Sublethal effects of a commercial Bt product and Bt cotton flowers on the bollworm

Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins produced by transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants have become an essential component of cotton pest management. Bt toxins are the primary management tool in transgenic cotton for lepidopteran pests, the most important of which is th...

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Published in:PloS one 2024-05, Vol.19 (5), p.e0302941
Main Authors: Elkins, Blake H, Portilla, Maribel, Allen, Kerry Clint, Little, Nathan S, Mullen, Regina M, Paulk, Ryan T, Read, Quentin D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural research
Bacillus thuringiensis
Beetles
Behavior
Biological control
Control
Corn earworm
Flowers
Genetic engineering
Genetically modified crops
Heliothis
Ladybirds
Pests
Physiological aspects
Predation (Biology)
Proteins
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Summary:Insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins produced by transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants have become an essential component of cotton pest management. Bt toxins are the primary management tool in transgenic cotton for lepidopteran pests, the most important of which is the bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the United States (U.S.). However, bollworm larvae that survive after consuming Bt toxins may experience sublethal effects, which could alter interactions with other organisms, such as natural enemies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate how sublethal effects of a commercial Bt product (Dipel) incorporated into artificial diet and from Bt cotton flowers impact predation from the convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), common in cotton fields of the mid-southern U.S. Sublethal effects were detected through reduced weight and slower development in bollworm larvae which fed on Dipel incorporated into artificial diet, Bollgard II, and Bollgard 3 cotton flowers. Sublethal effects from proteins incorporated into artificial diet were found to significantly alter predation from third instar lady beetle larvae. Predation of bollworm larvae also increased significantly after feeding for three days on a diet incorporated with Bt proteins. These results suggest that the changes in larval weight and development induced by Bt can be used to help predict consumption of bollworm larvae by the convergent lady beetle. These findings are essential to understanding the potential level of biological control in Bt cotton where lepidopteran larvae experience sublethal effects.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0302941