Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ab gene confers resistance to potato against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Helicoverpa armigera is one of the important insect pests adversely affecti ng the yield of potatoes in India. A synthetic gene encoding the insecticid al crystal protein (Cry1Ab) of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been introdu ced into five genotypes of potato using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Southern analysis of DNA from transgenic plants confirmed the integration and copy number of the transgene. Double-antibody quantitative sandwich ELISA analys is demonstrated high levels of Cry1Ab protein expression in transgenic plan ts. Insect bioassays on the leaves of transgenic plants showed considerable protection against the larvae of H. armigera in terms of leaf area consume d and larval weight reduction.