Bacillus Thuringiensis Cotton Research Articles

Evaluation of a recirculating hydroponic bed bioreactor for removal of contaminants of emerging concern from tertiary-treated wastewater effluent

Tertiary-treated effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tucson, AZ, was added to recirculating hydroponic bed bioreactors filled with light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) and recirculated for 10 days. Bioreactors were planted with high and low densities of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (Gossypium sp.). The experiment also included a non-planted bioreactor treatment and a control bioreactor with neither plants nor substrate medium. Of 46 contaminants of emerging conern assayed with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 16 were initially identified at detectable levels in the effluent. After one day, concentrations of Ibuprofen and Diphenhydramine fell below detection limits in all treatments as well as the control. After five days, initial concentrations of atenolol, benzotriazole, carbamazepine, hydrochlorothiazide, iohexol, iopamidol iopromide, primidone, sulfamethoxazole and tris TCPP were reduced by greater than 80% in all treatments, while the control exhibited little to no removal. Diclofenac, simazine and sucralose exhibited variable removal rates among treatments ranging from 44 to 84% after five days. After 10 days, concentrations of DEET, diclofenac, iopromide, primidone and simazine were all below detection levels, while there was near zero removal in the control. Bioreactors planted with cotton had significantly more removal of sulfamethoxazole than unplanted bioreactors by 16–19% after five days and by an additional 18–20% removal after 10 days. The percentage uptake of benzotriazole by every planted treatment was significantly higher than the non-planted treatment after five and 10 days. Significant contaminant removal occurred in the media substrate, likely through adsorption to LECA or microbial degradation. More research is needed to examine specific pathways of degradation and removal by various microbials and plants.

Evaluation of Current Tarnished Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) Thresholds in Transgenic MON 88702 Cotton Expressing the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 Trait.

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is an important pest of cotton in many areas of the southern United States. An experiment was conducted at two locations in Mississippi during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate action thresholds for tarnished plant bug on a novel Bacillus thuringiensis cotton that expresses the Cry51Aa2.834_16 toxin. Treatments included the current action threshold, a 2× threshold, and treatments where insecticides were only applied during the early season (preflower) or only during late season (during flowering) based on the current action thresholds. These were compared to an untreated control and a weekly insecticide use regime that received weekly insecticide sprays. All treatments were imposed on both Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton and a nontraited cotton. The Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 trait reduced the number of tarnished plant bugs and injury, and improved yields compared to nontraited cotton. For all spray treatments except the weekly insecticide use regime, yields were greater for the Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton than the nontraited cotton. In terms of thresholds, Bt Cry1Aa2.834_16 cotton sprayed based on current action thresholds resulted in similar yields to the weekly insecticide use regime of both cotton types. In contrast, the 2× threshold resulted in lower yields than the current threshold for both cotton types. Though thresholds intermediate to the currently recommended action threshold and the 2× threshold were not tested, these data suggest that currently recommended action thresholds appear appropriate for Bt Cry51Aa2.834_16 cotton. These results suggest that this trait will be an important component of current IPM programs in cotton where tarnished plant bug is an important pest.

Indian Supreme Court on patentability of genetically modified life forms—a missed opportunity?

Monsanto Technology LLC & Ors v Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd & Ors, 8 January 2019, Supreme Court of India This is an analysis and critique on the Indian Supreme Court's decision on the patentability of genetically modified life forms. The author sheds light on the court's failure to address significant issues under the present intellectual property regime. Under section 3(j) of the Indian Patents Act 1970, plants or parts of a plant, including seeds, varieties and essentially biological processes for the production or propagation of plants, are excluded from patentability. Recently, the Indian Supreme Court was seized with the issue of the patentability of genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (‘Bt Cotton’). Remanding the matter to the Single Judge, the court enunciated the need to provide expert evidence at a full-fledged trial in order to determine complicated issues of patentability or infringement. However, the court failed to address significant issues under the present intellectual property regime.

Effects of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton on insecticide use, heliothine counts, plant damage, and cotton yield: A meta-analysis, 1996-2015.

