Metabolic flux analysis in Synechocystis using isotope distribution from 13C-labeled glucose

Using the carbon isotope labeling technique, the response of cyanobacterial central carbon metabolism to the change in environmental conditions was investigated. Synechocystis was grown in the heterotrophic and mixotrophic cultures fed with 13C-labeled glucose. The labeling patterns of the amino acids in biomass hydrolysates for both cultures were detected by the two-dimensional 1H-13C correlation nuclear magnetic resonance (2D 1H-13C COSY NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The in vivo intracellular flux distributions were then quantitated from the labeling measurements and metabolite balances using a parameters fitting approach. From the estimated flux distributions, it was found that the pentose phosphate pathway was the major pathway of glucose catabolism in the heterotrophic culture, while in the mixotrophic culture, the flux of CO2 fixation through the Calvin cycle was about two-fold of the glucose input flux. The relative flux through the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase was very high in both cultures, and this reaction represented about 25% of the assimilated CO2 in the mixotrophic culture. More importantly, we found a substantial outflow from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to glycolysis pathway carried by the malic enzyme, demonstrating the operation of a C4 pathway in cyanobacterial cells through the PEP carboxylase and malic enzyme. The estimated flux distributions also revealed that the NADPH synthesis was in excess relative to its requirement, and the excess NADPH might be reoxidized in cyanobacterial respiration to provide the energy for cellular requirement. Moreover, the analyzed result also suggested that the activity of the respiratory electron transport chain in cyanobacterial cells was not inhibited by light.     

Novel cyanobacterial biosensor for detection of herbicides

The aim of this work was to generate a cyanobacterial biosensor that could be used to detect herbicides and other environmental pollutants. A representative freshwater cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803, was chromosomally marked with the luciferase gene luc (from the firefly Photinus pyralis) to create a novel bioluminescent cyanobacterial strain. Successful expression of the luc gene during growth of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 cultures was characterized by measuring optical density and bioluminescence. Bioluminescence was optimized with regard to uptake of the luciferase substrate, luciferin, and the physiology of the cyanobacterium. Bioassays demonstrated that a novel luminescent cyanobacterial biosensor has been developed which responded to a range of compounds including different herbicide types and other toxins. This biosensor is expected to provide new opportunities for the rapid screening of environmental samples or for the investigation of potential environmental damage.     

Assessment of rapid bioassays for detecting cyanobacterial toxicity

Simple and easy-to-use bioassays with Artemia salina (brine shrimp) larvae, luminescent bacteria and Pseudomonas putida were evaluated for the detection of toxicity due to cyanobacterial hepato-and neurotoxins. The hepatotoxins and a neurotoxin, anatoxin-a, were extracted from laboratory-grown cultures and natural bloom samples by the solid phase fractionation method and dissolved in diluent for different bioassays. The toxin concentration of cyanobacterial extracts was determined with HPLC. The Artemia biotest appeared to be quite sensitive to cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, with LC 50 values of 3–17 mg l^-1. The Artemia test was also shown to be of value for the detection of toxicity caused by anatoxin-a. The fractionated extract of anatoxin-a was not lethal to Artemia but it disturbed the ability of the larvae to move forwards. Filtered cyanobacterial cultures with anatoxin-a, on the other hand, caused mortality of Artemia larvae at concentrations of 2–14 mg l^-1. With the solid phase fractionation of cyanobacterial samples, no non-specific toxicity due to compounds other than hepato- and neurotoxins was observed. In the luminescent bacteria test, the inhibition of luminescence did not correlate with the abundance of hepatotoxins or anatoxin-a. The growth of Ps. putida was enhanced, rather than inhibited by cyanobacterial toxin fractions.     

