed on the cotton. However, the potential risk of GM cotton to G. pallidipennis is still unclear. We here evaluated the effects of Bt cotton expressing the Cry1Ac/1Ab protein on nymphs and adults G. pallidipennis. Cry1Ac protein was detected in the midgut of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, after it ingested Bt cotton, and in the midgut of G. pallidipennis nymphs and adults preying on Bt-fed H. armigera. However, the survival rate, growth, development, and fecundity of G. pallidipennis were not adversely affected. Furthermore, G. pallidipennis cadherins, and those genes related to detoxification, antioxidant activity, nutrient utilization, and immune function were not differentially expressed in response to Cry1Ac exposure. Finally, we showed that Cry1Ac could not bind to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) proteins in G. pallidipennis nymphs or adults. In summary, these results indicate that the potential negative effect of transgenic Cry1Ac/1Ab cotton on the insect redator G. pallidipennis is negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yamin Ma
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Changcai Wu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lisha Wang
- Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan H, Yang X, Romeis J, Siegfried BD, Zhou X. Dietary RNAi toxicity assay exhibits differential responses to ingested dsRNAs among lady beetles. Pest Manag Sci 2020; 76:3606-3614. [PMID: 32400940 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most recently, major federal regulatory agencies deregulated an in planta RNA interference (RNAi) trait against a devastating corn pest, the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, in the United States and Canada. The impact of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and dietary RNAi to non-target organisms, however, still needs further investigation. In this study, we assessed the potential risks of a Diabrotica virgifera virgifera active dsRNA to a group of predatory biological control agents, including Hippodamia convergens, Harmonia axyridis, Coleomegilla maculata, and Coccinella septempunctata. The overarching hypothesis is that the insecticidal dsRNA targeting Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has no or negligible adverse effect on lady beetles. RESULTS A 400-bp fragment with the highest sequence similarity between target and tested species was selected as the template for dsRNA synthesis. For the dietary RNAi toxicity assay, newly hatched first instar larvae were administered with v-ATPase A dsRNAs designed from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera and the four lady beetles, respectively. A dsRNA from β-glucuronidase (GUS), a plant gene, and H2 O were served as the negative controls. The endpoint included both sub-organismal (gene expression), and organismal (survival rate, development time, pupa and adult weight) measurements. The results from dietary RNAi toxicity assay demonstrate significantly impacts of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera-active dsRNAs on lady beetles under the worst-case scenario at both transcriptional and phenotypic level. Interestingly, substantial differences among the four lady beetle species were observed toward the ingested exogenous dsRNAs. CONCLUSION Such differential response to dietary RNAi may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the mode-of-action of RNAi-based biopesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Agroscope, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niu L, Liu F, Zhang S, Luo J, Zhang L, Ji J, Gao X, Ma W, Cui J. Transgenic insect-resistant Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/CpTI does not affect the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum. Environ Pollut 2020; 264:114762. [PMID: 32408077 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Common varieties of genetically modified (GM) cotton increasingly display insect-resistant properties via expression of bacterial-derived toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This necessitates a deeper understanding of the possible effects of these crops on non-target insects. The mirid bug Apolygus lucorum is a major pest in cotton production in China, however, the effect of GM cotton on this non-target species is currently virtually unknown. This insect is exposed to these transgenic plants by consuming genetically modified (GM) leaves. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the toxicity of CCRI41 and CCRI45, (genetically modified cotton varieties which express the toxins Cry1Ac and CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor)) on nymphs and adults of A. lucorum. There was no detectable increase in mortality after A. lucorum fed on GM cotton leaves for 20 days. While we detected trace amounts of Cry1Ac proteins in both A. lucorum nymphs and adults (<10 ng/g fresh weight), the expression of genes related to detoxification did not detectably differ from those feeding on non-GM cotton. Our binding assays did not show Cry1Ac binding to receptors on the midgut brush border membrane from either A. lucorum nymphs or adults. Our findings collectively indicate that feeding on leaves of the GM cotton varieties CCRI41 and CCRI45 have few toxic effects on A. lucorum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Li D, Zhou H, Liu H, Niu L, Wang L, Ma W. Evaluation of Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa Toxin Binding to Two Important Beneficial Cotton Field Insects, Harmonia axyridis and Orius similis. