Sublethal effects of Bt toxin and chlorpyrifos on various Spodoptera exigua populations

Bt cotton (Cry1Ac) has been commercially grown in China since 1997, saving China's cotton production from attack by Bt‐target pests and also tremendously reducing pesticide usage. In recent years, however, Bt cotton, with 4.2 million ha of cultivation, has suffered from a secondary target pest, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In China, growers have even had to re‐adopt conventional pesticides to control the pest, and this practice has already caused serious pesticide residue. In order to clarify the sublethal effects of chemical pesticide, the responses of a Bt‐susceptible and a Bt‐tolerant (Bt10) S. exigua strain to three treatment combinations were examined, including Bt toxin, sublethal chlorpyrifos, and Bt + sublethal chlorpyrifos. The susceptible and the Bt10 strain responded differently to dual pressure. Bt toxin + sublethal chlorpyrifos treatment lowered larval mortality and stimulated population increase of the susceptible S. exigua, whereas it delayed growth and development of the Bt10 strain. Under dual pressure, although larvae of the Bt10 strain developed faster than larvae of the susceptible strain, the Bt10 population experienced higher larval mortality, prolonged pupal duration, decreased pupal weight, decreased emergence rate, and shortened adult longevity. Compared with the susceptible strain, the Bt10 strain was deleteriously affected by sublethal chlorpyrifos. The Bt‐tolerant/resistant S. exigua population was more vulnerable to chemical pesticides like chlorpyrifos regardless of whether it was exposed to Bt toxin or not. Our study provides a reference for increasing the efficacy of control of S. exigua in Bt‐cotton planting areas.     

Bt棉花对棉铃虫幼虫选择性行为的影响

利用“H”型嗅觉仪测定结果表明 :在棉花蕾期、花铃期 ,棉铃虫 2龄幼虫对常规棉的棉叶、嫩头的选择性明显高于转基因棉花品种 ,差异达显著或极显著水平。但 3龄幼虫对两者的选择性差异并不显著 ;而在棉花蕾期 ,果枝对棉铃虫 2龄幼虫选择性行为有一定的影响。试验初步说明Bt棉对棉铃虫低龄幼虫有一定的忌避作用 ,而对高龄幼虫忌避效应不显著。     

Oviposition and feeding avoidance in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) against transgenic Bt cotton

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), the major target pest of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, remains susceptible to Bt cotton in China at present. Behavioural avoidance by ovipositing females might lead to reduced exposure to Bt cotton and minimize selection for physiological resistance. We examined the behavioural responses of H. armigera to Bt and non‐Bt cottons to determine whether behavioural avoidance to Bt cotton may be present. In oviposition choice tests, the number of eggs on non‐Bt cotton plants was significantly higher than on Bt cotton plants. Similarly, in no‐choice tests, Bt cotton plants attracted significantly fewer eggs compared with non‐Bt cotton plants. H. armigera neonates showed higher dispersal and lower establishment on Bt cotton than on non‐Bt cotton. First instars were found to feed consistently on non‐Bt cotton leaves, creating large feeding holes, but only produced tiny feeding holes on Bt cotton leaves. The H. armigera population used in this study showed avoidance of oviposition and feeding on Bt cotton. Our results provide important insights into one possible mechanism underlying the durability of Bt cotton resistance and may be useful for improving strategies to sustain the effectiveness of Bt crops.     

Depressed performance and detoxification enzyme activities of Helicoverpa armigera fed with conventional cotton foliage subjected to methyl jasmonate exposure

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA)‐mediated defense in conventional cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae), against cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was investigated with respect to the activities of the detoxification enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione S‐transferases (GST) in pupae as well as the performance of larvae. The results suggested that exogenous application of MeJA to cotton leaves depressed the activities of AChE, CarE, and GST of cotton bollworm pupae. Both the absolute and protein‐specific AChE activities of pupae were depressed at all three MeJA concentrations applied as compared with a control, and the effects of 0.4 mM MeJA were significantly higher than those of 0.1 and 0.2 mM. A marked reduction in absolute CarE activity was observed at the 0.4 mM MeJA treatment, whereas the protein‐specific activity was increased by 0.2 and 0.4 mM. Absolute GST activity was significantly depressed only by the 0.4 mM MeJA treatment, whereas protein‐specific GST activity was not markedly affected by MeJA. Protein content of pupae was reduced by 0.4 mM MeJA‐induced defense in cotton leaves. The development time of larvae was protracted and pupal weight was reduced by 0.1 and 0.4 mM MeJA‐treated cotton leaves. Larval weight gain was inhibited significantly on 0.2 and 0.4 mM MeJA‐treated cotton leaves. The results suggested that MeJA‐induced plant defense may have adverse effects on H. armigera. In addition to the inhibition of growth and development, induced defense may also impair the insect's ability to detoxify toxic plant secondary metabolites.     

