Screening of oilseed rape cultivars relation to diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (Lep.: Plutellidae) in fields of Tehran

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae), is one of the most important pests of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L., in the world. In this study, resistance of oilseed rape cultivars to DBM was evaluated in fields of Tehran based on injury rate of the cultivars. To evaluate cultivar resistance, 19 cultivars of oilseed rape were planted in randomised complete-block design with three replications. Total experiments were conducted in experimental field of Shahed University. Results showed that DBM had activity on the plants during season and peak of the injury occurred on 27 May. Results indicated that the total of oilseed rape cultivar was spotty. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference among determined characteristics in all cultivars. The highest and lowest numbers of holes in the leaf were observed in Midas, Karaj3, Zarfam and Hyola420, Hyola308 cultivars, respectively, in sampling of the end growth. Opera and Midas cultivars have the highest percentage of leaf infestation and the lowest percentage of leaf infestation was observed in Hyola420 and Hyola308. Also, Karaj3 and Zarfam cultivars have the highest percentage of meristem infestation and the lowest percentage of meristem infestation was observed in Licard and Hyola420 cultivars. Based on peak of the injury rate and importance of meristem injury, Hyola420 and Hyola308 cultivars were relatively resistant to DBM, and Karaj3 and Zarfam were relatively sensitive to DBM.     

Transgenic broccoli with high levels of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1C protein control diamondback moth larvae resistant to Cry1A or Cry1C

A synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1C gene was introduced into broccoli (Brassica oleracea ssp. italica) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Twenty-one Cry1C transgenic plants were regenerated from 400 hypocotyl and petiole explants. Variable amounts of stable steady- state cry1C mRNA accumulated in different transgenic plants. Cry1C protein (up to 0.4% of total soluble protein) was produced in correlation with the cry1C mRNA levels. Leaf section and whole-plant bioassays were done using diamondback moth (DBM) larvae from lines susceptible to Bt or resistant to Cry1A or Cry1C proteins (Cry1AR or Cry1CR, respectively). Plants with high levels of Cry1C protein caused rapid and complete mortality of all three types of DBM larvae with no defoliation. Plants with lower levels of Cry1C protein showed an increasing differential between control of susceptible of Cry1AR DBM. This study demonstrated that high production of Cry1C protein can protect transgenic broccoli not only from susceptible or Cry1AR DBM larvae but also from DBM selected for moderate levels of resistance of Cry1C. The Cry1C- transgenic broccoli were also resistant to two other lepidopteran pests of crucifers (cabbage looper and imported cabbage worm). These plants will be useful in studies of resistance management strategies involving multiple transgenes. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Influence of plant sulphur nutrition on oviposition and larval performance of the diamondback moth

We measured adult oviposition preference, larval growth, and feeding behaviour of the crucifer specialist Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on plants of Brassica napus (L.) cv. Express (Brassicaceae), grown under three different sulphur regimes. The nutrient solutions used were the following: one sulphur‐free (S₀), one normal sulphur (S_n, normal field concentration), and one sulphur‐rich (S₊, double concentration of S_n). Females laid more eggs on S_n than on S₀ plants, while only a slight, non‐significant difference was observed between S_n and S₊ plants. Moreover, the development time from hatching to emergence was significantly shorter, and adults were heavier on S_n than on S₀ plants. Comparing these same two parameters from S_n and S₊ plants, we found a shorter development time on plants rich in sulphur, although this trend was not statistically significant. Larval feeding preferences were tested in a dual choice assay using leaf discs. A significantly higher number of larvae preferred leaf discs of S_n plants than those of S₀ plants. Furthermore, the larvae preferred S₊ to S_n discs. An optimal supply of sulphur to oilseed rape is necessary for a good seed harvest, and it also plays an important role in acceptance by P. xylostella of the host plant. Maintaining higher levels of sulphur in the plant nutrient solution benefits insect performance, both at the adult and larval stage.     

Monitoring of resistance for the diamondback moth to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac and Cry1Ba toxins and a Bt commercial formulation

Abstract:  To monitor the resistance of field populations of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella in China to the insecticidal protein Cry1Ac, Cry1Ba and commercial formulation Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), six representative populations of the diamondback moth were collected from Shanghai, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces of China where crucifer crop plants are intensively planted. Bioassay results showed that the populations of the diamondback moth from different locations exhibited different levels of resistance, compared with a susceptible laboratory population. The Guangdong field population was 56.15- and 21.90-fold resistant to Cry1Ac and Btk, respectively. Shanghai, Hunan, Shandong and Zhejiang populations were 37.85-, 17.24-, 10.24- and 9.41-fold resistant to Cry1Ac, respectively, but were not resistant to Btk. The Hubei population did not show resistance to Cry1Ac and Btk. Almost all tested populations were susceptible to Cry1Ba, but the Guangdong population showed some tolerance to Cry1Ba with a LC₅₀ of 0.69  μ g/ml which was 6.17-fold higher than that of the susceptible population. The results suggested that the complex resistance patterns of field populations of P. xylostella need to be considered for expression of Bt toxin genes in genetically-engineered crop plants and commercial formulations.     

