March 18, 2011

One of the benefits of plant biotechnology is the introduction of genes from an unrelated source into an important crop to develop resistance traits. G.A. Khan from the Cotton Research Institute in Pakistan, together with other scientists, inserted cry1Ab gene from soil bacterium into a local cotton cultivar (MNH-93) from Pakistan through particle bombardment. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Dot blot analyses. Amount of Bt protein was also determined, which was found to be ranging from 0-1.35% of the total protein. Transgenic plants were grown in greenhouse and field conditions to assess their field performance, and results showed that the transgenic lines have 40-60% level of resistance against lepidopteran pests.

Introduction of cry1Ab gene into cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) enhances resistance against Lepidopteran pest (Helicoverpa armigera)
G. A. Khan, A. Bakhsh, S. Riazuddin and T. Husnain
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 2011 9(1), 296-302
ISSN: 1695-971-X
eISSN: 2171-9292

Complete paper: http://revistas.inia.es/index.php/sjar/article/viewFile/1560/1414

Website: http://www.isaaa.org/kc/

Published: March 18, 2011