Tolerance to antimicrobial agents and persistence of Escherichia coli and cyanobacteria

Bacterial persistence is the tolerance of a small part of a cell population to bactericidal agents, which is attained by a suppression of important cell functions and subsequent deceleration or cessation of cell division. The growth rate is the decisive factor in the transition of the cells to the persister state. A comparative study of quickly growing Escherichia coli K-12 strain MC 4100 and cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 growing slowly was performed. The cyanobacterial cells, like E. coli cells, differed in sensitivity to antimicrobial substances depending on the growth phase. Carbenicillin inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a component of the bacterial cell wall, and lincomycin inhibiting the protein synthesis gave rise to nucleoid decay in cells from exponential cultures of Synechocystis 6803 and did not influence the nucleoids in cells from stationary cultures. Carbenicillin suppressed the growth of exponential cultures and had no effect on cyanobacterial stationary cultures. A suppression of Synechocystis 6803 growth in the exponential phase by lincomycin was stronger than in the stationary phase. Similar data were obtained with cyanobacterial cells under the action of H2O2 or menadione, an inducer of reactive oxygen species production. Slowly growing cyanobacteria were similar to quickly growing E. coli in their characteristics. Persistence is a characteristic feature of cyanobacteria.     

Regulation of cyanobacterial photosynthesis determined from variable fluorescence yields of photosystem II

Abstract The cyanobacteria Fremyella diplosiphon 7601 and Synechocystis 6701 were grown in continuous cultures with monochromatic red light (680 nm). The distribution of light energy over photosystem I and II was determined from changes in PS II fluorescence at 685 nm. In both organisms, wavelengths absorbed primarily by chlorophyll a caused the high fluorescent state of PS II (State 1), while wavelengths absorbed by the phycobilisome led to low PS II fluorescence (State 2). Superimposing continuous light 2 on the excitation light yielded State 2 fluorescence patterns for Synechocystis 6701, while F. diplosiphon 7601 showed fluorescence patterns similar to state 1 → 2 transitions and changes in fluorescence yield were related to the intensity of the background light. Some ecological implications of energy (re)distribution in cyanobacterial photosynthesis are discussed.     

饲料中添加水解鱼蛋白对半滑舌鳎稚鱼生长及生理生化指标的影响

试验研究了饲料中添加不同水平(0%、20%、40%和60%)的水解鱼蛋白(Fish potein hdrolysate,FPH)对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther)稚鱼生长及生理生化指标的影响。28d饲养实验结束后,对试验鱼生长指标、鱼体消化酶活性、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)及肠道发育情况进行分析。结果显示:实验鱼的存活率为64.44%—78.88%,其中20%与40%添加组存活率显著高于其他两组(P0.05);实验鱼的特定生长率(SGR)随饲料中FPH添加水平升高呈下降趋势,20%添加组特定生长率最高,显著高于其他3组(P0.05),且60%添加组与对照组(FM)之间无显著差异(P0.05);各试验组鱼体消化酶(脂肪酶、淀粉酶、胃蛋白酶和胰蛋白酶)的比活力在14d与28d时的强弱关系不一致。鱼体碱性磷酸酶比活力大小依次为:20%组40%组对照组60%组,各组间差异均显著(P0.05);半滑舌鳎肠道微绒毛长度和黏膜厚度均以20%添加组为最优,显著优于其他3组(P0.05)。以上结果表明,在实验条件下,饲料中FPH的添加水平为20%时,能提高半滑舌鳎稚鱼的存活率及生长性能,并增强其对营养物质的吸收能力。     

Effect of delayed metamorphosis on larval competence, and post-larval survival and growth, in the abalone Haliotis iris Gmelin

Marine invertebrate species vary in their ability to delay metamorphosis, and in the degree to which delayed metamorphosis compromises juvenile performance. Abalone (Haliotis iris) larvae were deprived of metamorphosis cues and the effects of delayed metamorphosis on larval competence, and post-larval growth and survival were quantified. Larvae were exposed to a metamorphosis inducer (the coralline alga Phymatolithon repandum (Foslie) Wilks and Woelkerling) on Days 11, 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 post-fertilisation (temperature 16-17 degrees C). Post-larvae were reared on diatoms (Nitzschia longissima Grunow) for 3-4 weeks post-metamorphosis. Delayed metamorphosis caused progressive negative effects on post-larval performance. Virtually all larvae initiated metamorphosis in response to P. repandum, regardless of larval age. The proportion of post-larvae that developed post-larval shell growth within 2 days of metamorphosis induction dropped only approximately 20% from Day 11 to Day 26 (P>0.05), but was significantly lower by Day 30 and Day 34 (P<0.001). Larvae that metamorphosed on Days 11, 18 and 22 showed high survival (>80%) and growth rates (means of 20-22 μm shell length per day). In contrast, larvae that metamorphosed on Day 26 and Day 30 had poor survival (30-40%) and lower (P<0.05) growth rates (15-16 μm/day). Of the larvae that metamorphosed on Day 34, only 7 (30%) survived their first week post-metamorphosis, and they grew only 2 μm/day on average. Only one of these post-larvae (4%) survived the second week. The visible yolk supply diminished over the life of the larvae and was near zero by Day 34. Nearly all larvae had died by Day 38. H. iris larvae remained competent to metamorphose for at least 3 weeks after they attained competence. Post-larval growth and survival were not reduced if metamorphosis occurred within 3 weeks of fertilisation. This extended period of larval competence implies that H. iris larvae can potentially disperse for up to several weeks before successful metamorphosis.     