小菜蛾热休克蛋白基因的鉴定及其表达模式分析

热休克蛋白(heat shock protein, HSP)在昆虫应对外界胁迫刺激时起着重要作用。为了系统研究小菜蛾Plutella xylostella HSP基因家族, 根据家蚕的HSP蛋白序列, 采用本地Blast程序对小菜蛾全基因组数据库进行同源序列检索, 从小菜蛾基因组数据库中鉴定了25个HSP基因, 包括2个HSP90、 8个HSP70和15个sHSP（small heat shock protein, sHSP）基因。小菜蛾、 家蚕Bombyx mori、 黑腹果蝇Drosophila melanogaster和赤拟谷盗Tribolium castaneum的HSP系统进化分析显示, 昆虫的小分子量热休克蛋白sHSP具有很强的种属特异性, HSP70家族的保守性比sHSP强。小菜蛾HSP基因表达模式分析显示, 与敏感品系对比, 抗性品系（抗毒死蜱和抗氟虫氰品系）中HSP基因具有不同的表达模式。小菜蛾1, 2和3龄幼虫HSP基因表达模式较为接近, 而与4龄幼虫中的表达模式相差较大; 4龄幼虫和蛹中的表达模式相近; 雌成虫和雄成虫中的表达模式显著不同, 与果蝇精子形成有关的两个热休克蛋白HSP23和HSP27基因［分别为CCG003980.1 (Px23.5)和CCG005412.2 (Px27.5)］, 在小菜蛾雄成虫中的表达量显著高于雌成虫。研究结果表明小菜蛾HSP基因不仅在杀虫剂抗性、 发育分化, 甚至在生殖上均可能起着重要的作用。本研究为深入研究小菜蛾HSP与生长发育、 抗逆行为的相互关系奠定了基础。     

小菜蛾触角结合蛋白PxylOBP31的鉴定与结合特性分析

【目的】触角结合蛋白(antennal binding proteins,ABPs)为昆虫气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins,OBPs)家族的一个亚类,是昆虫识别和响应外界环境中气味信号的载体之一,对昆虫的生存和繁衍有着重要的意义。明确触角结合蛋白在小菜蛾Plutella xylostella(L.)嗅觉识别中的作用,有助于揭示小菜蛾嗅觉识别分子机制。【方法】利用PCR技术克隆小菜蛾的一个触角结合蛋白基因;采用实时荧光定量PCR技术对该基因在小菜蛾不同发育阶段和成虫不同组织中的表达量进行分析;利用荧光竞争结合实验测试该触角结合蛋白与39种配基化合物的结合特性。【结果】成功克隆了一个小菜蛾触角结合蛋白基因,命名为Pxyl OBP31(Gen Bank登录号:KT156676)。序列分析结果显示,其开放阅读框全长411 bp,编码136个氨基酸,N端自起始位置开始21个氨基酸为信号肽,含有气味结合蛋白家族的6个保守半胱氨酸残基,预测分子量为14.74 k D,等电点为4.41。表达谱分析表明,Pxyl OBP31主要在雄蛾中表达,且交配后的雄蛾中表达量明显降低;该基因在小菜蛾触角中有较高表达,在雄蛾触角中的表达量比雌蛾触角中高近2倍。结合特性实验结果显示,Pxyl OBP31与醛、酮、萜品油烯以及邻苯二甲酸二异丁酯等物质的结合能力较强,与3种性信息素及其他烯烃与酯类结合能力弱。【结论】本研究明确了Pxyl OBP31的核苷酸序列以及发育和组织表达谱。根据qRT-PCR和荧光竞争结合实验结果,推测Pxyl OBP31蛋白可能与小菜蛾觅偶、定位寄主植物等行为有关。     

Species-specific differences in oak foliage affect preference and performance of gypsy moth caterpillars

