Invention:
This technology is a genetically diverse strain of corn earworm that has been selected over multi-generations to be resistant to Vip3 (a Bt protein produced by transgenic crops). It is a tool used for screening/selecting candidate proteins to determine if they overcome resistance.
Background:
A rapidly expanding global population, coupled with limited agricultural land, is driving farmers and industry to develop sustainable and productive methods of for feeding an estimated 9 billion people by 2050. Farmers are turning to biopesticides to prevent pest damage in a more ecologically friendly manner that includes more targeted applications, lower residues and fewer applications. Benefits also include reduced environmental damage, targeted action, quicker decomposition, and reduced risk to human health.
This strain also has value for determining fundamental understanding of Vip3 resistance, which has the potential to improve design and screening of candidate products for controlling insect pests.
Applications:
- Tool for screening and testing candidate proteins
- Biopesticide screening
Advantages:
- Determining candidate resistance
- Possible improvement for controlling insect pests
