Novel insect resistance using protease inhibitor genes.

摘要: Crop plants have been primarily selected for high yields, nutritional value, including low mammalian toxicity and, where necessary, adaptation to certain environmental conditions. This “selection pressure” over the centuries has severely disrupted co-evolutionary relationships between and insects with consequence that very few cultivated species retained degree of resistance exhibited by their wild relatives (Feeny, 1976). For example, since complex phenolic, gossypol, is toxic mammals so interferes utilisation cotton seed meal as an animal feed, lines devoid this compound for. resulted in new improved being extremely susceptible attack budworm Heliothis virescens (Berardi Goldblatt, 1980) towards which gossypol toxic. An additional problem encountered when crop are introduced into foreign geographical regions exposed array pests diseases they not had opportunity evolve any defence mechanisms. A classic example illustrated potato damage. On its introduction from Bolivia South Western United States became Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) it no inherent resistance; insect pest subsequently become established most serious worldwide. In 1988 insecticide expenditure protection was estimated be US$ 198 million (Table 1).