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:8698-8702. [PMID: 30059215 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b02634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic crops expressing Cry toxins are effective and considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, but assessment of environmental risks of their application on nontarget organisms is ongoing. The main risk is the transfer of Cry toxins to natural enemies through the food chain. There is reported evidence supporting that Cry toxins can be detected in the body and gut of some natural enemy insects. Considering that binding of Cry toxins to insect proteins is an essential step in the intoxication process, this work was conducted to evaluate interactions between Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa toxins with proteins from larvae/nymphs and adults of two important predatory natural enemies in cotton fields, Harmonia axyridis and Orius similis. Results support the absence of Cry1Ac or Cry2Aa binding proteins in immature stages of H. axyridis and O. similis, as well as in imaginal stage of H. axyridis. One same binding band about 70 kDa was found in imaginal total protein of O. similis when probed with the two Cry proteins, with the best match to Hsc70 of O. sauteri in the Uniprot database. However, nonspecific binding was verified by following competitive binding assays between the two Cry proteins and imaginal total protein of O. similis. From these results, we may infer that Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa have no likely detrimental effects on H. axyridis and O. similis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables , Hubei Engineering University , Xiaogan 432000 , China
| | - Dabo Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
- Yichang Institute of Termite Control , Yichang 443000 , China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Hui Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables , Hubei Engineering University , Xiaogan 432000 , China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rocha-Munive MG, Soberón M, Castañeda S, Niaves E, Scheinvar E, Eguiarte LE, Mota-Sánchez D, Rosales-Robles E, Nava-Camberos U, Martínez-Carrillo JL, Blanco CA, Bravo A, Souza V. Evaluation of the Impact of Genetically Modified Cotton After 20 Years of Cultivation in Mexico. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:82. [PMID: 29988354 PMCID: PMC6023983 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than 20 years cotton has been the most widely sown genetically modified (GM) crop in Mexico. Its cultivation has fulfilled all requirements and has gone through the different regulatory stages. During the last 20 years, both research-institutions and biotech-companies have generated scientific and technical information regarding GM cotton cultivation in Mexico. In this work, we collected data in order to analyze the environmental and agronomic effects of the use of GM cotton in Mexico. In 1996, the introduction of Bt cotton made it possible to reactivate this crop, which in previous years was greatly reduced due to pest problems, production costs and environmental concerns. Bt cotton is a widely accepted tool for cotton producers and has proven to be efficient for the control of lepidopteran pests. The economic benefits of its use are variable, and depend on factors such as the international cotton-prices and other costs associated with its inputs. So far, the management strategies used to prevent development of insect resistance to GM cotton has been successful, and there are no reports of insect resistance development to Bt cotton in Mexico. In addition, no effects have been observed on non-target organisms. For herbicide tolerant cotton, the prevention of herbicide resistance has also been successful since unlike other countries, the onset of resistance weeds is still slow, apparently due to cultural practices and rotation of different herbicides. Environmental benefits have been achieved with a reduction in chemical insecticide applications and the subsequent decrease in primary pest populations, so that the inclusion of other technologies—e.g., use of non-Bt cotton- can be explored. Nevertheless, control measures need to be implemented during transport of the bolls and fiber to prevent dispersal of volunteer plants and subsequent gene flow to wild relatives distributed outside the GM cotton growing areas. It is still necessary to implement national research programs, so that biotechnology and plant breeding advances can be used in the development of cotton varieties adapted to the Mexican particular environmental conditions and to control insect pests of regional importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha G Rocha-Munive
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mario Soberón
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Saúl Castañeda
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Esteban Niaves
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Enrique Scheinvar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis E Eguiarte
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - David Mota-Sánchez
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Urbano Nava-Camberos
- Facultad de Agricultura y Zootecnia/Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Gómez Palacio, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos A Blanco
- Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Valeria Souza
