Effect of Transgenic Bt plus CpTI Cotton on Carboxylesterase and Acetylcholinesterase of Cotton Aphid Aphis gossypii

[Objective] The research aimed to assess the effect of transgenic Bt plus CpTI cotton variety SGK321 on carboxylesterase and acetylcholinesterase of cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and provide theoretical basis for studying the biosafety of transgenic cotton.[Method] Cotton aphids were fed with SGK321 and Shiyuan321（normal parental varieties） for over 40 generations.Enzyme activities were compared between cotton aphids feeding on SGK321 for 1,2,3,41,42 and 43 generations with those on Shiyuan321.[Result] The carboxylesterase activity of cotton aphids feeding on SGK321 for 1 generation was significantly higher than those feeding on Shiyuan321.Acetylcholinesterase activity of cotton aphids feeding on SGK321 for 1,2 and 3 generations were significantly higher than those feeding on Shiyuan321 in the same generation.But there was no significant difference of enzyme activity between cotton aphids feeding on SGK321 for a long term and those feeding on parental cotton.[Conclusion] The cotton aphid that feeding on transgenic Bt plus CpTI cotton SGK321 for a long time has adaptivity to SGK321 by regulating the detoxifying enzyme.

Study on Spatial-temporal Dynamics of Bt Toxic Protein Expression in Insect-resistant Transgenic Cotton and Its Degradation in Soil

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the spatial-temporal dynamics of Bt toxic protein expression in insect-resistant transgenic cotton and its degradation in soil. [Method] Btcry1Ac toxic protein expression in roots, stems and leaves of transgenic cotton Guoshen GK45 at different developmental stages and the annual average content of BtCry1Ac toxin protein in the topsoil, rhizosphere soil and following cotton-growing area were explored and analyzed by using enzyme linked immuno sorbed assay (ELISA). [Result] The content of exogenous BtCry1Ac toxin protein decreased during the growth process of insect-resistant transgenic cotton; to be specific, the content of BtCry1Ac toxin protein in cotton stems and leaves decreased more slowly and always maintained a high level, while that in roots decreased rapidly and reached a minimum level to the following plant growth and development stage. BtCry1Ac toxin protein was detected in topsoil of both non-transgenic and transgenic cotton-growing areas, and the content of BtCry1Ac toxin protein increased in topsoil of following cotton-growing area, which was very low in rhizosphere soil. [Conclusion] Determination of Btcry1Ac toxic protein provides scientific basis for the risk assessment of the cultivation of genetically modified crops and the safety evaluation of soil ecosystem.

Obtaining High Pest_resistant Transgenic Upland Cotton Cultivars Carrying cry1Ac3 Gene Driven by Chimeric OM Promoter

Hypocotyl segments from aseptic seedlings of two important cultivars of upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Northwest China, 'Xinluzao_1', 'Jinmian_7', 'Jinmian_12' and 'Jihe_321' were transformed respectively by two efficient plant expression plasmids pBinMoBc and pBinoBc via Agrobacterium tumefaciens . In pBinMoBc, cry 1Ac3 gene, which encodes the Bt toxin, is under the control of chimeric OM promoter. In pBinoBc, it is under control of CaMV 35S promoter. After co_cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefimpfaciens LBA4404 (containing pBinMoBc or pBinoBc), kanamycin_resistant selection, somatic embryos were induced and regenerated plants were obtained. Then the regenerated plantlets were grafted to untransformed stocks in greenhouse to produce descendants. The integration of cry 1Ac3 gene and its expression in T 2 generation of transgenic cotton plants were confirmed by Southern hybridization and Western blotting. The analyses of insect bioassay indicated that the transgenic plants of both constructions have significant resistance to the larvae of cotton bollworm ( Heliothis armigera ) and that cry 1Ac3 gene driven by chimeric OM promoter could endue T 2 generation cotton with high pest_resistant ability, implicating that it has a profound application in genetic engineering to breed new pest_resistant cotton varieties.

