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Video-tracking and On-plant Tests Show Cry1Ab Resistance Influences Behavior and Survival of Neonate Ostrinia nubilalis Following Exposure to Bt Maize

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Abstract

To examine how resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins influences movement and survival of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis [Hübner]) neonates, the responses of Cry1Ab-resistant , -susceptible, and hybrid (F1) larvae were examined using two different techniques. First, using an automated video-tracking system, aspects of O. nubilalis movement were quantified in the presence of artificial diet incorporating 50% non-Bt or insect-resistant Cry1Ab maize tissue. Second, O. nubilalis dispersal and survival were measured 48–72 h after hatching on a Cry1Ab maize plant surrounded by two non-Bt maize plants. Video tracking indicated the presence of Cry1Ab tissue increased the total distance moved (m), time moving (%), and time away from the diet (%) for O. nubilalis while decreasing meander (degrees/cm). However, resistant larvae showed reduced movement and increased meander (≈localized searching) relative to susceptible or hybrid larvae on diet incorporating Cry1Ab tissue. Conversely, when placed onto Cry1Ab maize plants, resistant larvae were more likely than susceptible O. nubilalis to disperse onto adjacent non-Bt plants. The difference in on-plant dispersal seems to reflect greater survival after toxin exposure for resistant larvae rather than increased activity. These results suggest that simplified ‘Petri dish’ tests may not be predictive of larval movement among non-Bt and insect-resistant Bt maize plants. Because models of O. nubilalis resistance evolution incorporate various movement and survival parameters, improved data for on-plant behavior and survival of Bt- resistant , -susceptible, and hybrid larvae should help preserve the efficacy of transgenic insect-resistant maize.

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Acknowledgements

This research was a joint contribution from the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames (Project 3543). This article reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation by Iowa State University or USDA for its use. Cindy Backus (Iowa State University) helped conduct the laboratory trials. Research was funded by a grant from the USDA Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Energy Biosciences Institute, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Room 1117, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801-3838, USA

    Jarrad R. Prasifka

  2. Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, USA

    Richard L. Hellmich

  3. Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

    Andre L. B. Crespo

  4. Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NB, USA

    Blair D. Siegfried

  5. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IA, USA

    David W. Onstad

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  1. Jarrad R. Prasifka
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  2. Richard L. Hellmich
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  3. Andre L. B. Crespo
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  4. Blair D. Siegfried
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  5. David W. Onstad
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Correspondence to Jarrad R. Prasifka.

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Prasifka, J.R., Hellmich, R.L., Crespo, A.L.B. et al. Video-tracking and On-plant Tests Show Cry1Ab Resistance Influences Behavior and Survival of Neonate Ostrinia nubilalis Following Exposure to Bt Maize. J Insect Behav 23, 1–11 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-009-9190-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-009-9190-3

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