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niu L, Tian Z, Liu H, Zhou H, Ma W, Lei C, Chen L. Transgenic Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab or Cry1Ac/EPSPS does not affect the plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis or the pollinating beetle Haptoncus luteolus. Environ Pollut 2018; 234:788-793. [PMID: 29247941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The widespread cultivation of transgenic Bt cotton makes assessing the potential effects of this recombinant crop on non-target organisms a priority. However, the effect of Bt cotton on many insects is currently virtually unknown. The plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis is now a major pest of cotton in southern China and the beetle Haptoncus luteolus is one of the most ancient cotton pollinators. We conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate the toxicity of the Bt cotton varieties ZMSJ, which expresses the toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, and ZMKCKC, which expresses Cry1Ac and EPSPS, on adult A. suturalis and H. luteolus. No significant increase in the mortality of either species was detected after feeding on Bt cotton leaves or pollen for 7 days. Trace amounts of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins could be detected in both species but in vitro binding experiments found no evidence of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab binding proteins. These results demonstrate that feeding on the leaves or pollen of these two Bt cotton varieties has no toxic effects on adult A. suturalis or H. luteolus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenya Tian
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Niu L, Ma W, Lei C, Jurat-Fuentes JL, Chen L. Herbicide and insect resistant Bt cotton pollen assessment finds no detrimental effects on adult honey bees. Environ Pollut 2017; 230:479-485. [PMID: 28688300 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
One important concern regarding the use of transgenic cotton expressing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is its potential detrimental effect on non-target organisms. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most important pollinator species worldwide and it is directly exposed to transgenic crops by the consumption of genetically modified (GM) pollen. However, the potential effects of Bt cotton on A. mellifera remain unclear. In the present study, we assessed the effects of two Bt cotton varieties; ZMSJ expressing the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab insecticidal proteins, and ZMKCKC producing Cry1Ac and EPSPS, on A. mellifera. Feeding on pollen from two Bt cotton varieties led to detection of low levels of Cry toxins (<10 ng/g fresh weight) in the midgut of A. mellifera adults, yet expression of detoxification genes did not change significantly compared to feeding on non-Bt cotton. Binding assays showed no Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab binding to midgut brush border membrane proteins from A. mellifera adults. Taken together, these results support minimal risk for potential negative effects on A. mellifera by exposure to Bt cotton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang X, Lu Z, Shen Z, Peng Y, Ye G. Bitrophic and Tritrophic Effects of Transgenic cry1Ab/cry2Aj Maize on the Beneficial, Nontarget Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Environ Entomol 2017; 46:1171-1176. [PMID: 28981636 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvx113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) is a common and abundant predator in China and may be exposed to Cry toxins that are produced in Bt crops either by feeding on plant parts or by feeding on target or nontarget herbivorous insects. A new Bt maize line, expressing the Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj fused protein, has been developed and should be rigorously assessed for the ecological risks on the natural enemy. Laboratory experiments were carried out to study the effects of this Bt maize on nontarget predator H. axyridis via bitrophic interaction of adult H. axyridis feeding on Bt maize pollen and tritrophic interaction of H. axyridis consuming the lepidopteran prey. Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) neonate larvae were used to transfer Bt protein because they could survive after ingesting transgenic cry1Ab/cry2Aj maize kernels in the previous study. ELISA bioassays confirmed that the Bt protein could be transferred, but diluted through Bt maize-prey-predator. Life history parameters such as survival, development, weight, fecundity, and egg hatching rate were not significantly different when H. axyridis consumed prey that had been reared on Bt maize compared with prey reared on a nontransformed parental control. Furthermore, feeding directly on Bt maize pollen also had no detrimental effects on fitness, survival, and weight of female and male adults. In conclusion, our results indicate that transgenic cry1Ab/cry2Aj maize poses no ecological risks on the nontarget predator H. axyridis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Agricultural Entomology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northeast of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling 136100, China
| | - Zengbin Lu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/National Engineering Laboratory of Wheat and Maize/Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Northern Yellow-Huai River Plain, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Zhicheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Agricultural Entomology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yufa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Gongyin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Agricultural Entomology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Niu L, Mannakkara A, Qiu L, Wang X, Hua H, Lei C, Jurat-Fuentes JL, Ma W. Transgenic Bt rice lines producing Cry1Ac, Cry2Aa or Cry1Ca have no detrimental effects on Brown Planthopper and Pond Wolf Spider. