Bt Gene Research Articles

Isolation and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains native to Assam soil of North East India.

We have identified both crystalliferous and acrystalliferous Bt isolates from the Assam soil of North East India for the first time. A total of 301 Bacillus type colonies were selected based on their appearance and colony morphology. Out of these colonies, 42 isolates had characteristics similar to Bt isolates on MYP (Mannitol Egg Yolk Polymyxin) agar base medium. The ERIC-PCR and 16S rDNA analyses confirmed that 42 isolates are Bacillus thuringiensis. Phase contrast microscopy showed that 37 isolates produced crystal endospore during the sporulation phase and 5 acrystalliferous isolates were also found. Amplification of cry gene was carried out using general Cry primers along with one cry2 gene specific primer. Out of 42 isolates, 50% of the isolates showed presence of cry2 gene followed by cry9 (40.47) and cry1 (40.47). Moreover, 21.42% of isolates showed the presence of more than one cry genes. We also screened these isolates for the possibility of having new Bt genes using universal primer and found two strains having a new type of Cry1I gene with 82 and 85% similarities with the available Cry1I gene sequences. Thus, these new types of Bt gene could be useful for Bt-based bioformulations and generation of transgenic plants.

Expression of a Chimeric Gene Encoding Insecticidal Crystal Protein Cry1Aabc of Bacillus thuringiensis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Confers Resistance to Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner.).

Domain swapping and generation of chimeric insecticidal crystal protein is an emerging area of insect pest management. The lepidopteran insect pest, gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera H.) wreaks havoc to chickpea crop affecting production. Lepidopteran insects were reported to be controlled by Bt (cryI) genes. We designed a plant codon optimized chimeric Bt gene (cry1Aabc) using three domains from three different cry1A genes (domains I, II, and III from cry1Aa, cry1Ab, and cry1Ac, respectively) and expressed it under the control of a constitutive promoter in chickpea (cv. DCP92-3) to assess its effect on gram pod borer. A total of six transgenic chickpea shoots were established by grafting into mature fertile plants. The in vitro regenerated (organogenetic) shoots were selected based on antibiotic kanamycin monosulfate (100 mg/L) with transformation efficiency of 0.076%. Three transgenic events were extensively studied based on gene expression pattern and insect mortality across generations. Protein expression in pod walls, immature seeds and leaves (pre- and post-flowering) were estimated and expression in pre-flowering stage was found higher than that of post-flowering. Analysis for the stable integration, expression and insect mortality (detached leaf and whole plant bioassay) led to identification of efficacious transgenic chickpea lines. The chimeric cry1Aabc expressed in chickpea is effective against gram pod borer and generated events can be utilized in transgenic breeding program.

New innovations in agricultural biotech: Consumer acceptance of topical RNAi in rice production

To test the market viability of a non-GMO topical RNAi insect control, we conducted a Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) survey in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, and Belgium to elicit whether consumers need a premium or discount for: (1) a hypothetical GMO rice variety using the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene for insect control; and (2) a hypothetical non-GMO rice variety using topical RNAi spray for insect control. The survey was designed based on a Multiple Price List (MPL) format where respondents selected their preferred insect control technology; i.e., conventional, GMO Bt, or non-GMO RNAi, at different prices. Participants' responses were analyzed using an interval regression model to generate WTP premiums and discounts for each country with control variables for demographic influences. Further, we asked consumers their Willingness-To-Consume (WTC) food produced with GM and RNAi technologies respectively and evaluated WTC differences using a McNemar matched pairs test in each country. The results from our study clearly show that: (1) consumers in the USA, Canada, Australia, and France still require a discount for rice produced with topical RNAi compared to conventionally-produced rice (p < 0.05), (2) consumers in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, and Belgium would need an additional 30–40% discount to purchase Bt rice over rice produced with topical RNAi (p < 0.05), and (3) consumers in all countries were more willing to consume rice produced with non-GM RNAi than with GM Bt technology (p < 0.05). These findings suggest consumers differentiate among biotechnology solutions and consumers may prefer topical RNAi insect control to transgenic GMO insecticides.

