Characterization of the Activity Spectrum of MON 88702 and the Plant-Incorporated Protectant Cry51Aa2.834_16

PLoS One. 2017 Jan 10;12(1):e0169409. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169409. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

The spectrum of insecticidal activity of Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein targeting hemipteran and thysanopteran insect pests in cotton was characterized by selecting and screening multiple pest and non-pest species, based on representation of ecological functional groups, taxonomic relatedness (e.g. relationship to species where activity was observed), and availability for effective testing. Seven invertebrate orders, comprising 12 families and 17 representative species were screened for susceptibility to Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein and/or the ability of the protein to protect against feeding damage in laboratory, controlled environments (e.g. greenhouse/growth chamber), and/or field studies when present in cotton plants. The screening results presented for Cry51Aa2.834_16 demonstrate selective and limited activity within three insect orders. Other than Orius insidiosus, no activity was observed for Cry51Aa2.834_16 against several groups of arthropods that perform key ecological roles in some agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, decomposers, and natural enemies).

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Arthropods / drug effects
  • Disease Resistance / genetics
  • Female
  • Gossypium / drug effects
  • Gossypium / genetics*
  • Gossypium / parasitology*
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods
  • Plant Diseases / genetics*
  • Plant Diseases / parasitology*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Protective Agents / metabolism*

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Plant Proteins
  • Protective Agents

Grants and funding

All authors on this manuscript are employed by the Monsanto Company. This manuscript has been reviewed in accordance with the peer- and administrative-review policies of the authors’ organization. Time spent by other authors on the testing, assessment and preparation of the manuscript was supported by their employer. The employer provided support in the form of salaries for all authors, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.