Pyramided Genes in Eucalyptus Confer High-dose Resistance to Brown Looper Caterpillar

Researchers from the University of Tennessee and partners pyramided cry genes in eucalyptus to control brown looper caterpillar (Thyrinteina arnobia) infestation. The findings are published in GM Crops & Food.

In Brazil, the brown looper caterpillar is a major problem for eucalyptus farms. The pest causes severe defoliation and up to 40% reduction in biomass. To control this devastating pest, the research team used genetic engineering to transform trees to produce three cry insecticidal proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa) from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Bioassay results indicated the high-dose toxicity of transgenic eucalyptus against the brown looper caterpillar. Lack of competition between the insecticidal proteins was confirmed. Thus, the pyramided trait reduces the risk of resistance evolution.

Read the research article for more findings.