Laboratory feeding experiments using two transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rape cultivars (Bt‐Westar and Bt‐Oscar) both expressing the Cry1Ac protein, and the corresponding untransformed lines, were carried out to study the effects of transgenic Bt rape on the non‐target herbivore Athalia rosae (L.) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). Furthermore, Cry1Ac protein concentration in Bt rape leaves, A. rosae larvae fed Bt rape, their faeces, eonymph instars, pupae, and adults were quantified using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no significant differences in mortality, larval development, and weight between transgenic Bt rape and non‐transgenic rape fed A. rosae. Additionally, we did not detect any significant differences in the fecundity and fertility of adult females either fed as larvae with transgenic Bt or with non‐transgenic rape. However, results of the ELISA indicated that Cry1Ac protein was detectable in larvae and faeces (Bt‐Westar 1.1 ± 0.2 and Bt‐Oscar 0.3 ± 0.2 µg Cry1Ac protein/g fresh weight) although this was less than in the leaf material, where concentrations were 2.2 ± 0.8 µg Cry1Ac protein/g fresh weight for Bt‐Westar and 7.5 ± 2.9 µg Cry1Ac protein/g fresh weight in Bt‐Oscar. In contrast, Cry1Ac protein could not be detected in eonymphs, pupae, or adults of A. rosae. Our results suggest that Cry1Ac protein in Bt rape does not have a significant effect on the herbivore A. rosae but the protein is still detectable after ingestion and excretion by these herbivores, thus providing the possibility of exposure to organisms other than herbivores.     

cDNA characterization and expression analysis of two arylphorin-like hexameric protein genes from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

We cloned and characterized two hexameric storage protein genes, PxAry1 and PxAry2, from Plutella xylostella and investigated the expression pattern in different developmental stages and in response to treatment by a juvenile hormone (JH) analog. The complete coding sequences of PxAry1 and PxAry2 are comprised of 2,097 and 2,094 bp with 699 and 698 amino acid residues, respectively. Signal peptides of 16 amino acids are predicted at the N-termini. According to both the phylogenetic analysis and amino acid composition (>16% aromatic amino acids), PxAry1 and PxAry2 belong to the arylphorin-like protein genes. Analysis using Northern hybridization and RT-PCR showed varying levels of genes expression in the developmental stages with a small difference between sexes. Expression of both genes in fourth instar larvae was suppressed after treatment with a JH-analog. Southern hybridization revealed the presence of multiple arylphorin genes in the genome.     

小菜蛾抗药性及其治理对策的研究进展

小菜蛾（Plutella xylostella L.）的抗药性研究是一项全球性的重要课题。本从其抗药性发展、抗药性机理研究进展、抗药性检测及研究手段的状况、抗药性治理对策等方面,对小菜蛾抗药性的研究进展进行综述。目前,对小菜蛾抗药性的分子水平上的探讨甚少。     

小菜蛾芳基酰胺酶表达及其与呋喃虫酰肼抗性的关系

以对硝基乙酰苯胺为底物,采用紫外分光光度计比色法,研究了小菜蛾Plutella xylostella(L.)体内芳基酰胺酶酶促反应的最适反应条件、各发育阶段和不同组织中芳基酰胺酶的活性及亚细胞分布及其与小菜蛾对呋喃虫酰肼抗性的关系。结果表明,小菜蛾芳基酰胺酶最适反应条件为35℃,pH7.5,底物浓度为1.2×10-3mol/L,反应时间30min。利用非变性聚丙烯凝胶电泳活性染色及SDS-PAGE法测得小菜蛾芳基酰胺酶的分子量为61.1ku。小菜蛾4龄幼虫的芳基酰胺酶活性最高。不同亚细胞层中,芳基酰胺酶活力大小依次为线粒体层>微粒体层>细胞核和细胞碎片层>可溶性部分。芳基酰胺酶主要分布在小菜蛾4龄幼虫的腹部,其余依次为表皮、头部和胸部。小菜蛾呋喃虫酰肼抗性品系芳基酰胺酶的活性是敏感品系的3.89倍,表明该酶参与了小菜蛾对呋喃虫酰肼的抗性形成。     

小菜蛾溴氰菊酯敏感和抗性品系蛋白质表达谱的比较分析

杀虫剂抗性是害虫防治中的一个主要挑战。为有效治理抗性, 我们必须了解杀虫剂诱导的害虫生理生化变化。目前害虫抗药性的一些机理已经清楚, 但更多的相关机制还有待探究。本研究通过蛋白质组学方法检测了小菜蛾Plutella xylostella溴氰菊酯敏感和抗性品系间蛋白质组的表达差异。结果显示： SDS-PAGE胶上有大约300个蛋白差异点, 其中23个蛋白点具2.5倍以上的表达差异, 通过MALDI-TOF-MS, 我们成功鉴定出8个蛋白, 其中包括化感蛋白CSP2、 铜锌超氧化物歧化酶和peroxiredoxin样蛋白。通过实时定量PCR（real-time quantitative PCR, qPCR）分析了其中5个蛋白的mRNA 表达水平, 结果表明mRNA 表达水平不能真实反映蛋白的表达水平。免疫印迹验证了双向电泳中SOD1的表达差异。本研究有力地证明溴氰菊酯诱导小菜蛾成虫蛋白质组表达变化, 这为进一步筛选抗性靶标提供很大的帮助。     