Susceptibility of Cry1F-maize resistant, heterozygous, and susceptible Spodoptera frugiperda to Bt proteins used in the transgenic cotton

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a major target species of Bt maize and Bt cotton in the United States. Field resistance to Cry1F maize in S. frugiperda has occurred in Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the southeast region of the United States. There is a great concern that the Cry1F-maize resistant S. frugiperda may move to the cotton fields and cause control problems to Bt cotton where both crops are planted. In this study, larval mortality and growth inhibition of Cry1F maize-susceptible (SS), -heterozygous (RS), and -resistant (RR) genotypes of S. frugiperda were evaluated using diet-incorporated bioassays with six Bt proteins that have been used in commercialized and future Bt cotton plants: Cry1F, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab2, Cry2Ae, and Vip3A. Compared to the mortality data, the measuring of growth inhibition was more sensitive in determining Bt susceptibility of the insect to all six Bt proteins. Overall, RS had a similar performance as SS for the six Bt proteins with a resistance ratio of <5.5-fold. The resistance ratio of RR calculated based on larval growth inhibition was 930-fold for Cry1F, 50.5-fold for Cry1Ab, and >172-fold for Cry1Ac. In contrast, all three insect genotypes were susceptible to Cry2Ab2, Cry2Ae, or Vip3A. The results showed that the Cry1F-maize resistant S. frugiperda was cross-resistant to Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac, but not cross-resistant to Cry2Ab2, Cry2Ae, or Vip3A. The strong cross-resistance among Cry1 proteins suggest that it is necessary to plant pyramided cotton traits that contain at least two active Bt genes for Cry1F-resistant S. frugiperda to ensure the continued success of the Bt cotton technology, especially in the areas where Bt resistance has already occurred.

Transgenic cotton expressing Cry10Aa toxin confers high resistance to the cotton boll weevil.

SummaryGenetically modified (GM) cotton plants that effectively control cotton boll weevil (CBW), which is the most destructive cotton insect pest in South America, are reported here for the first time. This work presents the successful development of a new GM cotton with high resistance to CBW conferred by Cry10Aa toxin, a protein encoded by entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene. The plant transformation vector harbouring cry10Aa gene driven by the cotton ubiquitination‐related promoter uceA1.7 was introduced into a Brazilian cotton cultivar by biolistic transformation. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays revealed high transcription levels of cry10Aa in both T0 GM cotton leaf and flower bud tissues. Southern blot and qPCR‐based 2−ΔΔCt analyses revealed that T0 GM plants had either one or two transgene copies. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of Cry10Aa protein expression showed variable protein expression levels in both flower buds and leaves tissues of T0 GM cotton plants, ranging from approximately 3.0 to 14.0 μg g−1 fresh tissue. CBW susceptibility bioassays, performed by feeding adults and larvae with T0 GM cotton leaves and flower buds, respectively, demonstrated a significant entomotoxic effect and a high level of CBW mortality (up to 100%). Molecular analysis revealed that transgene stability and entomotoxic effect to CBW were maintained in T1 generation as the Cry10Aa toxin expression levels remained high in both tissues, ranging from 4.05 to 19.57 μg g−1 fresh tissue, and the CBW mortality rate remained around 100%. In conclusion, these Cry10Aa GM cotton plants represent a great advance in the control of the devastating CBW insect pest and can substantially impact cotton agribusiness.

Net Loss? Agrochemicals and Insecticide Resistance in the Fight against Malaria.

Net Loss? Agrochemicals and Insecticide Resistance in the Fight against Malaria.

Host Recognition Responses of Western (Family: Chrysomelidae) Corn Rootworm Larvae to RNA Interference and Bt Corn.