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1940. [PMID: 28512299 PMCID: PMC5434062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic rice expressing cry genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt rice) is highly resistant to lepidopteran pests. The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) is the main non-target sap-sucking insect pest of Bt transgenic rice. The pond wolf spider (PWS, Pardosa pseudoannulata) is one of the most dominant predators of BPH in rice fields. Consequently, the safety evaluation of Bt rice on BPH and PWS should be conducted before commercialization. In the current study, two experiments were performed to assess the potential ecological effects of Bt rice on BPH and PWS: (1) a tritrophic experiment to evaluate the transmission of Cry1Ac, Cry2Aa and Cry1Ca protein in the food chain; and (2) binding assays of Cry1Ac, Cry2Aa and Cry1Ca to midgut brush border membrane proteins from BPH and PWS. Trace amounts of the three Cry proteins were detected in BPH feeding on Bt rice cultivars, but only Cry1Ac and Cry2Aa proteins could be transferred to PWS through feeding on BPH. In vitro binding of biotinylated Cry proteins and competition assays in midgut protein vesicles showed weak binding, and ligand blot analysis confirmed the binding specificity. Thus, we inferred that the tested Bt rice varieties have negligible effects on BPH and PWS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Niu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Amani Mannakkara
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Kamburupitiya, 81100, Sri Lanka
| | - Lin Qiu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Hongxia Hua
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Chaoliang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Weihua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guo J, He K, Hellmich RL, Bai S, Zhang T, Liu Y, Ahmed T, Wang Z. Field trials to evaluate the effects of transgenic cry1Ie maize on the community characteristics of arthropod natural enemies. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22102. [PMID: 26915985 PMCID: PMC4768170 DOI: 10.1038/srep22102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Possible non-target effect of transgenic cry1Ie maize exerts on natural enemy community biodiversity in the field is unresolved. In the present study, a 2-yr comparison of transgenic cry1Ie maize (Event IE09S034, Bt maize) and its near isoline (Zong 31, non-Bt maize) on natural enemy community biodiversity were compared with whole plant inspections, pitfall traps and suction sampler. Natural enemy diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener’, Simpson’s and Pielou’s index) and abundance suggested there were no significant differences between the two types of maize. The only exceptions were the Pielou’s index for whole plant inspections in 2013 and abundance for pitfall traps in 2012, which were significantly higher in Bt maize than those of non-Bt maize. The main species of natural enemies were identical in Bt and non-Bt maize plots for each method and the three methods combined. For whole plant inspections, Bt maize had no time-dependent effect on the entire arthropod natural enemy community, and also no effect on community dissimilarities between Bt and non-Bt maize plots. These results suggested that despite the presence of a relatively minor difference in natural enemy communities between Bt and non-Bt maize, transgenic cry1Ie maize had little, if any, effect on natural enemy community biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingfei Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kanglai He
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Richard L Hellmich
- USDA-ARS, Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Shuxiong Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tiantao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunjun Liu
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tofael Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.,Entomology Division, Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh
| | - Zhenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, MOA - CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rukarwa RJ, Mukasa SB, Odongo B, Ssemakula G, Ghislain M. Identification of relevant non-target organisms exposed to weevil-resistant Bt sweetpotato in Uganda. 3 Biotech 2014; 4:217-226. [PMID: 28324435 PMCID: PMC4026458 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-013-0153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of the impact of transgenic crops on non-target organisms (NTO) is a prerequisite to their release into the target environment for commercial use. Transgenic sweetpotato varieties expressing Cry proteins (Bt sweetpotato) are under development to provide effective protection against sweetpotato weevils (Coleoptera) which cause severe economic losses in sub-Saharan Africa. Like any other pest control technologies, genetically engineered crops expressing insecticidal proteins need to be evaluated to assess potential negative effects on non-target organisms that provide important services to the ecosystem. Beneficial arthropods in sweetpotato production systems can include pollinators, decomposers, and predators and parasitoids of the target insect pest(s). Non-target arthropod species commonly found in sweetpotato fields that are related taxonomically to the target pests were identified through expert consultation and literature review in Uganda where Bt sweetpotato is expected to be initially evaluated. Results indicate the presence of few relevant non-target Coleopterans that could be affected by Coleopteran Bt sweetpotato varieties: ground, rove and ladybird beetles. These insects are important predators in sweetpotato fields. Additionally, honeybee (hymenoptera) is the main pollinator of sweetpotato and used for honey production. Numerous studies have shown that honeybees are unaffected by the Cry proteins currently deployed which are homologous to those of the weevil-resistant Bt sweetpotato. However, because of their feeding behaviour, Bt sweetpotato represents an extremely low hazard due to negligible exposure. Hence, we conclude that there is good evidence from literature and expert opinion that relevant NTOs in sweetpotato fields are unlikely to be affected by the introduction of Bt sweetpotato in Uganda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Rukarwa
