Resistance to both aphids and nematodes in tobacco plants expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein

Abstract

BACKGROUNDBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its crystal toxin or δ‐endotoxins (Cry) offer great potential for the efficient control of crop pests. A vast number of pests can potentially infect the same host plant, either simultaneously or sequentially. However, no effective Bt‐Cry protein has been reported to control both aphids and plant parasitic nematodes due to its highly specific activity.RESULTSOur study indicated that the Cry5Ba2 protein was toxic to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, which had an LC50 of 9.7 ng μL−1 and fiducial limits of 3.1–34.6 ng/μL. Immunohistochemical localization of Cry5Ba2 revealed that it could bind to the apical tip of microvilli in midgut regions. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants expressing Cry5Ba2 exhibited significant resistance to M. persicae, as evidenced by reduced insect survival and impaired fecundity, and also intoxicated the M. incognita as indicated by a decrease in galls and progeny reproduction.CONCLUSIONIn sum, we identified a new aphicidal Bt toxin resource that could simultaneously control both above‐ and below‐ground pests, thus extending the application range of Bt‐based strategy for crop protection.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.