Leigh H. English

Insect-resistant transgenic plants

The invention provides transgenic plants and transformed host cells which express modified cry 3B genes with enhanced toxicity to Coleopteran insects. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these transgenic plants, methods of making recombinant host cells expressing these δ-endotoxins, and methods of killing insects such as Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber) and western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte.

Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensisδ‐ endotoxins toward the potato aphid in an artificial diet bioassay

Recent investigations indicated that Bacillus thuringiensis delta‐endotoxins (DET) possess aphidicidal activity in an artificial diet bioassay. Crystalline preparations of CryIIA, CryIIIA and CryIVD solubilized in a slightly alkaline sucrose/amino acid diet clearly imparted toxicity toward adults of potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Homoptera: Aphididae) after 4–5 days of continuous feeding. No obvious feeding deterrence was noted in these assays, as copious honeydew was produced and aphids often died in a feeding position. CryIIIA which was solubilized in aphid diet, but filtered to remove spores or crystalline toxin lacked aphidicidal activity. Spores from an acrystalliferous strain (EG2205) were not toxic by themselves at 7.75 × 105 spores/ml aphid diet, but did restore toxicity to the filtered CryIIIA solution. Therefore, low levels of spores may be very effective in concert with DET for aphicidal activity. Results also clearly demonstrated that a suspension of crystalline CryIIIA alone, without spores, exhibited toxicity. Therefore, DET may be more toxic to the aphids when imbibed as a fine suspension, perhaps indicating the need for slow solubilization into the aphid midgut.

Monsanto: partnering for sustainable agriculture

Monsanto is driven by a global commitment to sustainable agricultural production. This commitment includes bringing technologies to farmers that improve their lives by helping them be more productive while using fewer resources--leading to a reduced overall effect on the environment. By using this commitment to drive our actions, we believe we are creating a positive impact on our world. But, we cannot do this alone. Thats why, in addition to developing our own products, we also partner and collaborate with others to develop technologies for farmers. We also license our biotech traits and germplasm to other seed companies, giving farmers the opportunity to purchase seed technologies in the brands they choose. External technology collaborations are a key to our promise of delivering innovative new products in the future. At Monsanto, we are focused on developing collaborative alliances that product lasting benefits for our farmer customers and all involved [1].