VIP cotton: a new type of transgenic cotton

摘要

The Bt gene contained in Bollgard (Cry1Ac) is most effective against tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens and cotton bollworm Helicoverpa zea, among all lepidopterans controlled by the CrylAc protein. However, most cotton fields around the world are attacked not only by these two species, but also by a variety of other lepidopterans, including Spodoptera species, such as fall armyworm and beet armyworm. Also, there is a need to avoid the problem of development of resistance to the CrylAc toxin. On along-term basis, the objectives of broad-spectrum insect control and resistance management can only be achieved by exploring and utilizing new generations of transgenes significantly different from Cry1Ac. While Monsanto has come up with a second generation Bt gene in Bollgard II expressing Cry2Ab, the Syngenta Group Company has developed an entirely new generation of the Bt gene with a broad spectrum effect on insects threatening cotton production.