Microalgal biomasses have potential as ingredients in microdiets for Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) post-larvae

Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) production presents several nutritional challenges, making this species a good candidate to study the dietary potential of bioactive compounds. Since proper nutrition plays a fundamental role in fish biology, it is necessary to further investigate species-specific and well-balanced diets in order to improve Senegalese sole juvenile farming. Algae have antioxidant properties, high-quality dietary protein, and are a source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluates the effects of dietary microalgal inclusion in both health status and growth performance of Senegalese sole post-larvae. Individuals 41 days after hatching (DAH) were randomly distributed among 12 tanks and four experimental diets were randomly distributed by triplicate groups. A basal diet served as CTRL and the experimental diets were formulated to include 3% of each of the algal biomass (CHLO, Chlorella sp. from heterotrophic production; PHAEO, Phaeodactylum sp.; and NANNO, Nannochloropsis sp.). At 50 DAH, 20 post-larvae/tank were collected and homogenized for analysis of immune and oxidative status, and at 61 DAH the total length, dry weight, and survival were assessed. No changes were observed in survival and total length of individuals, post-larvae fed NANNO, and CHLO dietary treatments increased dry weight at 61 DAH compared with those fed CTRL. While post-larvae immune status was apparently not altered by dietary treatments at 50 DAH, the total glutathione content decreased in fish fed PHAEO and CHLO dietary treatments compared to control diet. The observed results on improvement of growth performance without adverse effects on the immune status and decrease of endogenous total glutathione point to the fact that Nannochloropsis sp., Phaeodactylum sp., and Chlorella sp. could work as potential candidates for inclusion in microdiets for Senegalese sole.

     

Strong influences of larval diet history on subsequent post-settlement growth in the freshwater mollusc Dreissena polymorpha

A significant seasonal variation in size at settlement has been observed in newly settled larvae of Dreissena polymorpha in Lake Constance. Diet quality, which varies temporally and spatially in freshwater habitats, has been suggested as a significant factor influencing the life history and development of freshwater invertebrates. Accordingly, experiments were conducted with field-collected larvae to test the proposal that diet quality can determine planktonic larval growth rates, size at settlement and subsequent post-metamorphic growth rates. Larvae were fed one of two diets or starved. One diet was composed of cyanobacterial cells, which are deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the other was a mixed diet rich in PUFAs. Freshly metamorphosed animals from the starvation treatment had a carbon content per individual 70% lower than that of larvae fed the mixed diet. This apparent exhaustion of larval internal reserves resulted in a 50% reduction of the post-metamorphic growth rates. Growth was also reduced in animals previously fed the cyanobacterial diet. Hence, low food quantity or low food quality during the larval stage of D. polymorpha, lead to irreversible effects for post-metamorphic animals and are related to inferior competitive abilities.     

Influence of nutrient levels in Tamarix on Diorhabda sublineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) survival and fitness with implications for biological control

Establishment of the saltcedar leaf beetle (Diorhabda spp.) has been unpredictable when caged or released in the field for saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) biocontrol. It has been observed that one caged tree might be voraciously fed upon by beetles while an adjacent tree in the cage is left untouched. We hypothesized that differences in the nutrient content of individual trees may explain this behavior. We evaluated survival, development rate, and egg production of beetles fed in the laboratory on saltcedar foliage from trees that had been grown under a range of fertilizer treatments. Tissue samples from the experimental trees and from the field were analyzed for percent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There was essentially no survival of beetle larvae fed foliage from saltcedar trees at nitrogen levels below 2.0%. At levels above 2.0% N, beetle larvae had corresponding increased survival rates and shorter development times. Multiple regression analyses indicated that nitrogen and phosphorus are important for larval survival and faster development rates. Higher levels of potassium were important for increased egg cluster production. The plant tissue analysis showed that the percentage of nitrogen in the experimental trees reflected the range of trees in the field and also that there is high variability within trees in the field. Our research indicates that if beetles are released on trees with poor nutrient quality, the larvae will not survive.     