Impact of Transgenic Bt+CpTI Cotton on Soil Enzyme Activities and Soil Microorganisms

Due to its strong and effective insecticidal properties, transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton has witnessed an expanding planting area in recent years, and the impact of its cultivation on soil ecosystem becomes an important part of environmental risk assessment. Using transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton sGK321 and its parental homologous conventional cotton Shiyuan 321 as the study objects, a comparative analysis was conducted on the changes in enzyme activities （urease, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase） of the rhizosphere soil and changes in the number of culturable microor-ganisms （bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes） at different growth stages （seedling stage, budding stage, flower and bol stage, and bol opening stage） of sGK321 and Shiyuan 321 under the condition of 13 years field plantings. The results showed that, the populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycete and the soil enzyme activi-ties of urease, alkaline phosphatase and catalase had a similar variation trend along with the cotton growing process for transgenic cotton and conventional cotton. Some occasional and inconsistent effects on soil enzyme activities and soil fungi composi-tion in the rhizosphere soil of transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton were found at the seedling stage, budding stage, flower and bol stage as compared with that of conventional cotton. The amount of bacteria and actinomycetes were not significantly different during a certain stage; however, the activities of urease, catalase, alkaline phos-phatase, also with the number of fungi were significantly different, e.g. the urease activities at seedling stage, the alkaline phosphatase at seedling and budding stages, and the soil culturable fungi at flower and bol stage were less than that of conven-tional cotton, while the soil alkaline phosphatase activities at flower and bol stage were higher. Cluster analysis showed that soil enzyme activities and microbial popu-lation changed mainly along the growth processes, suffering little from the planting of transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton.

Inhibition of protein degradation increases the Bt protein concentration in Bt cotton

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)cotton production is challenged by two main problems,i.e.,the low concentration of Bt protein at the boll setting stage and the lowest insect resistance in bolls among all the cotton plant’s organs.Therefore,increasing the Bt protein concentration at the boll stage,especially in bolls,has become the main goal for increasing insect resistance in cotton.In this study,two protein degradation inhibitors(ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid(EDTA)and leupeptin)were sprayed on the bolls,subtending leaves,and whole cotton plants at the peak flowering stage of two Bt cultivars(medium maturation Sikang 1(SK1))and early maturation Zhongmian 425(ZM425)in 2019 and 2020.The Bt protein content and protein degradation metabolism were assessed.The results showed that the Bt protein concentrations were enhanced by 21.3 to 38.8%and 25.0 to 38.6%in the treated bolls of SK1 and ZM425 respectively,while they were decreased in the subtending leaves of these treated bolls.In the treated leaves,the Bt protein concentrations increased by 7.6 to 23.5%and 11.2 to 14.9%in SK1 and ZM425,respectively.The combined application of EDTA and leupeptin to the whole cotton plant increased the Bt protein concentrations in both bolls and subtending leaves.The Bt protein concentrations in bolls were higher,increasing by 22.5 to 31.0%and 19.6 to 32.5%for SK1 and ZM425,respectively.The organs treated with EDTA or/and leupeptin showed reduced free amino acid contents,protease and peptidase activities and significant enhancements in soluble protein contents.These results indicated that inhibiting protein degradation could improve the protein content,thus increasing the Bt protein concentrations in the bolls or/and leaves of cotton plants.Therefore,the increase in the Bt protein concentration without yield reduction suggested that these two protein degradation inhibitors may be applicable for improving insect resistance in cotton production.

Optimizing the Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)protein concentration in cotton:Coordinated application of exogenous amino acids and EDTA to reduce spatiotemporal variability in boll and leaf toxins

During the boll formation stage,cotton bolls exhibit the lowest expression of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)insecticidal proteins.Resistance to insects varies notably among different organs,which poses challenges for controlling cotton bollworms.Consequently,an experimental strategy was designed in the 2020-2021 cotton growing season to coordinate the enhancement of protein synthesis and the attenuation of degradation.Two Bt cultivars of Gossypium hirsutum,namely the hybrid Sikang 3 and the conventional Sikang 1,were used as test materials.Three treatments were applied at the peak flowering period:CK(the control),T1(amino acids),and T2(amino acids and EDTA).The results show that,in comparison to the CK group,the Bt protein contents were significantly increased in both cotton bolls and their subtending leaves under the T1 and T2 treatments.The maximum levels of increase observed were 67.5%in cotton bolls and 21.7%in leaves.Moreover,the disparity in Bt protein content between cotton bolls and their subtending leaves notably decreased by 31.2%.Correlation analysis suggested that the primary physiological mechanisms for augmenting Bt protein content involve increased protein synthesis and reduced protein catabolism,which are independent of Bt gene expression levels.Stepwise regression and path analysis revealed that elevating the soluble protein content and transaminase activity,while reducing the catabolic enzyme activities,are instrumental in enhancing the Bt protein content.Consequently,the coordinated application of amino acids and EDTA emerges as a strategy that can improve the overall resistance of Bt cotton and mitigate the spatiotemporal variations in Bt toxin concentrations in both cotton bolls and leaves.