Western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is an important pest of corn whose larvae exhibit particular quantifiable patterns of locomotion after exposure to, and removal from, host roots and nonhost roots. Using EthoVision software, the behavior and locomotion of the western corn rootworm larvae was analyzed to determine the level of host recognition to germinated roots of differing corn hybrids containing either rootworm targeted Bt genes, RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the stack of both Bt and RNAi, or the isoline of these. The behavior of the rootworm larvae indicated a significant host preference response to all corn hybrids (with or without insecticidal traits) compared to the filter paper and oat roots. A weaker host response to the RNAi corn roots was observed in the susceptible larvae when compared to the resistant larvae, but not for the Bt + RNAi vector stack. Additionally, the resistant larvae demonstrated a weaker host response to the isoline corn roots when compared to the susceptible larvae. Although weaker, these host responses were significantly different from those observed in the negative controls, indicating that all hybrids tested do contain the contact cues necessary to elicit a host preference response by both Cry3Bb1-resistant and Cry3Bb1-susceptible larvae that would work to hinder resistance development in refuge in a bag fields.

Different response of an elite Bt restorer line of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) in adaptation to nitrogen deficiency

Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice have been reported to acquire effective resistance against the target pests; however, the insertion and expression of alien Bt genes may have some unintended effects on the growth characteristics of rice. A screen-house experiment was conducted and repeated twice to investigate the growth characteristics and Bt protein expressions in two Bt rice lines [MH63 (Cry2A*) and MH63 (Cry1Ab/Ac)], which had different Bt protein expression levels in leaves, under zero nitrogen (N0) and recommended nitrogen (NR) fertilizer applications. Compared to the counterpart MH63, MH63 (Cry2A*) under N0 experienced accelerated leaf senescence and a lower internal N use efficiency (IEN), resulting in a 23.2% decrease in grain yield and a lower accumulated biomass. These variations were revealed to be correlated to the higher ratio of the Bt protein content to the soluble protein content (BTC/SPC) with a maximum value of 4.3‰ in MH63 (Cry2A*) leaves in the late growth stage. Under NR, no differences in growth characteristics between MH63 (Cry2A*) and MH63 were found. The growth characteristics of MH63 (Cry1Ab/Ac), with a lower BTC/SPC in the late growth stage compared to MH63 (Cry2A*), were identical to those of MH63 under the two N applications. Results show that the transgenic Bt rice MH63 (Cry2A*), with a relatively higher Bt protein expression in the late growth stage, had an inferior adaptation to nitrogen deficiency compared to its non-Bt counterpart. And this inferior adaptation was found to be correlated with the higher BTC/SPC in MH63 (Cry2A*) leaves in the late growth stage.

Changed Growth Characteristics with Bacillus thuringiensis Gene Introduction and Nitrogen Regulation in Bt Cotton

Core Ideas Bt cotton cultivars had higher sympodium leaf number and plant height. Bt cotton cultivars had higher growth rates of main stem leaf and lower growth rate of sympodium leaf area. Bt cotton cultivars had higher numbers of fruiting branches, fruiting nodes, bolls, and retained boll rates. N‐deficit and N‐rich treatments affected number and rates of vegetative and reproductive organs. Changes in vegetative and reproductive growth have been widely observed in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The objectives of this study were to determine the characteristics of vegetative and reproductive growth after the Bt gene was introduced into cotton and to study the effect of N on vegetative and reproductive growth to determine if N nourishment could provide a potential mechanism for changed growth characteristics in Bt cotton. Three Bt cultivars (Sikang1, Ccsi41, and Ccsi45), with their current parents (Simian3, Ccsi23, and Jimian7, respectively), were chosen to compare the characteristics of vegetative and reproductive growth and N distribution, in 2011 to 2012; the same six cultivars with two N fertilizer application rate treatments (0 and 450 kg/ha) were further designed to investigate the N regulation impact on growth in 2013. The results indicated that the Bt cotton cultivars had higher growth rates of main stem leaf area, sympodium leaf number, and plant height and a lower growth rate of sympodium leaf area than their parents. Higher numbers and development rates of fruiting nodes, fruiting branches, bolls, and retained boll rates were also observed but lower fruiting branch positions than their parents. The N‐deficit and N‐rich treatments affected both vegetative and reproductive growth of Bt cultivars. The Bt cultivars had reduced numbers and rates of vegetative and reproductive organs under N deficit compared with their parents. These results show that the introduction of the Bt gene changed growth characteristics, including reduced vegetative and reproductive organ development under N deficit.