Age determination and estimation of larval period in field caught abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino 1953) larvae and newly metamorphosed post-larvae by counts of radular teeth rows

We developed an age determination method for larval and newly metamorphosed post-larval abalone Haliotis discus hannai in a laboratory experiment and determined the age of field caught individuals. Laboratory experiments showed that competent veliger larvae (4 days after fertilization) had a radula and regularly added rows of radular teeth with age in the absence of metamorphosis. Under environmentally relevant temperatures (17-22 °C), the number of rows of radular teeth increased linearly with age, but slopes of the regression lines were different among temperatures. Rows of radular teeth were added more slowly at lower temperatures. The effect of temperature on the development rate of the radula was quantified by the regression and the temperature coefficient, Q₁₀. The radular development of newly metamorphosed post-larvae, which had not acquired a peristomal shell (adult shell), was comparable with that of veliger larvae, although older post-larvae had a larger number of rows of radula than those of the same age of veliger larvae. From these results, an age determination method of veliger larvae and newly metamorphosed post-larvae was established, using the number of rows of radular teeth. The age of veliger larvae and newly metamorphosed post-larvae was determined by the age determination method for samples collected in August to October of 2003 and 2004 for which the thermal history of the coastal water of Miyagi Prefecture Japan was available. Only 9.1% of veliger larvae (n = 8) captured in the field had formed a radula and these were estimated to be 4-6 days old. The remaining 90.9% of larvae (n = 80) that had not formed a radula were classified as younger than 4 days old. All newly metamorphosed post-larvae (n = 24) that had metamorphosed on substrata were estimated to be 4-6 days old. Results of the field study indicate that these abalone metamorphosed within a few days after the acquisition of competence (4 days after fertilization) at this site, which has suitable crustose algal habitat.     

Complementary Behaviors of Maternal and Offspring <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera littoralis</Emphasis>: Oviposition Site Selection and Larval Movement Together Maximize Performance

The selection of oviposition and feeding sites within cotton plants by Spodoptera littoralis was investigated in the field in 2 years, 2007 and 2008. The female moths exhibited significant oviposition preference for young leaves (YL), particularly the 3rd and 4th leaves from top. The larvae originating from egg batches deposited on YL fed mostly in situ for about 5 days, after which they gradually moved their feeding site toward fully expanded or mature leaves on the same individual plant or on neighboring plants. Larvae hatching from batches deposited on fully expanded leaves (FE) fed in situ only for about 2 days, after which they moved toward younger leaves, where they fed for about 3 more days. After the fifth day, however, larvae of the two groups dispersed mainly downward and outward from their hatching site until the end of a 12-day observation. Larvae hatching from eggs deposited on mature or pre-senescent leaves (MP) moved mainly horizontally to other plants after a slight upward shift. The YL and FE larvae grew significantly faster than MP larvae, both in the field and in a laboratory experiment. In the laboratory experiment, the larval period was shorter and the pupal weight was higher when the animals were offered young leaves or young and fully expanded leaves, than when the animals were offered mature and pre-senescent leaves during the first 5 days after hatching. Possible causes and advantages of the exhibited oviposition preference, as well as the apparent ability of larvae to correct for small egg misplacements made by the females, are discussed.     

A conserved structure and function of the YidC homologous protein Slr1471 from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

In this article, we show that the orf slr1471 from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 codes for a functional member of the YidC/Alb3/Oxa1 protein family, and the encoded protein has a transmembrane topology with a common core structure. Using specific antibodies raised against the Synechocystis YidC homologous protein, we further show that the Synechocystis YidC protein appears to be predominantly localized in the cyanobacterial cytoplasmic membrane. The impact of the described findings for synthesis of membrane proteins and for protein sorting within cyanobacterial cells is discussed.     

