Population genetics of lepidopteran (noctuidae) collected on transgenic and non-transgenic maize in Mexico

Abstract

Allele frequency of the resistance of the gene Onb3GalT5 to Cry proteins was analyzed in insect populations (Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens), collected from maize transgenic and non-transgenic plants. The genetic parameters estimated in these populations were allele and genotype frequency, genetic balance and Wright statistics (Fis, Fit and Fst). Statistical analyses were performed using the package Genepop (4.0.10). Results showed that from the DNA of H. virescens, collected on non-transgenic maize, a higher number of bands were amplified in a range from 250 bp to 600 bp. In contrast, the bands amplified from insects collected on transgenic maize were in the range of 250 bp-500 bp, being the 400 bp band in both cases the most frequent, while in the DNA of Helicoverpa zea, collected on transgenic maize, three bands (350 bp, 400 bp and 450 bp) were amplified, and in H. zea, collected on non-transgenic maize, only two bands (350 bp and 400 bp) were observed. Genetic diversity in insect populations was higher than within these same populations.