Effects of Transgenic Bt+CpTI Cotton on Field Abundance of Non-Target Pests and Predators in Xinjiang, China

Transgenic insect-resistant cotton is being increasingly planted in Xinjiang cotton-planting regions, where geographical climate conditions and species composition of pests and natural enemies are greatly unique in China. Limited studies have been conducted on the ecological impacts of transgenic insect-resistant cotton, especially for transgenic double genes （Bt＋CpTI） cotton, in this region. In this study, the potential effects of transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton on the seasonal abundance of non-target pests and predators were assessed from 2009 to 2011 in Korla, Xinjiang. The results showed that species composition and seasonal abundance of 5 groups of pests and 5 groups of predators were not significantly different between transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton and non-transgenic cotton every year. It suggests that transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton per se does not affect the population dynamics of non-target pests and predators on this crop in Xinjiang.

NaCl-Induced Changes of Ion Fluxes in Roots of Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Bacillus thuringiensis （Bt） cotton is grown worldwide, including in saline soils, but the effect of salinity on ion fluxes of Bt cotton remains unknown. Responses of two transgenic Bt cotton genotypes （SGK321 and 29317） and their corresponding receptors, Shiyuan 321 （SY321） and Jihe 321 （J321）, to 150 mmol L-1 NaCl stress were studied in a growth chamber. The root dry weight of SGK321 and 29317 under NaCl treatment was decreased by 30 and 31%, respectively. However, their corresponding receptor cultivars SY321 and J321 were less affected （19 and 24%, respectively）. The root length and surface area of the Bt cultivars were significantly decreased relative to their receptors under salt stress. NaCl treatment significantly increased CrylAc mRNA transcript levels in SGK321 and 29317 but did not affect Bt protein content in leaves or roots of either cultivar at 1 and 7 d after NaCl treatment. Fluxes of Na^＋, K^＋, and H^＋ in roots were investigated using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique. Both mean K^＋ efflux rate and transient K^＋ efflux of the Bt cultivars increased four-fold compared to their corresponding receptors when exposed to salinity stress. There were no significant differences in Na^＋ efflux between Bt and non-Bt cottons. Furthermore, the Na^＋ contents in roots and leaves of all genotypes dramatically increased under salt stress, whereas K^＋ contents decreased. Our results suggested that Bt cotton cultivars are more sensitive to salt stress than their receptor genotypes.

Effects of soil salinity on rhizosphere soil microbes in transgenic Bt cotton fields

With increased cultivation of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis （Bt） cotton in the saline alkaline soil of China, assessments of transgenic crop biosafety have focused on the effects of soil salinity on rhizosphere microbes and Bt protein residues. In 2013 and 2014, investigations were conducted on the rhizosphere microbial biomass, soil enzyme activities and Bt protein contents of the soil under transgenic Bt cotton （variety GK19） and its parental non-transgenic cotton （Simian 3） cultivated at various salinity levels （1.15, 6.00 and 11.46 dS m-1）. Under soil salinity stress, trace amounts of Bt proteins were ob- served in the Bt cotton GK19 rhizosphere soil, although the protein content increased with cotton growth and increased soil salinity levels. The populations of slight halophilic bacteria, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, ammonifying bacteria, nitrifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria decreased with increased soil salinity in the Bt and non-Bt cotton rhizosphere soil, and the microbial biomass carbon, microbial respiration and soil catalase, urease and alkaline phosphatase activity also decreased. Correlation analyses showed that the increased Bt protein content in the Bt cotton rhizosphere soil may have been caused by the slower decomposition of soil microorganisms, which suggests that salinity was the main factor influencing the relevant activities of the soil microorganisms and indicates that Bt proteins had no clear adverse effects on the soil microorganisms. The results of this study may provide a theoretical basis for risk assessments of genetically modified cotton in saline alkaline soil.

