EXPRESSION OF SNOWDROP LECTIN IN TRANSGENIC TOBACCO PLANTS RESULTS INADDED PROTECTION AGAINST APHIDS

The range of sap-sucking insect pests to which GNA, (the mannose speci fic lectin from snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)) has been shown to be in secticidal in artificial diets has been extended to include the peach potato aphid (Myzus persicae). A gene construct for constitutive expre ssion of GNA from the CaMV35S gene promoter has been introduced into t obacco plants. A transgenic tobacco line which expresses high levels o f GNA has been shown to have enhanced resistance to M. persicae in lea f disc and whole plant bioassays, demonstrating the potential for exte nding transgenic plant technology to the control of sap-sucking insect pests.