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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #258552
Title: Selection for Cry3Bb1 resistance in a genetically diverse population of non-diapausing western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Author
item OSWALD, KENNETH - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
item French, Bryan
item Nielson, Chad
item BAGLEY, MARK - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/28/2011
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Citation: Oswald, K., French, B.W., Nielson, C.N., Bagley, M. 2011. Selection for Cry3Bb1 resistance in a genetically diverse population of non-diapausing western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 104(3):1038-1044.

Interpretive Summary: Five short-diapause laboratory lines of western corn rootworm were selected for resistance to YieldGard Rootworm (MON863) corn, a variety genetically modified to express a Bt protein toxic to rootworms when ingested. Three of the selected lines were developed by incremental increase in the duration of exposure to MON863 over 11 generations (Moderate Selected lines). Two selected lines were developed from a control group by constant exposure to MON863 for at least 14 d post hatch over seven generations (Intense Selected lines). At the end of the experiment, survivorship, as measured by adult emergence, was approximately four times higher in each of the selected lines reared on MON863 compared to control lines. Estimates of realized heritabilities (h2) were 0.08 and 0.07 for the Moderate and Intense Selected lines, respectively, and are consistent with h2 estimates previously reported from a variety of pest insects. These lines provide data critical for developing improved insect resistance management (IRM) strategies and also provide seminal biological information concerning Bt resistance within rootworm beetles.

Technical Abstract: Five short-diapause laboratory lines of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) were selected for resistance to MON863, a variety of corn genetically modified with the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgene that expresses the Cry3Bb1 d-endotoxin. Three of the selected lines were developed by incremental increase in the duration of exposure to MON863 over 11 generations (Moderate Selected lines). Two selected lines were developed from a control group by constant exposure to MON863 for at least 14 d post hatch over seven generations (Intense Selected lines). At the end of the experiment, survivorship, as measured by adult emergence, was approximately four times higher in each of the selected lines reared on MON863 compared to control lines. Estimates of realized heritabilities (h2) were 0.08 and 0.07 for the Moderate and Intense Selected lines, respectively, and are consistent with h2 estimates previously reported from a variety of pest insects. These lines provide data critical for developing improved IRM strategies and also provide seminal biological information concerning Bt resistance within Diabroticite beetles.