海蜇幼体与对虾幼体相食关系的实验观察

本文于１９９２年和１９９３年４月下旬至５月上旬，在莱州市对虾育苗增殖场对海蜇幼体与对虾幼体的相食关系进行了实验观察。结果表明：对虾各期幼体均不摄食海蜇各期幼体。海蜇各期幼体摄食对虾各期幼体的能力不同，其中以伞径１０－２０ｍｍ的后期碟状幼体摄食对虾无节幼体和蚤状幼体的比率最高，摄食糠虾幼体和仔虾的比率较低；而伞径２０ｍｍ以上的幼蜇不能吃掉仔虾。文中还对今后合理放流增殖海蜇和对虾资源提出了初步看法。     

Growth and survival of river catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) larvae fed isocaloric diets with different protein levels during weaning

The growth of river catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) larvae fed four isocaloric diets (4200 kcal kg^?1) with different protein levels during weaning was determined. Diets containing 45, 50, 55, and 60% protein were formulated by linear programming using amino acid profiles based on that of 2‐day‐old river catfish larvae. Artificial diets were fed to the larvae beginning at day 5 after being initially fed Artemia nauplii for 4 days. The larvae thrived solely on artificial diets from day 8 to day 16. On the other hand, the control larvae were fed Artemia nauplii from day 1 to day 16. Results of the feeding trial showed that growth and survival of M. nemurus larvae given the diet containing 60% protein were high and comparable to those of the larvae given only live food (control). Larvae fed the 55% protein diet had significantly lower growth and survival than the larvae on the control and 60% diets but significantly higher growth and survival rates than did larvae fed with 45 and 50% protein diets. Carcass moisture and total lipids after 16 days of feeding did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), but body protein increased with increasing dietary protein. Body protein of the control larvae was similar to that of larvae given the 60% protein diet.     

小鼠金属硫蛋白在聚胞藻中的金属诱导表达与纯化

应用蓝藻类金属硫蛋白基因启动子(smt O-P)的金属诱导性,在单细胞的聚胞藻PCC 6803中表达小鼠金属硫蛋白结构基因(mMT-1 cDNA)。在大肠杆菌HB 101中构建含有smt O-P和mMT1 cDNA的穿梭表达载体pKT-MRE,经质粒转移,链霉素筛选,Southern和Western杂交分析鉴定得稳定的转基因工程藻落。同时,做小批量锌诱导表达,并纯化了外源蛋白,5L培养液含鲜藻重5.0g,得到3.5mg mMT-1;转基因藻在高金属浓度下的耐受性测定表明,外源基因的表达提高了蓝藻对金属离子的抗性,约为野生藻的2倍。     

Purification and characterization of acyl carrier protein from two cyanobacteria species

The acyl carrier protein (ACP), an essential protein cofactor for fatty acid synthesis, has been isolated from two cyanobacteria: the filamentous, heterocystous, Anabaena variabilis (ATCC 29211) and the unicellular Synechocystis 6803 (ATCC 27184). Both ACPs have been purified to homogeneity utilizing a three-column procedure. Synechocystis 6803 ACP was purified 1800-fold with 67% yield, while A. variabilis ACP was purified 1040-fold with 50% yield. Yields of 13.0 micrograms ACP/g Synechocystis 6803 and 9.0 micrograms ACP/g A. variabilis were achieved. Amino acid analysis indicated that these ACPs were highly charged acidic proteins similar to other known ACPs. Sequence analysis revealed that both cyanobacterial ACPs were highly conserved with both spinach and Escherichia coli ACP at the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group region. Examining the probability of alpha-helix and beta-turn regions in various ACPs, showed that cyanobacterial ACPs were more closely related to E. coli ACP than spinach ACP I. Immunoblot analysis and a competitive binding assay for ACP illustrated that both ACPs bound poorly to spinach ACP I antibody. SDS/PAGE and native PAGE of Synechocystis 6803 ACP and A. variabilis ACP showed that cyanobacteria ACPs co-migrated with E. coli ACP and had relative molecular masses of 18,100 and 17,900 respectively. Both native and urea gel analysis of acyl-ACP products from fatty acid synthase reactions demonstrated that bacterial ACPs and plant ACP gave essentially the same metabolic products when assayed using either bacterial or plant fatty acid synthase. A. variabilis and Synechocystis 6803 ACP could be acylated using E. coli acyl ACP synthetase.     