Construction of high-efficiency transformation vector with multiple insect-resistant genes and expression in tobacco

A high-efficiency plant transgenic vector expressing multiple genes has been modified from expression vector pCAMBIA1302. Briefly, multiple cloning sites of a cloning vector pUCm-T were constructed into plant transgenic vector pCAMBIA1302 backbone using Bsp120 I and Spe I restriction digest site. Two Bt genes, cry1Ac and cry3A, were then constructed into the modified transgenic vector in different orders as p1870-35S::cry1Ac-Coy::cry3A and p1870-Coy::cry3A-35S::cry1Ac, respectively. Transgenic tobacco plants were generated using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that both the exogenous genes were integrated into the genome of tobacco. Fluorescence qRT-PCR detected both transgenes and further ELISA assay validated the expressed Bt proteins. Transgenic lines showed enhanced resistance to larvae of Helicoverpa armigera Hubner in the further feeding assays. In conclusion, our modified transgenic vector was suitable for multiple gene expression and would greatly facilitate our future research.

Direct transcriptional activation of BT genes by NLP transcription factors is a key component of the nitrate response in Arabidopsis

Nitrate modulates growth and development, functioning as a nutrient signal in plants. Although many changes in physiological processes in response to nitrate have been well characterized as nitrate responses, the molecular mechanisms underlying the nitrate response are not yet fully understood. Here, we show that NLP transcription factors, which are key regulators of the nitrate response, directly activate the nitrate-inducible expression of BT1 and BT2 encoding putative scaffold proteins with a plant-specific domain structure in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, the 35S promoter-driven expression of BT2 partially rescued growth inhibition caused by reductions in NLP activity in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, simultaneous disruption of BT1 and BT2 affected nitrate-dependent lateral root development. These results suggest that direct activation of BT1 and BT2 by NLP transcriptional activators is a key component of the molecular mechanism underlying the nitrate response in Arabidopsis.

SSR analysis on stress effect of transgenic hybrid poplar 741 on Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

The genetic differentiation of the experimental population of Clostera anachoreta fed on different resistant transgenic 741 poplar leaves was analyzed by SSR molecular marker technique to investigate stress effect of transgenic poplar Bt gene as food on target insect. The experimental population of C. anachoreta fed on transgenic 741 poplar high resistant strains 'Pb29', medium resis-tant strains 'Pb17' and non-transgenic poplar (CK), and the screened ten pairs of SSR primers were used. The results showed that 76 alleles were observed in ten pairs of primers. The average allele was 7.6, the average effective number of alleles was 2.2, the average observed heterozygosity was 0.5167, the average expected heterozygosity was 0.5167, and the average percentage of polymorphic loci was 96.7%. The genetic diversity level of C. anachoreta experimental population fed on transgenic poplar 741 was significantly higher than that fed on non-transgenic populations, and C. anachoreta fed on high resistance had the lowest genetic similarity with CK samples, which showed an increasing trend of the genetic diversity of the experimental population fed on transgenic Bt poplar. It was thus clear that transgenic hybrid poplar 741 had stress effects on genetic differentiation of C. anachoreta experimental population by SSR.

