Correlating differences in larval survival and development of bollworm (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) and fall armyworm (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) to differential expression of Cry1A (c) delta-endotoxin in various plant parts among commercial cultivars of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis cotton

Differences in larval survival and development of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith), respective ly, were found to exist among commercially available Cry1A(c) transgenic Ba cillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) varieties. Using a quantification assay (ELISA) to measure the levels of delta -endotoxin in two of these varieties ('DP 451B/RR' and 'NuCOTN 33B'), differences in the amount of delta -endot oxin present in various plant parts was correlated with larval survival of bollworms and larval development of fall armyworms throughout the growing s eason. Larvae that were fed on DP 451B/RR completed development faster and exhibited better survivorship than those larvae fed NuCOTN 33B, whereas low er levels of delta -endotoxin were generally detected in plant parts from D P 451B/RR compared with NuCOTN 33B. These differences may impact population dynamics of these pests which may be a critical factor in managing resista nce to Bt. Furthermore, the utility of using this system for providing info rmation to the grower concerning varietal choices may be more common in the future.