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - S B Mukasa
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - B Odongo
- African Institute for Capacity Development, P.O. Box 46179, Nairobi GPO, 00100, Kenya
| | - G Ssemakula
- National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), P.O. Box 7084, Namulonge, Kampala, Uganda
| | - M Ghislain
- International Potato Center, P.O. Box 25171, Nairobi, 00603, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Paula DP, Andow DA, Timbó RV, Sujii ER, Pires CSS, Fontes EMG. Uptake and transfer of a Bt toxin by a Lepidoptera to its eggs and effects on its offspring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95422. [PMID: 24747962 PMCID: PMC3991689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on non-target effects of transgenic crop plants has focused primarily on bitrophic, tritrophic and indirect effects of entomotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis, but little work has considered intergenerational transfer of Cry proteins. This work reports a lepidopteran (Chlosyne lacinia) taking up a Bt entomotoxin when exposed to sublethal or low concentrations, transferring the entomotoxin to eggs, and having adverse effects on the first filial generation (F1) offspring. Two bioassays were conducted using a sublethal concentration of toxin (100.0 ng/µl Cry1Ac) for adults and a concentration equal to the LC10 (2.0 ng/µl Cry1Ac) for larvae. Cry1Ac is the most common entomotoxin expressed in Bt cotton in Brazil. In the adult diet bioassay there was no adverse effect on the parental generation (P0) adults, but the F1 larvae had higher mortality and longer development time compared to F1 larvae of parents that did not ingest Cry1Ac. For the 3rd instar larvae, there was no measurable effect on the P0 larvae, pupae and adults, but the F1 larvae had higher mortality and longer development time. Using chemiluminescent Western Blot, Cry1Ac was detected in F1 eggs laid by P0 butterflies from both bioassays. Our study indicates that, at least for this species and these experimental conditions, a ∼65 kDa insecticidal protein can be taken up and transferred to descendants where it can increase mortality and development time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Débora Pires Paula
- Department of Biological Control, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - David A. Andow
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Renata Velozo Timbó
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Edison R. Sujii
- Department of Biological Control, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carmen S. S. Pires
- Department of Biological Control, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Eliana M. G. Fontes
- Department of Biological Control, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xu L, Ferry N, Wang Z, Zhang J, Edwards MG, Gatehouse AMR, He K. A proteomic approach to study the mechanism of tolerance to Bt toxins in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae selected for resistance to Cry1Ab. Transgenic Res 2013; 22:1155-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-013-9718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
17
|
García M, Ortego F, Castañera P, Farinós GP. Assessment of prey-mediated effects of the coleopteran-specific toxin Cry3Bb1 on the generalist predator Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). Bull Entomol Res 2012; 102:293-302. [PMID: 22112629 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485311000666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A laboratory study was carried out to assess the potential prey-mediated effects of Cry3Bb1-expressing Bt maize on the fitness and predatory ability of Atheta coriaria Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), using Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) as prey. The concentration of Cry3Bb1 toxin through the trophic chain significantly decreased from Bt maize (21.7 μg g(-1) FW) to mites (5.6 μg g(-1) FW) and then to A. coriaria adults (1.4 μg g(-1) FW), but not from mites to A. coriaria L1-L3 larvae (4.1-4.6 μg g(-1) FW). Interestingly, the toxin levels detected in A. coriaria larvae represent more than 20% of the concentration found in Bt maize, and the toxin was detected up to 48 h after exposure. To our knowledge, this is the highest level of exposure ever reported in a predatory beetle to the Cry3Bb1 protein. When A. coriaria larvae were reared on Bt-fed mites, Bt-free mites or rearing food, no significant differences among treatments were observed in development, morphological measurements of sclerotized structures and body weight. Moreover, no negative effects on reproductive parameters were reported in adults feeding on Bt-fed prey after 30 days of treatment, and survival was not affected after 60 days of exposure. Similarly, predatory ability and prey consumption of A. coriaria larvae and adults were not affected by exposure to the toxin. All together, these results indicate a lack of adverse effects on A. coriaria, a species commonly used as a biological control agent. The use of A. coriaria as a surrogate species for risk assessment of GM crops that express insecticidal proteins is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
