Tolerance of eCry3.1Ab in Reciprocal Cross Offspring of eCry3.1Ab-Selected and Control Colonies of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Abstract

Two new insect colonies were created by separating virgin western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, males and females from both a selected laboratory colony that was being reared on eCry3.1Ab-expressing corn (Zea mays L.) and a control colony reared on its near-isoline corn. Females from the selected colony were paired with males of the control colony and vice versa to create both a selected female by control male colony (Sel♀) and control female by selected male colony (Con♀). Both colonies along with their parental colonies (eCry3.1Ab-selected and control) were evaluated on eCry3.1Ab-expressing corn and its near-isoline in seedling assays. Larvae from each colony were also used in diet toxicity experiments in order to determine the LC50 and EC50 values for the eCry3.1Ab toxin for each. Statistical analysis of seedling assay experiments did not indicate any significant colony×corn interaction but did show a significant main effect of corn type for both larval recovery and larval head capsule widths. Results from the diet toxicity assays showed the control colony to have a significantly lower LC50 value than the selected and cross colonies and a significantly lower EC50 than the selected and Con♀ colonies. Calculations of dominance values (h) of eCry3.1Ab resistance traits from seedling assays indicated that the two reciprocal cross colonies have a dominance value (h) of ∼1, suggesting dominance of the eCry3.1Ab resistance trait.