The primary management tactic for lepidopteran pests of cotton in the United States of America (USA) is the use of transgenic cotton that produces Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins. The primary target pests of this technology are Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Heliothis virescens (F.) in the eastern and central Cotton Belt of the USA. Concerns over the evolution of resistance in H. zea to Bt toxins and scrutiny of the necessity of Bt crops has escalated. We reviewed published and unpublished data from field trials of Bt cotton in the eastern and central Cotton Belt of the USA through 2015 to evaluate the effectiveness of Bt cotton (Bollgard, Bollgard II, WideStrike, WideStrike 3, and TwinLink). Bt cotton reduced insecticide usage, reduced heliothine pest numbers and damage, and provided a yield benefit, but Bollgard II and WideStrike efficacy declined in the Midsouth over the period evaluated. In the Southeastern region, heliothine damage remained constant through 2015, but yield benefits declined from 2010 until 2015. Resistance of H. zea to several Bt toxins is the most plausible explanation for the observed changes in Bt cotton efficacy. The introduction of new Bt toxins such as found in Widestrike 3 and Twinlink may preserve the benefits of Bt crops. However, while both Widestrike 3 and Twinlink had less damage than Widestrike, damage levels of both were similar to Bollgard II.

High Expression of Cry1Ac Protein in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) by Combining Independent Transgenic Events that Target the Protein to Cytoplasm and Plastids.

Transgenic cotton was developed using two constructs containing a truncated and codon-modified cry1Ac gene (1,848 bp), which was originally characterized from Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki strain HD73 that encodes a toxin highly effective against many lepidopteran pests. In Construct I, the cry1Ac gene was cloned under FMVde, a strong constitutively expressing promoter, to express the encoded protein in the cytoplasm. In Construct II, the encoded protein was directed to the plastids using a transit peptide taken from the cotton rbcSIb gene. Genetic transformation experiments with Construct I resulted in a single copy insertion event in which the Cry1Ac protein expression level was 2–2.5 times greater than in the Bacillus thuringiensis cotton event Mon 531, which is currently used in varieties and hybrids grown extensively in India and elsewhere. Another high expression event was selected from transgenics developed with Construct II. The Cry protein expression resulting from this event was observed only in the green plant parts. No transgenic protein expression was observed in the non-green parts, including roots, seeds and non-green floral tissues. Thus, leucoplasts may lack the mechanism to allow entry of a protein tagged with the transit peptide from a protein that is only synthesized in tissues containing mature plastids. Combining the two events through sexual crossing led to near additive levels of the toxin at 4–5 times the level currently used in the field. The two high expression events and their combination will allow for effective resistance management against lepidopteran insect pests, particularly Helicoverpa armigera, using a high dosage strategy.

CRY 1AC AND CRY 2AB EXPRESSION IN TRANSGENIC BT COTTON HYBRIDS AS INFLUENCED BY NUTRITION AND SPACING IN RAINFED VERTISOLS

C otton is one of the major commercial crop s in Andhra Pradesh and cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis cotton played a major role in the current scenario . Tulasi (9) BG II, Mallika BG II, Bunny BG II are popular Bacillus thuringiensis cotton hybrids for Kr ishna zone . The main profit for farmers depends on producing enough crop to maintain production costs below the selling price. Suitable and efficient application of the fertili zers for the supplying of nutrients is an important part of profitable yields. O ur aim is to evaluate Cry 1Ac , Cry 2Ab expression in these selected hybrids as influenced by nutrient management and spacing . Cry 1Ac, Cry 2Ab expression was evaluated through Elisa method.

Long-term effects of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton on the non-target Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) maintained for multiple generations

The effects of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton on non-target Aphis gossypii were assessed by comparing the life-table parameters of aphids that fed on Bt vs. non-Bt cotton cultivars for the first and 37th generations. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the transmission of the Bt protein from Bt cotton to A. gossypii and their honeydew. We found that the life-table parameters of A. gossypii that fed on Bt cotton for the first and 37th generations did not differ significantly from those of the non-Bt-fed individuals. However, the Bt protein was detected by ELISA in the Bt cotton leaves, and the content varied significantly at different growth stages. Furthermore, trace amounts of the Bt protein were detected in some of the Bt-fed aphids, and the honeydew of the Bt-fed aphids contained over 10 ng/g Bt protein. These results indicate that although trace amounts of the Bt protein were ingested, the Bt cotton had no significant negative impacts on A. gossypii in either the short or long term. Key words: Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton, Aphis gossypii, Bacillus thuringiensis detection, life-table parameters, multiple-generation, non-target effects.