小菜蛾鞣化激素基因克隆及其功能分析

鞣化激素是调节昆虫表皮骨化和翅膀发育的一种神经激素, 尽管已经在许多不同种昆虫上克隆了鞣化激素基因, 但是关于小菜蛾 Plutella xylostella鞣化激素及其基因的研究至今未见报道。本研究克隆了两个小菜蛾鞣化激素基因Pxbursα和Pxbursβ （GenBank 登录号分别为KF498645和KF498646）全长cDNA, 其序列长度分别为537 bp和360 bp, 与已报道的其他昆虫的鞣化激素氨基酸序列一致性分别为51%~68% 和37%~57%。实时定量PCR分析发现Pxbursα和Pxbursβ均在蛹期表达量高, 而在幼虫期和成虫期的表达量低。以Pxbursα部分序列的双链RNA（dsRNA）饲喂小菜蛾4龄末期幼虫, 发现蛹期Pxbursα的表达受到了显著抑制, 小菜蛾的发育停滞在蛹期而无法正常羽化, 并最终死亡。由此推测, 小菜蛾鞣化激素基因在蛹期的大量表达对其生长发育和羽化具有重要的作用。     

Expression of Bt cry1Ac in transgenic oilseed rape in China and transgenic performance of intraspecific hybrids against Helicoverpa armigera larvae

The expression of a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) cry1Ac gene in oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus ) was monitored under field conditions in China, and performance against Helicoverpa armigera larvae was compared in intraspecific hybrids with a Chinese OSR variety. Leaf samples from transgenic OSR were collected at various developmental stages in two separate field experiments. The Bt Cry1Ac concentrations in the third uppermost leaves increased before pod formation stage and either increased or decreased after pod formation stage whereas the total soluble protein increased before and decreased after pod-fill in the later growing season. Spontaneously formed intraspecific hybrids between transgenic OSR and a Chinese conventional OSR were obtained in the field and transgenic status was confirmed by a green fluorescent protein (GFP) phenotype and polymerase chain reaction. A bioassay on the neonate larvae of a susceptible strain of H.   armigera was performed to test the efficacy of Bt Cry1Ac toxin in hybrid OSR plants. Both the original transgenic OSR and hybrid plants had a negative effect on body-weight gain of insect larvae. It was assumed that Bt Cry1Ac toxin concentration was similar in hybrids compared to the original transgenic OSR at the investigated developmental stages. The frequency of hybrid production and volunteerism could potentially enhance the evolution of insect pest tolerance in the field.     

小菜蛾化学感受蛋白基因PxylCSP1的克隆和表达

利用RT-PCR和RACE技术克隆到小菜蛾Plutella xylostella 化学感受蛋白（CSP）基因PxylCSP1（GenBank登录号: FJ361903）,其核苷酸序列全长405 bp,编码134个氨基酸残基,预测N-末端包含19个氨基酸组成的信号肽序列,估测其成熟蛋白分子量为13.56 kD,等电点为6.12。该基因编码氨基酸序列和其他鳞翅目昆虫CSP的氨基酸序列比对同源性较高（70%~80%）。RT-PCR结果表明PxylCSP1不仅存在于小菜蛾的触角中,还存在于头、足、腹和翅中。Real-time PCR结果表明PxylCSP1的表达水平因被测小菜蛾的性别、日龄、组织不同和交配与否而异。     

Dynamic expression of green fluorescent protein and Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac endotaxin in interspecific hybrids and successive backcross generations (BC1 and BC2) between transgenic Brassica napus crop and wild Brassica juncea

The persistence and stability of a transgene encoding a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac insecticidal protein was investigated in hybrids between crop Brassica napus and a recurrent wild Brassica juncea population. Interspecific hybrids (F₁) and backcross progenies (BC₁, BC₂) containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Bt genes were successfully produced in the greenhouse. Stable Bt toxin levels were found in hybrid and advanced backcross progenies formed in wild B. juncea. Bt Cry1Ac concentration was significantly lower in BC₂ plants than in transgenic B. napus, F₁, BC₁, while no significant differences were detected among the latter three plant genotypes. A GFP marker gene was used as a scorable marker and indicator of Bt transgene expression. GFP fluorescence intensity was significantly correlated with Bt Cry1Ac concentration at the flowering stage and the pod formation stage in both transgenic oilseed rape hybrids and backcrossed progenies (BC₁, BC₂). It was demonstrated that GFP was a suitable marker for Bt protein in the backcross of B. juncea, which could facilitate the detection of gene flow and is useful in biosafety management.