Yield,development, and quality response of dual‐toxin Bt cotton to Helicoverpa spp. infestations in Australia

To verify current thresholds for Bollgard II^® cotton in Australia, the impact of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae on yield, development, and quality under various infestation intensities and durations, and stages of growth, was tested using small plot field experiments over two seasons. Infestation with up to 80 eggs m^?1 of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa punctigera Wallengren showed that species, infestation level, and stage of growth had no significant effect on yields of seed‐cotton or lint and on maturity and fibre quality. The duration of infestation of white flowers with H. punctigera neonates (maximum of every day for up to 4 weeks) had no impact on the yield of seed‐cotton or lint, maturity, and fibre quality, but when 100% of flowers were infested (compared with 0 or 50%), seed‐cotton and lint yields were significantly reduced and maturity was delayed. Infestation with up to 18 medium H. armigera larvae m^?1 at several plant stages did not significantly affect yields of seed‐cotton and lint, maturity, and fibre quality. A heliocide spray applied on a commercial farm at the current threshold resulted in a significantly higher lint yield, compared with a farm where no spray was applied. In conclusion, Bollgard II^® cotton is highly resistant to Helicoverpa spp. infestation.     

Feeding behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera larvae on insect-resistant transgenic cotton and non-transgenic cotton

Abstract: Feeding behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lep.; Noctuidae) larvae on non‐transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), Zhong 30, and transgenic cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI)‐Bt cotton, SGK 321, and non‐transgenic cotton, Shiyuan 321, was investigated in both choice tests and no‐choice tests. The results of choice tests suggested that neonates have the ability to detect and avoid transgenic cotton. In the choice tests of neonates with both transgenic and non‐transgenic cotton leaves, a significantly greater proportion of larvae and higher consumption were observed on non‐transgenic cotton than on the transgenic Bt or CpTI‐Bt cotton. In the choice tests with leaves of two transgenic cotton lines, the proportion of neonates on leaf discs of the two lines was not significantly different, but there was significantly higher consumption on CpTI‐Bt transgenic cotton than that on Bt transgenic cotton. In addition, significantly more neonates were found away from the leaf discs, lower consumption and higher mortality were achieved in the choice test with two transgenic cotton leaves than in the choice tests containing non‐transgenic cotton leaves. Leaves and buds were examined in choice tests of fourth instars. It appeared that fourth instars were found in equal numbers on transgenic and non‐transgenic cotton, except when larvae were exposed to leaves for 3 h. However, the total consumption on transgenic cotton was lower than that of the non‐transgenic cotton, so fourth instars may still have the capacity to detect transgenic cotton and reduce feeding on it, although they showed no preference on either transgenic or non‐transgenic cotton. More larvae were found off diet in the treatments with leaves than that of buds, and the number of injured leaf discs by per fourth instar was significantly higher than that of buds in choice tests, suggesting that leaf is a less preferred organ for H. armigera larvae, elicited more larval movements. Similarly, in no‐choice tests of fifth instars, significantly fewer feeding time and more moving time occurred on leaf than that of bud, boll and petal. When cotton line was considered, compared with non‐transgenic cotton, significantly lower feeding time and higher resting time occurred on the two transgenic cottons. Overall, H. armigera larvae have the ability to detect the transgenic Bt and CpTI‐Bt cottons or the less preferred organs and selectively feed more on the non‐transgenic cotton or the preferred organs, especially the neonates, which have a high capacity for avoiding transgenic cotton.     

