Impact of Entomopathogens on Pest Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis.

Authors: GASSMANN, AARON - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; CARRIERE, Y - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; STOCK, S - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Sisterson, Mark; TABASHNIK, B - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2007
Publication Date: 9/17/2007
Citation: Gassmann, A.J., Carriere, Y., Stock, S.P., Sisterson, M.S., Tabashnik, B.E. 2007. Impact of Entomopathogens on Pest Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts. Available: http://esa.confex.com/esa/2007/techprogram/paper_28502.htm

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Adaptation by pest insects to the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can alter their susceptibility to other pathogens. As the number of acres planted in crops engineered to produce Bt toxin increases, many key agricultural pests undergo strong selection to evolve resistance to Bt. In conjunction with a refuge strategy, fitness costs of Bt resistance can slow or prevent resistance. Fitness costs occur when, in the absence of Bt toxin, resistant insects are less fit than susceptible insects. We discuss evidence indicating that Bt resistance carries a fitness cost of increased susceptibility to other pathogens, focusing on interactions between the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave. Current evidence suggests that insect pathogens may be used synergistically with Bt crops to enhance resistance management and suppress pest populations.