Genetically modified Cotton species detection by LISS-III satellite data

AbstractIt is possible to infer the genetically modified species by using remotely sensed data. Using ERDAS software the algorithm of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton in Punjab, India was developed successfully. GPS enabled space technology has the potential to identify the exact location of Bt Cotton by generating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the calculation of total area covered by this species. It was possible to develop a correlation in between genetically modified Cotton crop and NDVI value. In parts of Bhatinda district of Punjab the yield of Bt Cotton and NDVI showed R2 value of more than 4.5 in regression analysis. A correlation matrix was also generated which shows that NDVI values of BT cotton also has reasonably acceptable correlation with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of soil and water.

Biochemical and physiological changes on Bacillus thuringiensis cotton after imidacloprid foliar spray

Bacillus thuringiensis cotton is a variety of cotton genetically modified to contain a gene derived from B. thuringiensis bacteria; which results in expression of toxin protein that confers resistance to bollworm complex (the most destructive pest of cotton). Introduction of Bt cotton lowered the need of insecticides, but still a number of insecticides are used for other insects like jassids, whitefly, aphids and tobacco caterpillar to which Bt gene does not provide effective control. Imidacloprid (tradename Imidacel 17.8 SL) is an insecticide designed for control of these major sucking/piercing insects that affect cotton. So in the present work we studied the post effect of imidacloprid insecticide on plant health of three Bt cotton hybrids (RCH-134, JKCH-1947, NCEH-6R) as there are reports of this insecticide causing growth and yield enhancements in absence of insect pests. Imidacloprid was first sprayed at recommended concentration (40ml/acre) on 3months old plants sown in randomly designed plots with three replications of each hybrid. The spray was repeated three times at 10days interval. The level of B. thuringiensis gene expression, peroxidase activity and total phenols was measured on third day after every spray in leaves along with growth and yield of plants. The insecticide has shown to increase the level of B. thuringiensis protein, peroxidase enzyme activity, total phenols, height, number of bolls retained on plants and yield. These observations suggested that the imidacloprid treated plants showed better growth and development, thereby imidacloprid has growth enhancing effect on Bt cotton plants in addition to its insecticidal properties.

Genetically modified Cotton species detection by LISS-III satellite data

AbstractIt is possible to infer the genetically modified species by using remotely sensed data. Using ERDAS software the algorithm of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton in Punjab, India was developed successfully. GPS enabled space technology has the potential to identify the exact location of Bt Cotton by generating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the calculation of total area covered by this species. It was possible to develop a correlation in between genetically modified Cotton crop and NDVI value. In parts of Bhatinda district of Punjab the yield of Bt Cotton and NDVI showing R2 value of more than 4.5 in regression analysis. A correlation matrix was also generated which shows that NDVI values of BT cotton has reasonably acceptable correlation with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of soil and water also.

Genetically modified Cotton species detection by LISS-III satellite data

AbstractIt is possible to infer the genetically modified species by using remotely sensed data. Using ERDAS software the algorithm of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton in Punjab, India was developed successfully. GPS enabled space technology has the potential to identify the exact location of Bt Cotton by generating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the calculation of total area covered by this species. It was possible to develop a correlation in between genetically modified Cotton crop and NDVI value. In parts of Bhatinda district of Punjab the yield of Bt Cotton and NDVI showing R2 value of more than 4.5 in regression analysis. A correlation matrix was also generated which shows that NDVI values of BT cotton has reasonably acceptable correlation with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of soil and water also.

