Polynucleotide Encoding a Gene Conferring Resistance to Bacillus Thuringiensis Toxin and Method of Use

Insecticidal protein toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are safe, effective and specific means for controlling insect pests of agriculture. Crops such as cotton and corn have been transformed with modified Bt genes that encode the toxin. These transgenic plants protect themselves from insect damage by expressing the toxin in their cells, which kills insects that are feeding on them. This insect control method has been very successful, with more than 20% of cotton and corn acreage in the US consisting of transgenic Bt-expressing varieties in 2000. However, insects can develop resistance to Bt-toxins, just as they have to chemical insecticides. Although Bt-resistant strains of insects have been studied for several years, until now the molecular identity of the genes that make the insect resistant to the toxin has been unknown. We have successfully identified and cloned a gene that confers high levels of Bt resistance in the key cotton pest Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm). This is the first molecular identification of a Bt-resistance gene in any species. It will enable for the first time DNA-based diagnostic techniques for the detection of resistance in field populations of this pest and related species.

Specific applications include the development of a diagnostic kit for detection of Bt-resistance in field populations of Heliothis virescens.

Vincie Albritton, Marketing Director
Clemson University
223 Brackett Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-5705
PH:  864-656-5708
FAX: 864-656-0474
Email:  valbrit@clemson.edu

For more information about this technology, please contact:

Vincie Albritton, Associate Director
Phone: (864) 656-5708
Fax: (864) 656-0474
email: valbrit@clemson.edu

or 

Janet Dillon, Project Administrator
Phone: (864) 656-4237
Fax: (864) 656-0474
email: gjanet@clemson.edu

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