How to cope with insect resistance to Bt toxins?

Trends Biotechnol. 2008 Oct;26(10):573-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Aug 14.

Abstract

Transgenic Bt crops producing insecticidal crystalline proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, so-called Cry toxins, have proved useful in controlling insect pests. However, the future of Bt crops is threatened by the evolution of insect resistance. Understanding how Bt toxins work and how insects become resistant will provide the basis for taking measures to counter resistance. Here we review possible mechanisms of resistance and different strategies to cope with resistance, such as expression of several toxins with different modes of action in the same plant, modified Cry toxins active against resistant insects, and the potential use of Cyt toxins or a fragment of cadherin receptor. These approaches should provide the means to assure the successful use of Bt crops for an extended period of time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacology
  • Helminths / drug effects
  • Insecta / drug effects
  • Insecticide Resistance*
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Protein Engineering
  • Protein Precursors / genetics*
  • Protein Precursors / pharmacology

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis ovicidal toxin
  • Bacillus thuringiensis protoxin
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Protein Precursors