Cottonseed Meal in Poultry Diets: A Review

The residue of cottonseed oil extraction industry popularly known as cottonseed meal (CSM) is a fairly good source of protein (222.0 to 560.2gkg-1) and metabolizable energy (7.4 to 11.99MJkg-1). The use of CSM in poultry diet is limited due to the presence of gossypol, cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFA), high fibre and poor protein quality. The most critical amino acid in CSM is lysine. During the oil extraction from cotton- seeds, a portion of free gossypol (FG) binds with the epsilon amino group of lysine, thereby reducing the availability of lysine to the chicken. The concentration of nutrients, FG, CPFA in CSM depends on the variety of cultivars, methods of oil extraction, proportion of kernel to husk, lint and seed coat. The concentration of FG in various varieties of CSM ranges from 200 and 5300mgkg-1. In glandless variety, the FG concentration is less (>130mgkg-1). Gossypol inhibits the activity of pepsin and trypsin in gastro-intestinal tract, thereby reducing the digestibility of protein. The reported toxic effects of gossypol are growth depression, lameness, decreased egg size and hatchability. Gossypol and CPFA also deteriorates the internal egg quality by causing yolk mottling and pinkish discoloration of albumen, respectively. The tolerance levels of FG in birds vary widely depending on the age and strain of birds, protein content and quality, duration of feeding, presence of minerals especially the iron content in the diet. The tolerance of FG in chicks varies widely (90 to 1000mgkg-1 diets), however performance of layer chicks could be affected even at a lower FG intake of 2.02mg day-1 bird-1. Though, growth was not affected in broilers at FG concentration in diet below 150mgkg-1, feed efficiency was reduced at lower levels i.e. 60-100mgkg-1. The depression in egg production in layers fed diets containing more than 100mgkg-1 was mainly due to lowered feed intake. The egg weight and egg quality was not affected at FG levels upto 200mgkg-1 diet. Iron treatment (4 : 1; Fe : FG) proved to be effective in alleviating the negative effects on egg quality, but could not alleviate the depression in laying performance. Lysine supplementation to CSM containing diets is also effective in counteracting the ill effects of FG in chicken, especially chicks and broilers. Other processing methods like solid substrate fermentation, production of glandless cotton seed and use of organic solvents were though effective in improving the nutritive value of CSM and reducing the FG content in CSM, these methods are of little practical relevance and uneconomical. Production of glandless variety of cottonseed through genetic modification (Bacillus thuringiensis cotton) is one of the recent trends of reducing the FG content. Some other methods like pelleting, extrusion, cooking and Ca (OH)2 treatment of CSM could be tried for improving the feeding value of CSM in poultry.

Relative Abundance ofHelicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Different Host Crops in India and the Role of These Crops as Natural Refuge forBacillus thuringiensisCotton

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) infests many economically important crops in India, including cotton, pigeonpea, chickpea, sunflower, corn, chili, tomato, and okra. These crops are cultivated in proximity to each other in central and southern India. The current study examined the relative abundance of H. armigera on different host crops within a crop mosaic. Field studies conducted over two growing seasons (2000–2001 and 2001–2002) indicated differences in egg and larval densities among the host plant species. All of the host crops supported eggs and larvae of H. armigera, but the populations on pigeonpea and chickpea were significantly greater than on cotton and other host crops. Egg numbers also were significantly higher on sunflower, okra, and tomato than on cotton, but larval numbers were not significantly different from cotton at comparable times. Both egg and larval numbers on corn and chili were not significantly different from those on cotton. This study demonstrates that a number of host crops of H. armigera support large populations at the same time that cotton is infested. Thus, these crops may act as important sources of refuge for Bacillus thuringiensis cotton plantings in central and southern India.

Resistance Monitoring to Bacillus thuringiensis Insecticides for Soybean Loopers (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Collected from Soybean and Transgenic Bt-Cotton

One Bacillus thuringiensis variety aizawai and several B. thuringiensis variety kurstaki insecticides were evaluated using dosage-mortality bioassays to determine toxicity against a reference soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), strain. Costar and Design WSP (B. thuringensis variety aizawai) had the lowest LC50s followed by Dipel ES, Condor XL, and Javelin WG. LC50s were highest for MVPII. Mattch, MVPII; and Xentari required significantly more time to cause mortality than the other B. thuringiensis insecticides. Variability of response of soybean looper to B. thuringiensis insecticides will necessitate the development of discriminating concentrations for several B. thuringiensis products. Soybean loopers were collected from soybean and transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (Bt-cotton). Third to 5th instars were exposed to artificial diet overlaid with serial concentrations of Condor XL (B. thuringiensis variety kurstaki) to establish baseline dosage-mortality data. A discriminating concentration (130 ppm) was determined for Condor XL using a laboratory reference strain, and percentage of survival of the reference strain was compared with that of field strains exposed to the same concentration. Field strains, collected from soybean and Bt-cotton, were less susceptible to Condor XL in dosage-mortality and discriminating concentration bioassays than the reference strain, and Bt-cotton strains were the least susceptible to Condor XL. These data indicate reduced susceptibility of field soybean looper strains compared to the reference strain exposed to Condor XL and decreased susceptibility of soybean loopers collected from Bt-cotton.