Effective control of yellow stem borer and rice leaf folder in transgenic rice indica varieties Basmati 370 and M 7 using the novel delta-endotoxin cry2A Bacillus thuringiensis gene

Transgenic rice indica varieties Basmati 370 and M 7 expressing the novel c ry2A (Bt) insecticidal gene were generated by particle bombardment. Molecul ar and biochemical analyses in R-0 and R-1 populations confirmed stable int egration and expression of this novel Bt transgene. We estimated that the g ene product was expressed up to 5% of total leaf protein. Insect feeding bi oassays demonstrated that the Cry2A protein was effective against the yello w stem borer and the rice leaf folder, two major rice pests in the Indian S ubcontinent. This is the first report of the control of major rice pests us ing this specific Bt gene. The cry2A gene can now be used in combination wi th other insecticidal genes for pyramiding resistance against insect pests. This will delay, or perhaps in combination with integrated pest management practices, prevent evolution of insect populations resistant to single ins ecticidal genes.