George DM, Rind FC, Bendall MW, Taylor MA, Gatehouse AMR. Developmental studies of transgenic maize expressing Cry1Ab on the African stem borer, Busseola fusca; effects on midgut cellular structure. Pest Manag Sci 2012; 68:330-339. [PMID: 21842526 DOI: 10.1002/ps.2260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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 cm(2) larva(-1) day(-1)) compared with the area consumed by control-fed insects (3.3 cm(2) 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derick M George
- School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li K, Tian J, Wang Q, Chen Q, Chen M, Wang H, Zhou Y, Peng Y, Xiao J, Ye G. Application of a novel method PCR-ligase detection reaction for tracking predator-prey trophic links in insect-resistant GM rice ecosystem. Ecotoxicology 2011; 20:2090-2100. [PMID: 21915734 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-011-0789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Insect-resistant genetically modified (IRGM) rice is on the verge of commercial release in China, however, its potential non-target effect on non-target insect natural enemies remains controversial. Tracking trophic interactions between predators and preys in IRGM rice ecosystem can provide new insights into better understanding of the ecological risks of IRGM rice. In the present study, a novel method based on ligase detection reaction (LDR), PCR-LDR was introduced to track 15 prey species in the gut of a predaceous spider Pirata subpiraticus, a dominant natural enemy in rice field. Our results indicated that PCR-LDR could provide high specificity and sensitivity in tracking prey-predator interactions in rice ecosystems. PCR-LDR could detect as little as 1,000 th of DNA mixture. Reliable detection of DNA samples of prey species using PCR-LDR could be significantly affected by digestion time and prey species. In the analysis of 200 field-collected P. subpiraticus and 105 field-collected Tetragnatha maxillosa individuals using PCR-LDR, prey remains were identified in 78.3 and 74.3% of the individuals, respectively, from which significant predation differences between the two spider species were observed. Predation behavior of the spider species was not significantly different between Bt and non-Bt control rice lines. These results indicated that PCR-LDR can be used as an important tool for ecological studies, especially on the interactions between predators and preys in IRGM rice or other similar ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Axelsson EP, Hjältén J, LeRoy CJ, Whitham TG, Julkunen-Tiitto R, Wennström A. Leaf litter from insect-resistant transgenic trees causes changes in aquatic insect community composition. J Appl Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.02046.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
21
|
Li Y, Romeis J, Wang P, Peng Y, Shelton AM. A comprehensive assessment of the effects of Bt cotton on Coleomegilla maculata demonstrates no detrimental effects by Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22185. [PMID: 21765949 PMCID: PMC3134477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ladybird beetle, Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), is a common and abundant predator in many cropping systems. Its larvae and adults are predaceous, feeding on aphids, thrips, lepidopteran larvae and plant tissues, such as pollen. Therefore, this species is exposed to insecticidal proteins expressed in insect-resistant, genetically engineered cotton expressing Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). A tritrophic bioassay was conduced to evaluate the potential impact of Cry2Ab- and Cry1Ac-expressing cotton on fitness parameters of C. maculata using Bt-susceptible and -resistant larvae of Trichoplusia ni as prey. Coleomegilla maculata survival, development time, adult weight and fecundity were not different when they were fed with resistant T. ni larvae reared on either Bt or control cotton. To ensure that C. maculata were not sensitive to the tested Cry toxins independent from the plant background and to add certainty to the hazard assessment, C. maculata larvae were fed artificial diet incorporated with Cry2Ab, Cry1Ac or both at >10 times higher concentrations than in cotton tissue. Artificial diet containing E-64 was included as a positive control. No differences were detected in any life-table parameters between Cry protein-containing diet treatments and the control diet. In contrast, larvae of C. maculata fed the E-64 could not develop to the pupal stage and the 7-d larval weight was significantly negatively affected. In both feeding assays, the stability and bioactivity of Cry proteins in the food sources were confirmed by ELISA and sensitive-insect bioassays. Our results show that C. maculata is not affected by Bt cotton and is not sensitive to Cry2Ab and Cry1Ac at concentrations exceeding the levels in Bt cotton, thus demonstrating that Bt cotton will pose a negligible risk to C. maculata. More importantly, this study demonstrates a comprehensive system for assessing the risk of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Li
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University/NYSAES, Geneva, New York, United States of America
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jörg Romeis
- Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station ART, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University/NYSAES, Geneva, New York, United States of America
| | - Yufa Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Anthony M. Shelton