Combining Ability and Heterosis Between High Strength Lines and Transgenic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Bollworm-Resistant Lines in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

To analyse the combining ability and heterosis between high-strength lines and transgenic Bt bollworm-resistant lines in upland cotton, 5 high-strength lines were crossed as female lines with 12 transgenic Bt bollworm-resistant lines according to NCII design. It was demonstrated that the compositions of variance in various traits were quite different. For seed cotton yield, lint yield, boll numbers per plant and boll weight, the dominant (special combining ability) effects were the major effects, accounting for 87.38, 84. 40, 80. 04 and 64. 46% of the total phenotypic variances, respectively, while for fibre strength and micronaire value, the additive (general combining ability) effects had the major effects, with a ratio of additive variance to phenotypic variance of 78.85 and 43.80%. As for lint percent and 2.5% span length, the dominant and additive variances had similar effects, in phenotypic variances (54.94 and 40.11% for lint percent, 45.76 and 42.49% for 2. 5% span length, respectively). The mid-parent heterosis (Hpm), surpassing parent heterosis (Hpb) and competitive heterosis (Hck) for seed cotton yield and lint yield were both extremely significant. For fibre properties, the Hck and Hpm of 2.5 % fibre span length were extremely significant, the Hck of fibre strength was significant, and the favorable negative Hck of micronaire was also extremely significant. The increments of hybrid over common variety were 17% for lint yield and fibre strength, 7% for fibre span length, and 4 % for fineness.

Barley chitinase genes expression revamp resistance against whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Chitinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin,a major component of the exoskeleton of insects,including plant pests like whiteflies.The present study aimed to investigate the expression of chemically synthesized barley ch1 and chi2 genes in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.Fifty-five putative transgenic cotton plants were obtained,out of which fifteen plants successfully survived and were shifted to the field.Using gene-specific primers,amplification of 447 bp and 401 bp fragments confirmed the presence of the ch1 and chi2 genes in five transgenic cotton plants of the T0 generation.These five plants were further evalu-ated for their mRNA expression levels.The T0 transgenic cotton plants with the highest mRNA expression level and better yield performance in field,were selected to raise their subsequent progenies.Results The T1 cotton plants showed the highest mRNA expression levels of 3.5-fold in P10(2)for the ch1 gene and 3.7-fold in P2(1)for the chi2 gene.Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed a single copy number of ch1 and chi2(hemizygous)on chromosome no.6.Furthermore,the efficacy of transgenes on whitefly was evaluated through an insect bioassay,where after 96 h of infestation,mortality rates of whitefly were calculated to be 78%–80%in transgenic cotton plants.The number of eggs on transgenic cotton plants were calculated to be 0.1%–0.12 per plant compared with the non-transgenic plants where egg number was calculated to be 0.90–1.00 per plant.Conclusion Based on these findings,it can be concluded that the chemically synthesized barley chitinase genes(ch1 and chi2)have the potential to be effective against insects with chitin exoskeletons,including whiteflies.The transgenic cotton plants expressing these genes showed increased resistance to whiteflies,resulting in reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates.

Effects of Transgenic Bt+CpTI Cotton Cultivation on Functional Diversity of Microbial Communities in Rhizosphere Soils

[Objective] This study aimed to investigation the effects of tranagenic Bt ＋ CpTI cotton cultivation on functional diversity of microbial communities in rhizospbere soils. E Method] By using the Biolog method, a comparative study was conducted on the utilization level of single carbon source by microbes in the rhi- zosphere soils of transgenic Bt ＋ CpTI cotton sGK321 and its parental conventional cotton ＇ Shiyuan 321＇ at different growth stages. [ Result ] The results showed that, compared with the parental conventional cotton, the average well-color development （AWCD） value of micmhial communities in rhizospbere soils of transgenie Bt ＋ CpTI cotton were significantly higher （P 〈 O. 05） at seedling stage and budding stage while significantly lower at flower and boll stage and bell opening stage. Shannon-Wiener diversity index （H） and Simpson dominance index （D） of microbial communities in rhlzesphere soils of transgenic cotton and conventional cotton varied with the different growth stages, whereas the Shannon-Wiener evenness index （E） showed no significant difference between transgenie cotton and convention- al cotton at four growth stages. Principal component analysis indicated that the patterns of carbon source utilization by microbial communities in rhizospbere soils were similar among transgenic cotton at seeding stage and flower and boll stage and parental conventional cotton at seeding stage and budding stage, which were also similar between tranagenic cotton at budding stage and parental conventional cotton at flower and boll stage. [ Conclusion] Analysis of different carbon sources indi- cated that the main carbon sources utilized by soil microbes were carbohydrates, amino acids, carboxylie acids and polymers.

