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QLK3-2002-01969
Protecting the benefits of Bt-toxins from insect resistance development by monitoring and management (ProBenBt)
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Contacts
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Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control
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Quality of Life - 3. The Cell Factory
| Type of Project |
Research Conytact |
| Contract No |
QLK3-2002-01969 |
| Total Cost |
|
| EC Contribution |
2,091,028 EUR |
| Start Date |
01-11-2002 |
| Duration |
36 Months |
Abstract
Abstract
The ProBenBt project will provide a solid dataset on which to base a practical resistance
management plan accompanying the European introduction of transgenic Bt-maize for its safe
and sustainable use in Europe. Five work packages have been developed:
- WP1. Genetically differentiated populations of ECB/MCB and susceptibility monitoring.
- WP2. F2-Screen of rare recessive Bt-resistance alleles and laboratory selection of resistant
ECB/MCB.
- WP3. Development of tools to detect resistance genes.
- WP4. Mode of action of Bt-toxin in ECB/MCB.
- WP5. Resistance management plan.
To ensure adequate coverage of all relevant topics, at least one specialised researcher
of each large maize-producing European country will participate. Two associated scientists
from abroad are also contributing specialised expertise.
Objectives
The introduction into the EU market of transgenic Bt-maize, bearing a gene encoding an insecticidal
endotoxin (Bt), has many benefits in increasing pest control while reducing use of insecticides.
These benefits could be lost if the potential for the most destructive corn pests, the European-
and Mediterranean corn borer (ECB/MCB) to develop Bt-resistance is ignored. To prolong the
safe and efficacious use of Bt-maize, this joint EU project will support a unique combination of
approaches.
In general a European-wide programme to monitor ECB/MCB susceptibility levels to Bt-toxins
in populations of a member state, and determining initial allele frequencies at candidate resistance
genes to which at least one project participant of each country will contribute.More specifically,
targeted investigations into various aspects of ECB/MCB genetics and Bt resistance. The results
will create a solid dataset on which to base a practical resistance management plan.
Activities
The members of this FP5 joint EU project will focus their research activities on the following topics.
- monitoring Bt-susceptibility patterns in time and space.
- elucidating dispersal rates and genetic population structure of ECB and MCB.
- measuring gene flow between different pheromone races of ECB.
- establishment of a central collection of specimens from all over Europe.
- distribution of research materials (Bt toxins, specimens, DNA) to participants.
- determining initial allele frequencies at candidate resistance genes.
- development of resistant strains by laboratory selection.
- characterisation of resistance mechanisms.
- development of prognostic tools for determination of Bt-resistance development.
The members have been chosen with two objectives in mind. First is the necessity of having
one specialised researcher in each European country to perform the basic susceptibility studies as
demanded by the Scientific Committee on Plants (Opinion of the SCP on Bt - Resistance monitoring,
expressed on 4 March 1999,
ec.europa.eu/food/fs/sc/scp/out35_en.html), and to perform
the additional F2-screens. Second is the need to cover all the basic topics in the ecological,
biochemical, and molecular areas. To ensure adequate coverage of all relevant approaches, one
scientist from Australia with an outstanding international reputation has been invited to participate
as associated member (not EU funded). This will bring to the project specialised expertise in the
mapping and identification of Bt-resistance genes in laboratory-derived resistant strains. Another
scientist from USA (sub-contracting) is needed to provide practical methodology of identifying rare,
recessive resistance alleles in field populations and for bringing experience to develop resistance
management plans, not available to Europe because of the regulatory situation. Timing of this research
effort is crucial, for it must occur before Bt maize has been introduced in Europe.
Deliverables
The expertise will create innovative results:
- the first EU picture of baseline susceptibility of ECB/MCB to Bt toxins.
- the first set of initial allele frequencies of several candidate resistance genes.
- the first archival DNA bank of ECB/MCB, enabling retrospective analysis of increase in actual
resistance allele frequencies.
- a solid dataset on which to base a resistance management plan accompanying the EU introduction
of transgenic Bt-maize.
Contacts
Coordinator
Participant