Construction of a new type of multi-gene plant transformation vector and genetic transformation of tobacco

A plasmid and two isocaudamer systems, namely, NotI/Bsp120I and SpeI/XbaI/NheI, were used to construct a new type of multi-gene plant transformation vector system. This system included a transformation vector containing the restriction enzyme cutting sites Bsp120I and XbaI as well as a cloning vector containing the restriction enzyme cutting sites NotI, Bsp120I, SpeI, and NheI. The open reading frame of the new target genes was connected to the transformation vector. The original restriction enzyme cutting site disappeared after connecting to the isocaudamer. The plant transformation vector p096871, which contained Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes Cry1Ac and Cry3A as well as p09X6, which contained mtlD, strD, betA, nhaA, and ostAB, were constructed using this vector system. Resistant plants were obtained after tobacco was transformed by two vectors via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Detection by PCR revealed that all exogenous genes were inserted into the genome of tobacco. Real-time fluorescence quantification PCR, reverse transcription PCR, and ELISA detections were performed on five transgenic lines transformed by two Bt genes. Cry1Ac and Cry3A were inserted into the genome with a single copy to transcribe and express Bt toxins. The proposed vector system reduced the number of operational procedures and minimized the difficulty of the experiment.

Effects of the sequence and orientation of an expression cassette in tobacco transformed by dual Bt genes

This study investigated the effects of the sequence arrangement and orientation of a target gene expression cassette in vectors on expression levels to determine the optimal combination for highly efficient multi-gene expression. Five plant transformation vectors were constructed using dual Bt genes, Cry1Ac and Cry3A, which differed in the sequence arrangement and orientation of the target gene expression cassette. Through an Agrobacterium-mediated method, 5 vectors were used for the genetic transformation of tobacco to obtain transgenic lines. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the target genes were expressed at the transcriptional level, which did not differ significantly among the different vectors. However, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that there were significant differences in the toxin expression levels of the different vectors. In vectors N12 and N19, the Cry1Ac gene, located upstream, showed lower average expression than the Cry3A gene, located downstream. Similarly, in vectors N13 and N18, the Cry3A gene, located upstream, had lower expression than the downstream Cry1Ac gene. For vector N21, with the expression cassette containing the Cry1Ac gene located upstream in a trans-arrangement and that of the Cry3A gene located downstream in a cis-arrangement, the Cry1Ac and Cry3A toxin levels were the highest, at 7.41 and 13.24μg·g−1, respectively. The insect resistance of transgenic lines transformed by the different vectors was related to the Bt toxin level. Resistance to H. armigera, Lepidoptera, and Cry1Ac toxin level were positively correlated; resistance to A. germari larvae, Coleoptera, and Cry3A toxin content were also positively correlated. This study showed that the sequence arrangement of 2 expression cassettes with target genes may be the key to the target gene expression. Two expression cassettes in the same orientation had little influence on gene expression; however, when the 2 expression cassettes were in the reverse arrangement, the expression of both of the target genes was promoted to a certain extent.

Performance of Cry1Ab‐susceptible and ‐heterozygous resistant populations of sugarcane borer in sequential feedings on non‐Bt and Bt maize plant tissue

AbstractA seed mix strategy has been used to provide refuge to susceptible insects for resistance management in planting transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) proteins. To determine whether larval movement in a seed mix planting creates favorable conditions for resistant heterozygotes of a target pest, performance of Cry1Ab‐susceptible (SS) and ‐heterozygous resistant (RS) populations of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was evaluated in sequential feeding on non‐Bt and Cry1Ab (event MON 810) maize plant tissue. For each insect population, nine feeding sequences were employed. SS and RS feeding on non‐Bt plants for their entire larval stages survived well and &gt;60% of the adult pairs produced viable eggs, with an average of 269 progeny per female, whereas none of the two populations on Bt maize plants survived to the pupal stage. SS larvae could not develop to adults if the larvae fed on non‐Bt plants for ≤15 days and then moved to Bt plants. In contrast, 4.2–29.2% of RS larvae that fed on non‐Bt plants for ≥9 days and then moved to Bt plants developed to adults, and 63.6% of pairs of these adults produced viable eggs, with an average of 185 progeny per female. For SS larvae that fed on Bt plants for 1 or 2 days and then moved to non‐Bt plants, few larvae developed to adults with varied emergence times, whereas 28.1 and 13.5% RS larvae feeding on Bt plants for 1 and 2 days, respectively, successfully developed to adults; 43.8% of pairs of these adults produced viable eggs, with an average of 220 progeny per female. For the case of the single Bt gene maize plants (event MON 810), the results suggest that RS insects may have advantages in survival and reproduction over SS if RS larvae hatch and feed on Bt plants during the first 1 or 2 days and then move to non‐Bt plants. This advantage is less for RS larvae that hatch and feed on non‐Bt plants first and then move to Bt plants, unless the larval movement occurs in the later stages (e.g., fourth or fifth instars).