Resolved concerns after 28 years of Bt cottonin China

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner(Bt)cotton was widely grown in China from 1997.Since then,it has resulted in many misunderstandings and concerns about Bt cotton.However,extensive research and practical experience over the past 28 years in China have led to the resolution of many of these concerns.This short review explores how the concerns has been resolved,and provides valuable insights for the future utilization of genetically modified products.

Mepiquat chloride increases the Cry1Ac protein content of Bt cotton under high temperature and drought stress by regulating carbon and amino acid metabolism

The effects of mepiquat chloride(DPC)on the Cry1Ac protein content in Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)cotton boll shells under high temperature and drought stress were investigated to provide a theoretical reference for Bt cotton breeding and high-yield and-efficiency cotton cultivation.This study was conducted using Bt cotton cultivar‘Sikang 3'during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at Yangzhou University Farm,Yangzhou,Jiangsu Province,China.Potted cotton plants were exposed to high temperature and drought stress,and sprayed with either 20 mg L^(-1)DPC or water(CK).Seven days after treatment,the Cry1Ac protein content,α-ketoglutarate content,pyruvic acid content,glutamate synthase activity,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity,soluble protein content,and amino acid content were measured,and transcriptome sequencing was performed.DESeq was used for differential gene analysis.Under the DPC treatment,the Cry1Ac protein content increased by 4.7-11.9% compared to CK.Theα-ketoglutarate content,pyruvic acid content,glutamate synthase activity,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity,soluble protein content,and amino acid content all increased.Transcriptome analysis revealed 7,542 upregulated genes and 10,449 downregulated genes for DPC vs.CK.Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes(KEGG)analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in biological processes,such as carbon and amino acid metabolism.For example,genes encoding 6-phosphofructokinase,pyruvate kinase,glutamic pyruvate transaminase,pyruvate dehydrogenase,citrate synthase,isocitrate dehydrogenase,2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase,glutamate synthase,1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,amino-acid N-acetyltransferase,and acetylornithine deacetylase were all significantly upregulated.The DPC treatment increased pyruvate,α-ketoglutarate,and oxaloacetate by increasing the operational rate of the glycolytic pathway of the citric acid cycle.It also significantly upregulated the genes encoding glutamate synthase,pyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid dehydrogenase,glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase,and N-acetylglutamate synthetase,while it downregulated the genes encoding glutamine synthetase.Therefore,the synthesis of aspartic acid,glutamic acid,pyruvate,and arginine increased after treatment with DPC,and the Cry1Ac protein content was increased by regulating carbon and amino acid metabolism.

Yield, Leaf Senescence, and Cry1Ac Expression in Response to Removal of Early Fruiting Branches in Transgenic Bt Cotton