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University/NYSAES, Geneva, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The application of recombinant DNA technology has resulted in many insect-resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted worldwide, and are an effective tool for pest control. However, one ecological concern regarding the potential effects of insect-resistant GE plants on non-target organisms (NTOs) has been continually debated. In the present study, we briefly summarize the data regarding the development and commercial use of transgenic Bt varieties, elaborate on the procedure and methods for assessing the non-target effects of insect-resistant GE plants, and synthetically analyze the related research results, mostly those published between 2005 and 2010. A mass of laboratory and field studies have shown that the currently available Bt crops have no direct detrimental effects on NTOs due to their narrow spectrum of activity, and Bt crops are increasing the abundance of some beneficial insects and improving the natural control of specific pests. The use of Bt crops, such as Bt maize and Bt cotton, results in significant reductions of insecticide application and clear benefits on the environment and farmer health. Consequently, Bt crops can be a useful component of integrated pest management systems to protect the crop from targeted pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Lin Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gatehouse AMR, Ferry N, Edwards MG, Bell HA. Insect-resistant biotech crops and their impacts on beneficial arthropods. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011; 366:1438-52. [PMID: 21444317 PMCID: PMC3081576 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With a projected population of 10 billion by 2050, an immediate priority for agriculture is to achieve increased crop yields in a sustainable and cost-effective way. The concept of using a transgenic approach was realized in the mid-1990s with the commercial introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops. By 2010, the global value of the seed alone was US $11.2 billion, with commercial biotech maize, soya bean grain and cotton valued at approximately US $150 billion. In recent years, it has become evident that insect-resistant crops expressing δ-endotoxin genes from Bacillus thuringiensis have made a significant beneficial impact on global agriculture, not least in terms of pest reduction and improved quality. However, because of the potential for pest populations to evolve resistance, and owing to lack of effective control of homopteran pests, alternative strategies are being developed. Some of these are based on Bacillus spp. or other insect pathogens, while others are based on the use of plant- and animal-derived genes. However, if such approaches are to play a useful role in crop protection, it is desirable that they do not have a negative impact on beneficial organisms at higher trophic levels thus affecting the functioning of the agro-ecosystem. This widely held concern over the ecological impacts of GM crops has led to the extensive examination of the potential effects of a range of transgene proteins on non-target and beneficial insects. The findings to date with respect to both commercial and experimental GM crops expressing anti-insect genes are discussed here, with particular emphasis on insect predators and parasitoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M R Gatehouse
- School of Biology, Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang B, Chen M, Zhang X, Luan H, Diao S, Tian Y, Su X. Laboratory and field evaluation of the transgenic Populus alba × Populus glandulosa expressing double coleopteran-resistance genes. Tree Physiol 2011; 31:567-73. [PMID: 21561923 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpr032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Expression of the two coleopteran-resistant proteins (Bt-Cry3A and oryzacystatin I) was detected in the leaves of field-grown transgenic poplar (BOGA-5) in two or three subsequent years. The BOGA-5 contained ∼10 μg g(-1) of Cry3A over the individual years with no detection in the control, and protein extracts from BOGA-5 displayed a higher reduction in papain activity (∼42%) compared with ∼21% in the control. Laboratory feeding experiments showed that the total mortality of the target pest Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera, Chrysomelida) larvae fed with BOGA-5 leaves was 76.7%, significantly higher than that of the control (P< .05). However, no significant differences were detected in the mortality, exuviation index, pupation rate or adult eclosion rate of the non-target Clostera anachoreta (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) fed with leaves from transgenic and non-transgenic poplars. Field investigation indicated that the transgenic poplar retained coleopteran insect resistance in the field, suggesting the potential use of the double gene transgenic poplar for pest management in commercial poplar plantations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation, State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rauschen S, Schaarschmidt F, Gathmann A. Occurrence and field densities of Coleoptera in the maize herb layer: implications for Environmental Risk Assessment of genetically modified Bt-maize. Transgenic Res 2009; 19:727-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-009-9351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
26
|
Shelton AM, Naranjo SE, Romeis J, Hellmich RL, Wolt JD, Federici BA, Albajes R, Bigler F, Burgess EPJ, Dively GP, Gatehouse AMR, Malone LA, Roush R, Sears M, Sehnal F, Ferry N, Bell HA. Appropriate analytical methods are necessary to assess nontarget effects of insecticidal proteins in GM crops through meta-analysis (response to Andow et al. 2009). Environ Entomol 2009; 38:1533-1538. [PMID: 20021746 DOI: 10.1603/022.038.0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
|