Effect of genetically modified corn on the jejunal mucosa of adult male albino rat

Genetically modified (GM) plants expressing insecticidal traits offer a new strategy for crop protection. GM-corn contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes producing delta endotoxins in the whole plant. Diet can influence the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract altering its function and structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GM-corn on the histological structure of jejunal mucosa of adult male albino rat using different histological, immunohistochemical and morphometrical methods. Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into two equal groups; control and GM-corn fed group administered with 30% GM-corn for 90days. Specimens from the jejunum were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Different morphometrical parameters were assessed. Specimens from GM-corn fed group showed different forms of structural changes. Focal destruction and loss of the villi leaving denuded mucosal surface alternating with stratified areas were observed, while some crypts appeared totally disrupted. Congested blood capillaries and focal infiltration with mononuclear cells were detected. Significant upregulation of PCNA expression, increase in number of goblet cells and a significant increase in both villous height and crypt depth were detected. Marked ultrastructural changes of some enterocytes with focal loss of the microvillous border were observed. Some enterocytes had vacuolated cytoplasm, swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). Some cells had dark irregular nuclei with abnormally clumped chromatin. It could be concluded that consumption of GM-corn profoundly alters the jejunal histological structure.

Interactions between Bt crops and aquatic ecosystems: A review.

The term Bt crops collectively refers to crops that have been genetically modified to include a gene (or genes) sourced from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria. These genes confer the ability to produce proteins toxic to certain insect pests. The interaction between Bt crops and adjacent aquatic ecosystems has received limited attention in research and risk assessment, despite the fact that some Bt crops have been in commercial use for 20 yr. Reports of effects on aquatic organisms such as Daphnia magna, Elliptio complanata, and Chironomus dilutus suggest that some aquatic species may be negatively affected, whereas other reports suggest that the decreased use of insecticides precipitated by Bt crops may benefit aquatic communities. The present study reviews the literature regarding entry routes and exposure pathways by which aquatic organisms may be exposed to Bt crop material, as well as feeding trials and field surveys that have investigated the effects of Bt-expressing plant material on such organisms. The present review also discusses how Bt crop development has moved past single-gene events, toward multigene stacked varieties that often contain herbicide resistance genes in addition to multiple Bt genes, and how their use (in conjunction with co-technology such as glyphosate/Roundup) may impact and interact with aquatic ecosystems. Lastly, suggestions for further research in this field are provided. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2891-2902. © 2016 SETAC.

Difference in leaf water use efficiency/photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency of Bt-cotton and its conventional peer.

This study is to test the effects of Bt gene introduction on the foliar water/nitrogen use efficiency in cotton. We measured leaf stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate under light saturation condition at different stages of a conventional cultivar (zhongmian no. 16) and its counterpart Bt cultivar (zhongmian no. 30) that were cultured on three levels of fertilization, based on which leaf instantaneous water use efficiency was derived. Leaf nitrogen concentration was measured to calculate leaf photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, and leaf δ13C was used to characterize long term water use efficiency. Bt cultivar was found to have lower stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rates and transpiration rates, but higher instantaneous and long time water use efficiency. In addition, foliar nitrogen concentration was found to be higher but net photosynthetic rate was lower in the mature leaves of Bt cultivar, which led to lower photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency. This might result from the significant decrease of photosynthetic rate due to the decrease of stomatal conductance. In conclusion, our findings show that the introduction of Bt gene should significantly increase foliar water use efficiency but decrease leaf nitrogen use efficiency in cotton under no selective pressure.

