RNA interference (RNAi) has significantly accelerated functional genomic research on insects. Since its discovery, numerous reports have reported efforts to apply RNAi approaches to insect species lacking characterized genomes. The technique also has substantial potential for use in the control of...

This book focuses on descriptions of the extent of use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops and the emerging problem of resistance, recent progress in elucidating the mechanism of action of Bt toxins and describing the different resistance mechanisms and strategies for coping with resistance in the ...

Transgenic cotton that expresses a gene derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been deployed for combating the cotton pests Helicoverpa armigera and Pectinophora gossypiella since 1997 in China. The pest management tactics associated with Bt cotton have resulted in a drastic...

The evolution of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize by the African stem borer, Busseola fusca, in South Africa highlighted the importance of the development of appropriate integrated resistance management (IRM) strategies for stem borers in Africa. Landscape heterogeneity is...

Genetically engineered crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for insect control target major insect pests. Bt crops have improved yields and their use reduces the risks associated with the application of conventional insecticides. However, the evolution of resistance to Bt toxins by...

The binding of Cry toxins to receptors on the midgut brush border membrane is a necessary step in the Cry intoxication process. Alterations in this binding step are commonly associated with high levels of resistance to Cry toxins in laboratory and field pest populations. When alterations affect...

Insecticidal crystalline (Cry) toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) used in sprays and transgenic crop plants have provided major benefits for pest control, including decreased reliance on broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. However, extensive use of Bt toxins has selected for...

Since first being commercialized in 1996, transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins has gained widespread acceptance in the world. In 2013, nearly 50 Mha of Bt maize were planted in 15 countries. In the same year, growers in the USA alone planted c.30 Mha of Bt maize, which...

Throughout this book, several authors have reviewed the pest resistance challenges within the context of the use of genetically modified (GM) crops, the solutions that are necessary to mitigate the evolution of insect pest resistance and the continued need for effective insect resistance management ...