Trypsin activity and physiological aspects in larval rearing of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) using live prey and compound diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a compound diet as a live prey substitute for feeding European sea bass larvae ( Dicentrarchus labrax L.). The effect of a commercial diet (Nippai ML feed) and live prey ( Artemia nauplii) on tryptic enzyme activity, protein content, growth (standard length) and survival rates of sea bass larvae were tested during a 27-day rearing experiment. Sea bass larvae were divided into two groups. The live food group (control group) was fed exclusively on newly hatched Artemia nauplii (Inve AF grade), the test group was fed exclusively with the compound diet from day 15 onwards. As trypsin has been demonstrated to be a useful indicator for evaluating digestibility of food and the nutritional condition of fish larvae, individual tryptic enzyme activity was determined in both feeding groups. Larvae older than 14 days after hatching and fed on live food showed a significantly higher tryptic enzyme activity than larvae fed the compound diet. A similar relationship between tryptic activity and standard length in both test groups was detected only in small larvae (standard length < 7 mm). The usefulness of proteolytic enzyme activity measurements in larval fish research, as well as its use in aquaculture nutrition research, was confirmed. Protein content, increase in length and survival rates of the sea bass larvae were additionally determined in order to evaluate an influence on the diet. The protein content of larvae fed the Artemia nauplii was higher and the growth of larvae fed the compound diet was reduced. Larval mortality was not affected by the diet given.     

Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) and cyanobacteria: an example of larval habitat selection

Northern Belize has extensive herbaceous wetlands. Those dominated by sparse emergent macrophytes, rushes (Eleocharis spp.) and sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz), often develop floating mats of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These mats provide suitable habitat for larvae of the malaria transmitting mosquito Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann. Presence/absence of A. albimanus larvae and cyanobacterial mats was assessed in marshes located throughout northern Belize. Of the 21 marshes examined during the 1993 wet and 1994 dry seasons, cyanobacterial mats were found in 11 and A. albimanus larvae were detected in 9 of these 11 marshes. No A. albimanus larvae were found in marshes without cyanobacterial mats. Mosquito larvae were collected along two 1,000 m long transects in both the wet season (August 1993) and the dry season (March 1994) to delineate larval distribution in marshes with cyanobacterial mats. A. albimanus larval densities in cyanobacterial mats were relatively high in both seasons: 2.8 and 2.3 larvae per dip in the wet and dry seasons, respectively, in Chan Chen marsh; and 0.8 and 1.02 larvae per dip in Buena Vista marsh. Numbers of larvae per dip did not significantly change with increasing distance from houses/pastures or margins of the marsh. A field experiment showed a strong preference of ovipositing A. albimanus for cyanobacterial mats. Higher temperatures and higher CO2 emissions from cyanobacterial mats are possible ovipositional cues.     

转Bt基因玉米对甜菜夜蛾幼虫存活和发育的影响

在室内测定了2种转Cry1Ab基因的Bt玉米MON810和Bt11不同组织对甜菜夜蛾 Spodoptera exigua （Hübner）初孵幼虫以及心叶对4龄幼虫存活和发育的影响,在田间比较了甜菜夜蛾幼虫取食Bt 和非Bt玉米雌穗的存活和为害情况。结果表明,转Cry1Ab基因的Bt玉米的不同组织对甜菜夜蛾初孵幼虫都具有明显的杀虫活性,取食Bt玉米心叶、苞叶、籽粒时甜菜夜蛾均在幼虫期死亡; 取食MON810和Bt11雄穗的初孵幼虫化蛹率分别为5.2%和2.1%,羽化率为2.1%和1.0%;取食MON810和Bt11花丝的初孵幼虫化蛹率分别为1.0%和2.1%,但不能羽化。4龄幼虫取食MON810玉米心叶的化蛹率与对照差异不显著,而取食Bt11的化蛹率与对照差异显著; 取食两种Bt玉米心叶的４龄幼虫化蛹后的雌、雄蛹重和羽化率与对照组差异显著,但蛹期和平均单雌产卵量差异不显著,虽然对照组羽化的成虫平均产卵量高于Bt玉米组。田间接种初孵幼虫10 天后的调查结果表明,在MON810和Bt11玉米花丝上幼虫存活率分别为1.3%和0.3%, 而对照组分别为12.9%和16.2%;MON810和Bt11玉米雌穗被害率分别为18.3%和5.0%,而对照组分别为93.3%和95.0%,均显著低于对照组。