Stay or move: how Bt‐susceptible Helicoverpa armigera neonates behave on Bt cotton plants

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae occasionally have been reported to survive at management threshold levels in fields of Bollgard II^® cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae). The pattern and degree of larval survival is not easily predicted but depends on the ability of first instars to establish on host plants. Experiments were conducted with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt)‐susceptible and Bt‐resistant larvae of H. armigera to understand how physiologically Bt‐susceptible H. armigera survive on Bt cotton plants, and examine how their first meal influences survival rates. In assays using cotton plant parts, both strains of larvae displayed similar tendencies to drop‐off specific plant parts of Bt and non‐Bt cotton. However, significantly more Bt‐susceptible larvae dropped off young leaves, mature leaves, and squares of Bt cotton compared to non‐Bt cotton plants. Egg cannibalism significantly improved the survival of Bt‐susceptible H. armigera larvae on Bt cotton plants. Larvae were more likely to eat live aged eggs, than newly laid or dead eggs. Survival significantly improved when larvae cannibalized eggs before feeding on Bt leaves. The behavior of Bt‐susceptible larvae with respect to drop‐off and egg cannibalism may help enhance their survival on Bt cotton plants.     

Preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible Busseola fusca moths and larvae for Bt and non‐Bt maize

The sustainability of genetically engineered insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), is threatened by the evolution of resistance by target pest species. Several Lepidoptera species have evolved resistance to Cry proteins expressed by Bt maize over the last decade, including the African maize stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The insect resistance management (IRM) strategy (i.e., the high‐dose/refuge strategy) deployed to delay resistance evolution is grounded on certain assumptions about the biology and ecology of a pest species, for example, the interactions between the insect pest and crop plants. Should these assumptions be violated, the evolution of resistance within pest populations will be rapid. This study evaluated the assumption that B. fusca adults and larvae select and colonize maize plants at random, and do not show any preference for either Bt or non‐Bt maize. Gravid female B. fusca moths of a resistant and susceptible population were subjected to two‐choice oviposition preference tests using stems of Bt and non‐Bt maize plants. Both the number of egg batches as well as the total number of eggs laid on each stem were recorded. The feeding preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible neonate B. fusca larvae were evaluated in choice test bioassays with whorl leaf samples of specific maize cultivars. Although no differential oviposition preference was observed for either resistant or susceptible female moths, leaf damage ratings indicated that neonate larvae were able to detect Bt toxins and that they displayed feeding avoidance behaviour on Bt maize leaf samples.     

Fitness of Bt‐resistant cabbage loopers on Bt cotton plants

Development of resistance to the insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in insects is the major threat to the continued success of transgenic Bt crops in agriculture. The fitness of Bt‐resistant insects on Bt and non‐Bt plants is a key parameter that determines the development of Bt resistance in insect populations. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the fitness of Bt‐resistant Trichoplusia ni strains on Bt cotton leaves was conducted. The Bt‐resistant T. ni strains carried two genetically independent mechanisms of resistance to Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. The effects of the two resistance mechanisms, individually and in combination, on the fitness of the T. ni strains on conventional non‐Bt cotton and on transgenic Bt cotton leaves expressing a single‐toxin Cry1Ac (Bollgard I) or two Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab (Bollgard II) were examined. The presence of Bt toxins in plants reduced the fitness of resistant insects, indicated by decreased net reproductive rate (R₀) and intrinsic rate of increase (r). The reduction in fitness in resistant T. ni on Bollgard II leaves was greater than that on Bollgard I leaves. A 12.4‐day asynchrony of adult emergence between the susceptible T. ni grown on non‐Bt cotton leaves and the dual‐toxin‐resistant T. ni on Bollgard II leaves was observed. Therefore, multitoxin Bt plants not only reduce the probability for T. ni to develop resistance but also strongly reduce the fitness of resistant insects feeding on the plants.     

转双价基因抗虫棉及其杂交F1代对棉铃虫幼虫的抗性研究

利用室内生物测定法和田间调查法研究双价抗虫棉及其杂交F1代不同生育期主茎功能叶和花铃期不同组织器官的抗虫性。结果表明:双价抗虫棉及其杂交F1代的抗虫性变化规律与B t基因棉的抗虫性变化规律相近,为生育前期(苗期、蕾期)抗性强,生育后期(花铃期、吐絮期)抗性弱,在花铃期为:棉铃>棉蕾>花>棉叶,且差异极显著。与B t基因棉相比,生育前期双价抗虫棉及其杂交F1代的抗虫性略弱,但差异不显著;生育后期双价抗虫棉及其杂交F1代的抗虫性显著强于B t基因棉。     

