Spider toxin (Hvt) gene cloned under phloem specific RSs1 and RolC promoters provides resistance against American bollworm (Heliothis armigera)

Biotechnol Lett. 2011 Jul;33(7):1457-63. doi: 10.1007/s10529-011-0572-1. Epub 2011 Mar 3.

Abstract

Spider venoms are neurotoxin proteins that can kill insects. Spider toxin Hvt gene was cloned under two phloem specific RSs1 and RolC promoters, transformed into tobacco plants through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and tested against Heliothis armigera larvae. Transgenic plants were confirmed through PCR. First instar larvae of H. armigera were released on detached leaves of transformed and non-transformed plants. Insect bioassays showed 93-100% mortality of H. armigera larvae within 72 h on the leaves of transgenic plants while all larvae survived and continued feeding on detached leaves from non-transformed control plants. The Hvt gene expressing under phloem specific RSs1 and RolC promoters could therefore be used for developing H. armigera-resistant, genetically-modified crops.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gene Expression*
  • Insecticides / metabolism*
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Lepidoptera / drug effects
  • Lepidoptera / growth & development*
  • Nicotiana / parasitology*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / parasitology*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Spider Venoms / biosynthesis*
  • Spider Venoms / genetics
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Spider Venoms