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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Old Pest, New Problem: Bt Resistance in European Corn Borer in North America

New tools for an old pest: HiPlex targeted sequencing for Bt resistance screening in European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
9:25 AM – 9:40 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 131 B, PCC
Oral Presentation
The evolution of resistance in European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis) populations is the most relevant threat to the sustained benefits of transgenic corn producing insecticidal Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. Populations of ECB in Nova Scotia (Canada) developed practical resistance to transgenic maize producing the Cry1Fa protein, and screening programs have found evidence of resistance spreading. Moreover, evidence for resistance to transgenic corn producing Cry1Ab, or Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab is emerging from field screens. Resistance to Cry1F in Canada was associated with mutations in an ABC transporter gene (OnABCC2), allowing the design and development of DNA-based tools to screen for resistance in field ECB populations. In this presentation we describe the application of highly multiplexed (HiPlex) targeted sequencing in identifying alleles associated with ECB resistance to Cry toxins and its use as a high-throughput tool for monitoring field ECB populations to determine the frequency and spread of resistance alleles as a critical part of proactive resistance management. Information on resistance alleles, their frequency, and dispersal allows for developing resistance predictive models and improving insect resistance management practices towards extending the benefits and sustainability of transgenic Bt crop technology.