Predation of cotton bollworm by green lacewings in the presence of cotton aphid as alternative prey on transgenic Bt and conventional cotton

Experiments were conducted in small arenas and on whole plants to explore the effect of cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), as alternative prey on the predation of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae by green lacewing larvae, Mallada signatus Schneider (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Transgenic Bt (Bollgard II^®) and conventional cotton plants were included to explore potential differences in the predator's performance on these cotton types. In small arenas, the presence of 20 aphids reduced predation on H. armigera larvae by 22% (from 5.5 to 3.3 of 10) by a single lacewing larva over a 24‐h period. The presence of H. armigera reduced predation on aphids by ca. 29% (from 16.8 to 11.0 of 20) over 24 h. On whole plants, the presence of alternative prey had no effect on the number of H. armigera larvae or aphids remaining after 3 days. The presence of H. armigera larvae alone, without the predator, caused a 24% reduction in the numbers of aphids on conventional, but not on Bt cotton plants. The combination of Bt cotton and lacewing larvae caused a 96.6% removal of early‐stage H. armigera larvae, a statistically significant increase over the addition of the proportions (91.6%) removed by each factor measured separately, providing evidence of synergism. These studies suggest that the presence of aphids as alternative prey would not necessarily disrupt the predation by green lacewing on larvae of H. armigera, especially on Bt cotton.     

Processing of the maize Bt toxin in the gut of Mythimna unipuncta caterpillars

Mythimna unipuncta Haworth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a well‐known moth species whose larvae can cause devastating damage to some Poaceae crops, including maize (Zea mays L.). The low susceptibility to the Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxin observed in L6 larvae of this species has been the object of several studies. This study aimed to clarify whether the toxin eliminated from the content of the peritrophic membrane is degraded or excreted and whether the effects of the Bt toxin depend on the doses ingested. To this end, L6 larvae were fed on diets with different amounts of lyophilized Bt or non‐Bt maize leaves. The effect of the Bt concentrations on larval development was measured and the fate of the toxin in the larval tissues was tracked. Results indicated that the larvae of M. unipuncta fed on the various diets showed few differences in weight gain, duration of development, or pupal weight between sublethal Bt concentrations. The larvae rapidly excreted a large part of the toxin ingested, whereas inside the peritrophic membrane the toxin was eliminated, degraded, or sequestered at a rate that increased with the dose and the duration of feeding. As a consequence, little toxin reached the midgut epithelium and therefore the binding sites of the toxin. Moreover, larvae fed on the Bt toxin recovered quickly when they were transferred to a non‐Bt diet.     

Next‐generation transgenic cotton: pyramiding RNAi and Bt counters insect resistance

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are extensively cultivated worldwide. To counter rapidly increasing pest resistance to crops that produce single Bt toxins, transgenic plant ‘pyramids’ producing two or more Bt toxins that kill the same pest have been widely adopted. However, cross‐resistance and antagonism between Bt toxins limit the sustainability of this approach. Here we describe development and testing of the first pyramids of cotton combining protection from a Bt toxin and RNA interference (RNAi). We developed two types of transgenic cotton plants producing double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the global lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera designed to interfere with its metabolism of juvenile hormone (JH). We focused on suppression of JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT), which is crucial for JH synthesis, and JH‐binding protein (JHBP), which transports JH to organs. In 2015 and 2016, we tested larvae from a Bt‐resistant strain and a related susceptible strain of H. armigera on seven types of cotton: two controls, Bt cotton, two types of RNAi cotton (targeting JHAMT or JHBP) and two pyramids (Bt cotton plus each type of RNAi). Both types of RNAi cotton were effective against Bt‐resistant insects. Bt cotton and RNAi acted independently against the susceptible strain. In computer simulations of conditions in northern China, where millions of farmers grow Bt cotton as well as abundant non‐transgenic host plants of H. armigera, pyramided cotton combining a Bt toxin and RNAi substantially delayed resistance relative to using Bt cotton alone.     

Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on overwintering characteristics and survival of Helicoverpa armigera

The effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the overwintering generation of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are unknown. We hypothesized that a Bt cotton diet may adversely affect fitness of this generation and examined fresh weight, lipids, glycogens, low-molecular-weight sugars and SCPs (supercooling points) of pupae, as well as survival of larvae, diapausing pupae and adult emergence in comparison with controls. Field and laboratory experiments showed that larvae fed on Bt cotton had a decreased pupation rate, and fewer entered diapause and emerged as adults compared with larvae fed non-Bt cotton. Furthermore, larvae fed Bt cotton had reduced pupal weight, glycogen content and trehalose levels both in diapausing and in non-diapausing pupae, and only diapausing pupae had an increased SCP compared to controls. The SCPs of diapausing pupae reared on Bt cotton were significantly higher than those reared on non-Bt cotton. The trehalose levels of diapausing pupae reared on Bt cotton were significantly lower than those of larvae reared on non-Bt cotton. Thus, these results suggest that a Bt cotton diet weakens the preparedness of cotton bollworm for overwintering and reduces survival of the overwintering generation, which will in turn reduce the density of the first generation in the following year. Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on the overwintering generation of cotton bollworm appear to have significantly contributed to the suppression of cotton bollworm observed throughout northern China in the past decade.     

Helicoverpa armigera baseline susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins and resistance management for Bt cotton in India

Transgenic cotton that produces insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), often referred to as Bt cotton, is widely grown in many countries. Bt cotton with a single cry1A gene and stacked also with cry2A gene has provided satisfactory protection against the damage by the lepidopteran bollworms, especially the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) which is considered as a key pest. The baseline susceptibility of the larvae of H. armigera to Cry1Ac and other toxins carried out in many countries has provided a basis for monitoring resistance. There is no evidence of development of field-level resistance in H. armigera leading to the failure of Bt cotton crop anywhere in the world, despite the fact that Bt cotton was grown on the largest ever area of 12.1 million hectares in 2006 and its cumulative cultivation over the last 11 years has surpassed the annual cotton area in the world. Nevertheless, the Bt resistance management has become a necessity to sustain Bt cotton and other transgenic crops in view of potential of the target insects to evolve Cry toxin resistance.     

棉铃虫对转Bt基因棉的抗性及其治理策略研究进展棉铃虫对转Bt基因棉的抗性及其治理策略研究进展

简述了苏云金杆菌Bacillus thuringiensis（Bt）毒素的作用方式及杀虫机理,分析了Bt棉种植过程中面临的生态风险。综述了昆虫对Bt毒素的抗性机理、监测方法及治理策略方面的研究进展。棉铃虫对Bt棉的抗性可能主要与中肠上皮细胞膜上的特异性结合受体中结合位点的改变有关。在多种抗性治理策略中,庇护所策略被公认为是目前最有效的并已广泛采用的抗性治理措施。应针对Bt棉在我国的种植情况,在棉铃虫还未在田间表现出抗性以前,制定合理的抗性预防、治理措施。     

转CpTI-Bt基因棉和转Bt基因棉对棉铃虫幼虫存活、生长及营养利用的影响

2000年7月中旬和8月中旬, 分别测定了采自田间的转CpTI-Bt基因双价抗虫棉（SGK321, 以下简称CpTI-Bt棉）和转Bt基因抗虫棉（中30,以下简称Bt棉）对棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera幼虫存活、生长的影响。结果表明：7月中旬两种转基因抗虫棉抗虫效果均较好,尤其是CpTI-Bt棉棉叶和花瓣对4龄幼虫3天内致死率为92%以上;8月中旬两种转基因棉的抗虫活性均明显降低,且Bt棉的杀虫活性显著低于CpTI-Bt棉,其幼虫死亡率与对照受体棉中16的死亡率之间无显著差异,仅显著抑制了幼虫的生长;石远321(SGK321受体品系)的花瓣具有一定的抗虫活性,可显著降低取食幼虫的体重,甚至造成部分幼虫死亡; CpTI-Bt棉中,花瓣和棉叶的抗虫性明显高于蕾和铃心。对5龄幼虫取食棉铃1日后的营养指标测定结果显示： 两种转基因抗虫棉处理的幼虫相对生长率和相对取食量均显著低于石远321,但两者之间无显著差异; CpTI-Bt棉处理的幼虫近似消化率显著低于石远321和Bt棉,但其食物利用率显著高于石远321和Bt棉。     

棉铃虫成虫种群空间结构的研究

利用性诱捕器调查了棉铃虫越冬代至 3代棉铃虫成虫种群的种群密度 ,而后用 4种地统计模型拟合其种群的空间结构 ,并分析它们的空间关系 ,其结果如下 :( 1 )越冬代种群在全方位、90°及 1 3 5°方向上空间模型均为线型 ;在 0°及 4 5°方向上分别为球型和指数型 ,模型的参数表明越冬代成虫的空间相关距离为 6.0 1～ 8.0 1空间单位 (单位为 1 0 0 m,下同 ) ,异质系数为 54.60～ 83 .50 ,空间依赖度为 1 50 .0 0～ 1 80 .60。 ( 2 )一代种群在全方位、0°、4 5°、90°及 1 3 5°方向上的空间模型分别为线型、球型、线型、球型和球型 ;模型的种群参数表明一代成虫的空间异质系数是 53 6.0 0～ 588.1 0 ,相关距离为1 6.0 2～ 1 9.0 7空间单位 ,空间取样方差约是 2 60 0。 ( 3 )二代成虫在全方位、0°和 4 5°方向的空间模型均为指数型 ,在 90°及1 3 5°方向的模型均为球型 ;模型的参数表明二代成虫的空间异质系数为 5.56～ 2 5.93 ,空间取样方差是 53 .4 9～ 64 .96,相关距离为 4 .54～ 5.3 3空间单位。 ( 4)三代种群在全方位、0°、4 5°、90°及 1 3 5°方向的模型分别为指数型、球型、指数型、线型和指数型 ,模型的参数表明三代成虫的空间异质系数为 2 91 .93～ 4 93 .67,空间取样方差为 1 1 99.53～ 2     

The impact of secondary pests on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops

The intensification of agriculture and the development of synthetic insecticides enabled worldwide grain production to more than double in the last third of the 20th century. However, the heavy dependence and, in some cases, overuse of insecticides has been responsible for negative environmental and ecological impacts across the globe, such as a reduction in biodiversity, insect resistance to insecticides, negative effects on nontarget species (e.g. natural enemies) and the development of secondary pests. The use of recombinant DNA technology to develop genetically engineered insect‐resistant crops could mitigate many of the negative side effects of insecticides. One such genetic alteration enables crops to express toxic crystalline (Cry) proteins from the soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Despite the widespread adoption of Bt crops, there are still a range of unanswered questions concerning longer term agro‐ecosystem interactions. For instance, insect species that are not susceptible to the expressed toxin can develop into secondary pests and cause significant damage to the crop. Here, we review the main causes surrounding secondary pest dynamics in Bt crops and the impact of such outbreaks. Regardless of the causes, if nonsusceptible secondary pest populations exceed economic thresholds, insecticide spraying could become the immediate solution at farmers’ disposal, and the sustainable use of this genetic modification technology may be in jeopardy. Based on the literature, recommendations for future research are outlined that will help to improve the knowledge of the possible long‐term ecological trophic interactions of employing this technology.     

Invasion origin,rapid population expansion,and the lack of genetic structure of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in the Americas

In 2013, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was officially declared as present in Brazil and, after two years, the species was detected in the Caribbean and North America. Information on genetic features and accurate distribution of pests is the basis for agricultural protection policies. Furthermore, such knowledge is imperative to develop control strategies, understand the geographical range, and genetic patterns of this species in the Americas. Here, we carried out the widest sampling of H. armigera in the South American continent and Puerto Rico, after we estimated the diversity, demographic parameters, and genetic structure. The Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) nuclear marker was used to investigate the presence of putative hybrids between H. armigera and H. zea, and they were observed at a frequency of 1.5%. An ABC analysis, based in COI gene fragment, suggested Europe as the origin of South America specimens of H. armigeraand following a movement northward through the Caribbean. Three mtDNA genes and three nDNA markers revealed high genetic diversity distributed without the defined population structure of H. armigera in South America. Most of the genetic variation is within populations with a multidirectional expansion of H. armigera among morphoclimatic regions. High genetic diversity, rapid population expansion, and hybridization have implications for pest management since they suggest that adaptive alleles are spread through wide areas in South America that favor rapid local adaptation of H. armigera to new and disturbed environments (e.g., in agricultural areas).