Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 Protein on the Feeding Behavior and Longevity of Adult Western Corn Rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Authors

Timothy M. Nowatski, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, P.O. Box 1004, Johnston, IA
Xugou Zhou, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Lance J. Meinke, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ty Vaughn, Monsanto Co., 700 Chesterfield Pkwy North, St. Louis, MO 63198
Blair Siegfried, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

June 2006

Comments

Published in J. Econ. Entomol. 99(3): 927-930 (2006). Copyright 2006 Entomological Society of America. Used by permission.

Abstract

The first transgenic corn hybrids expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry3Bb1 protein to control corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) larvae were registered for commercial use in 2003. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Cry3Bb1 protein in combination with a cucurbitacin bait on adult feeding and longevity of both organophosphate-resistant and -susceptible western corn rootworms, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In choice and no-choice tests, possible repellency to the Bt protein was quantified by comparing beetle consumption of cellulose disks treated with three concentrations of Bt in combination with a feeding stimulant (Invite EC) to disks treated with stimulant alone. A lethal-time assay also was conducted to examine survival of beetles exposed to Bt protein in their diet. Results from these assays indicate that adult rootworms are not significantly deterred by the presence of Cry3Bb1 on the treated discs and that ingestion of toxin does not adversely affect adult longevity.