Two-year field experiments were conducted at Linqing, Yellow River valley of China, to study the plant response to the removal of early fruiting branches in transgenic Bt （Bacillus thuringiensis） cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L.） from 2003 to 2004. Plants were undamaged and treated by removing two basal fruiting branches （FB） at squaring to form the control and the removal treatment, respectively. The plant height, leaf area （LA）, dry weight of fruiting forms （DWFF）, the number of fruiting nodes （NFN）, photosynthetic （Pn） rate, and levels of leaf chlorophyll （Chl）, N, P, K, and Cry lAc protein in main- stem leaves were measured at a 10- or 20-d interval after FB removal, and the sink/source ratio as indicated by NFN/LA and DWFF/LA was determined. FB removal significantly increased the plant height, LA, and plant biomass in both years. Lint yields were increased 7.5 and 5.2% by removal compared with their controls in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Significant increases in boll size （5.7 and 5.1%） were also observed in removal than in control for both years. Either NFN/LA or DWFF/LA was significantly reduced by removal before 40 d after removal; however, both NFN/LA and DWFF/LA were significantly enhanced by FB removal at 80 d after removal compared to the untreated control. There was no significant difference in fiber quality in the first two harvests between removal and control, but fiber strength and micronarie in the third harvest were significantly improved by FB removal. In terms of leaf Chl, Pn rate, levels of total N, P, and K in late season, leaf senescence was considerably delayed by FB removal. Levels of CrylAc protein in the fully expanded young leaves were considerably higher in FB-excised plants than in control, indicating FB removal enhanced CrylAc expression. It is suggested that the yield and quality improvement with FB removal may be attributed to the increased NFN/LA or DWFF/LA in late season and delayed leaf senescence, respectively. FB removal can be a potential practice incorporated into the intensive cultivation system for enhancing transgenic Bt cotton production.

Emerging technological developments to address pest resistance in Bt cotton

Cotton plays a crucial role in shaping Indian economy and rural livelihoods.The cotton crop is prone to numerous insect pests,necessitating insecticidal application,which increases production costs.The advent of the expression of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)insecticidal protein in cotton has significantly reduced the burden of pest without compromising environmental or human health.After the introduction of transgenic cotton,the cultivated area expanded to 22 million hectares,with a 64% increase in adoption by farmers worldwide.Currently,Bt cotton accounts for 93% of the cultivated cotton area in India.However,extensive use of Bt cotton has accelerated resistance development in pests like the pink bollworm.Furthermore,the overreliance on Bt cotton has reduced the use of broad-spectrum pesticides,favouring the emergence of secondary pests with significant challenges.This emphasizes the urgent necessity for developing novel pest management strategies.The high-dose and refuge strategy was initially effective for managing pest resistance in Bt cotton,but its implementation in India faced challenges due to misunderstandings about the use of non-Bt refuge crops.Although gene pyramiding was introduced as a solution,combining mono toxin also led to instances of cross-resistance.Therefore,there is a need for further exploration of biotechnological approaches to manage insect resistance in Bt cotton.Advanced biotechnological strategies,such as sterile insect release,RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated gene silencing,stacking Bt with RNAi,and genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein(CRISPR-Cas),offer promising tools for identifying and managing resistance genes in insects.Additionally,CRISPR-mediated gene drives and the development of novel biopesticides present potential avenues for effective pest management in cotton cultivation.These innovative approaches could significantly enhance the sustainability and efficacy of pest resistance management in Bt cotton.

High plant density increases seed Bt endotoxin content in Bt transgenic cotton

Plant density is the cultivation practice usually employed to manipulate boll distribution, boll setting and yield in cotton production. In order to determine the effect of plant density on the insecticidal protein content of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) cotton plants, a study was conducted in Yangzhou University of China in 2015 and 2016. Five plant densities(PD1–PD5, representing 15 000, 30 000, 45 000, 60 000, and 75 000 plants ha^(–1)) were imposed on two Bt cotton cultivars, Sikang 1(the conventional cultivar, SK-1) and Sikang 3(the hybrid cultivar, SK-3). The boll number per plant, boll weight and boll volume all decreased as plant density increased. As plant density increased from 15 000 to 75 000 plants ha–1, seed Bt protein content increased, with increases of 66.5% in SK-1 and 53.4% in SK-3 at 40 days after flowering(DAF) in 2015, and 36.8% in SK-1 and 38.6% in SK-3 in 2016. Nitrogen(N) metabolism was investigated to uncover the potential mechanism. The analysis of N metabolism showed enhanced soluble protein content, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase(GOT) activities, but reduced free amino acid content, and protease and peptidase activities with increasing plant density. At 20 DAF, the seed Bt toxin amount was positively correlated with soluble protein level, with correlation coefficients of 0.825** in SK-1 and 0.926** in SK-3 in 2015, and 0.955** in SK-1 and 0.965** in SK-3 in 2016. In contrast, the seed Bt protein level was negatively correlated with free amino acid content, with correlation coefficients of –0.983** in SK-1 and –0.974** in SK-3 in 2015, and –0.996** in SK-1 and –0.986** in SK-3 in 2016. To further confirm the relationship of Bt protein content and N metabolism, the Bt protein content was found to be positively correlated with the activities of GPT and GOT, but negatively correlated with the activities of protease and peptidase. In conclusion, our present study indicated that high plant density elevated the amount of seed Bt protein, and this increase was associated with decreased boll number per plant, boll weight and boll volume. In addition, altered N metabolism also contributed to the increased Bt protein content under high plant density.

