Gene

Biotechnology

Bacteria

Biology

Transgene

Pesticide

Biopesticide

Pesticide resistance

Bt cotton

Botany

Cry1Ac

Resistance (ecology)

Genetically modified crops

Genetically modified organism

Genetics

Toxicology

Agronomy

Biological pest control

Bacillus thuringiensis

Insecticide resistance

Annual Review of Entomology

Insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt) are used in sprayable formulations or produced in transgenic crops as the most successful alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The most relevant threat to sustainability of Bt insecticidal proteins (toxins) is the evolution of resistance in target pests. To date, high-level resistance to Bt sprays has been limited to one species in the field and another in commercial greenhouses. In contrast, there are currently seven lepidopteran and one coleopteran species that have evolved practical resistance to transgenic plants producing insecticidal Bt proteins. In this article, we present a review of the current knowledge on mechanisms of resistance to Bt toxins, with emphasis on key resistance genes and field-evolved resistance, to support improvement of Bt technology and its sustainability.

Mechanisms of Resistance to Insecticidal Proteins from <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>

Mechanisms of Resistance to Insecticidal Proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis