Abstract
Sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) is a major pest of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids), across the Americas. The insect is partially controlled by biological and chemical means, but still causes significant economic losses to sugarcane growers and processors. Proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt proteins, have been used to control sugarcane borer in maize (Zea mays) for the past decade. In sugarcane, the expression of individual Bt proteins has been reported several times. However practical use of Bt proteins requires their use as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system that includes the delivery of high doses of protein and the use of a refuge to slow the evolution of insect resistance to the protein. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of using Bt proteins to protect sugarcane from sugarcane borer in a commercial setting. We have expressed two Bt proteins with differing modes of action (Cry1Ab and Cry2Ab) in commercial sugarcane varieties, demonstrated efficacy against sugarcane borer in the field and describe a strategy for trait deployment in this tropical crop with complex genetics that limits trait introgression by backcrossing.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