Introduction of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)gene does not reduce potassium use efficiency of Bt transgenic cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background:Potassium(K)deficiency has become a common field production problem following the widespread adoption of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)transgenic cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)worldwide.The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the introduction of Bt gene directly reduces the K-use efficiency of cotton to induce K deficiency.Results:The cotton variety,Jihe 321(wild type,WT)and its two Bt(Cry1Ac)-transgenic overexpression lines(OE-29317,OE-29312)were studied in field with low soil-test K+(47.8 mg·kg^(−1)).In the field with low soil-test K+,only OE-29317 had less biomass and K+accumulation than the WT at some growth stages.Both Bt lines produced similar or even greater seed cotton yield than WT in the field.When the Bt gene(~70%)in OE-29317 and OE-29312 plants was silenced by virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS),the VIGS-Bt plants did not produce more biomass than VIGSgreen fluorescent protein(control)plants.Conclusions:The introduction of Bt gene did not necessarily hinder the K use efficiency of the cotton lines under this study.

Evaluation of Impact of Pollen Grains from Bt,Bt/CpTITransgenic Cotton and Bt Corn Plants on the Growth andDevelopment of the Mulberry Silkworm,Bombyx moriLinnaeus (Lepidoptera:Bombycidae)

The S-endotoxin genes of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and proteinase inhibitor (PI) genes are two kinds of genes popularly used for developing transgenic plants resistant to insect pests. To clarify whether there is any risk concerning the effects of pollens from these transgenic crops on non-target insects with economic importance, such as the effects on the growth and development as well as cocoon quality of the silkworm, Bombyx mori Linnaeus, a series of feeding experiments were conducted, using pollens from transgenic cotton or corn containing cry 1Ac, cry1A+CpTI or crylAb genes, compared with pollens from non-transgenic normal cotton and corn as well as the non-pollen treatment. In contrast to the latter ones, pollens from transgenic plants showed no significant adverse effects on larval mortality, cocoon weight, pupa weight, cocoon shell weight, pupation rate, emergence rate and fecundity of the silkworm after neonates were fed with the pollens for 72 h. In addition, no dosage effects of pollens were found. Though the duration of 1st instar larvae was prolonged in the case of feeding with transgenic pollens as compared with those of the non-pollen treatment , but they were not significantly different from those fed with pollens from non-transgenic cotton or corn. Meanwhile, the body weight of the 3rd instar molters fed with transgenic pollens was obviously different from those for non-pollen treatment, and was all significantly heavier than that of the controls. Consequently, it is considered that the adverse effect of pollens from transgenic insect-resistant cotton and corn on the growth and development of the silkworm is negligible.

Effects of External Chemical Regulation on Bt Transgenic Cotton Plants under Combined Stress of High Temperature and Water Deficit

[Objective] The study aimed to find a possible way to combat or alleviate the negative effects caused by high temperature and water deficit at the growth stage of peak boll-setting.[Method] With Bt transgenic cotton GK22 as the test cultivar,a potted experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the regulation of external substances(the water solutions of pix,urea and their mixture) on the physiological parameters,insecticidal protein content,yield and yield component of cotton plants in artificial climate chambers treated with high temperature and water deficit.[Result] The application of external pix,urea or their mixture was effective in stabilizing the physiological parameters of cotton plants,insecticidal protein content,yield and yield components.Compared with the exclusive application of pix and urea,the mixture of pix and urea played the most effective role in stabilizing the content of chlorophyll,soluble sugar and insecticidal protein,alleviating the increase of the content of free amino acids and proline,and increasing boll number per plant,boll weight and seed cotton yield.[Conclusion] The water solutions of pix,urea or their mixtures can be used to combat or alleviate the stress of high temperature and water deficit if they are sprayed onto cotton plants prior to stress occurrence.