Biotech Updates

Scientists Analyze Susceptibility of Mediterranean Corn Borer to Cry1F-expressing Maize

February 10, 2012

The Mediterranean corn borer (Sesamia nonagrioides) is one of the most devastating pests of maize in the Mediterranean basin. A research team from Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Spain, led by G. P. Farinós analyzed the efficacy of maize hybrids expressing Cry1F toxin in controlling the Mediterranean corn borer. They also analyzed if larvae from different origins would have different responses to the toxin.

Samples of corn borer larvae were fed with Cry1F-expressing maize leaf tissues. Results showed high mortality rate implying that the maize was effective against the pest. Furthermore, percentage mortality of the pests was comparable with mortality of corn borer exposed to Cry1Ab-expressing maize hybrid, which has been known to be effective against the pest. Populations of the corn borers collected from different field locations had minor differences in mortality when exposed to Cry1F-expresing maize.

Read the abstract at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/esa/jee/2012/00000105/00000001/art00027.