Spore: Potential of Invaluable Bacterial Wrap

Bacterial Spores are robust and dormant life forms. The enthralling controlling system can maintain the spore dormancy for years yet allow the reappearance into active state within minutes thus provide resistance to the bacterium to heat, freezing, chemicals, radiations and other adverse environments. In spite of being considered as a spoilage and disease cause, Bacterial spores have been emerging as a miracle package. The survivability of bacterial spores under harsh conditions provides various solutions to human needs. Thus bacterial spores are drawing increased interest of the researchers as a solution to get work done under tough conditions. Bacterial spores have been exploited successfully to develop Biological Detection Systems as they can sense environmental changes and respond rapidly. Recently several spore based biosensors have been developed for the detection of different contaminants from different sources. More valued Probiotic Products based on bacterial spores have also been developed as spores can travel through GIT safely due to their resistant to digestive enzymes.Taking advantage of spore survivability, Pest Control Products based on spores are being used for making innovations in pest control. Different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis have been used to protect crops. More recent Bt genes have been expressed in transgenic plants to provide inherent resistance. Bacillus spores also have been exploited for vaccine delivery as a noninvasive and thermostable vaccine delivery system. Bioremediation and Electricity generation is also another applied corner of bacterial spores. This reevaluation highlights the potential of this simpler microbial structure and recent growth in the applied bacterial spore biology. Key-wordsBacterial Spore, Biological detection system, Probiotics, Vaccine delivery, Bioremediation -------------------------------------------------IJLSSR----------------------------------------------INTRODUCTION Under normal conditions, the bacterial cell acquires the nutrients from surroundings that results in an orderly increase of all the chemical constituents of the bacterial cell and the multiplication of the cell is the consequent. During inability of bacteria to acquire nutrients, the bacterial cell loses its ability to reproduce and resultant is the death. However, some bacteria particularly members of Firmicutes, exist in two configurations depending upon the nutrient swing. Under cordial conditions, these bacteria exist as metabolically committed and dividing vegetative cells. Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website:

Registration of ‘Acala 1517‐16 B2RF’, a New Acala Cotton Cultivar with Insect and Herbicide Resistance

Insect pests and weeds cause significant yield losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. The New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station announces the release of an insect‐resistant and glyphosate herbicide‐tolerant Acala cotton cultivar, ‘Acala 1517‐16 B2RF’ (Reg. No. CV‐133, PI 678370), possessing Bollguard II (BGII or B2) and Roundup‐Ready Flex (RF) traits. Cotton with the B2 trait has an excellent season‐long in‐plant protection against pink bollworm [Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.)], tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens F.), American bollworm [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)], and glyphosate and an improved resistance to beet armyworm [Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)], soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens Walker), and bollworm (H. zea Boddie). The new cultivar was selected as a progeny row derived from a backcross BC3F3 between a Monsanto B2RF donor and NM 970123 as the recurrent parent. Acala 1517‐16 B2RF was tested in 11 replicated field trials in New Mexico from 2007 to 2009, one field test in the High Plains of Texas, and nine locations outside of the Southwest region in 2009. Acala 1517‐16 B2RF had similar lint yield to ‘Acala 1517‐99W’ containing two Bt genes and two conventional cultivars ‘Acala 1517‐08’ and ‘PHY 72 Acala’. The most improved trait was its greater boll weight. In general, Acala 1517‐16 B2RF had similar fiber quality to the three checks in most of the tests, but its fibers were coarser than Acala 1517‐99W and finer than Acala 1517‐08 and PHY 72 Acala. This insect‐resistant and glyphosate‐tolerant Acala cotton cultivar is best adapted to the U.S. Southwest arid region of the Cotton Belt, where conventional Acala 1517 cultivars are grown.