ARS | Publication request: AVIDIN, AN EGG-CITING INSECTICIDAL PROTEIN IN TRANSGENIC CORN

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: September 30, 2002
Publication Date: August 31, 2004
Citation: Kramer, K.J. 2004. Avidin, an egg-citing insecticidal protein in transgenic corn. In: Liang, G.H., Skinner, D.Z., editors. Genetically Modified Crops, Their Development, Uses, and Risks. Food Products Press, The Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY, p. 119-130.

Technical Abstract: The history of the development of the antivitamin avidin as a biopesticide and its relevance as a value-added crop commodity are described. The initial objective was to find a human food protein that could be used as an insecticide. Avidin corn was first generated, however, for the production of avidin that was used in other types of applications. That commercialization was followed by studies demonstrating the efficacy of avidin as a biopesticide in a transgenic grain. Avidin corn is a proof of concept for utilization of avidin as a biopesticide. Current and future research on avidin transgenics is also discussed.