Scientists are finding new ways to fight bollworms, the greatest threat to cotton crop across the globe. Genetic modification through Bt (bascillus thuringiensis) technology had been able to control it to a great extend and help increase the cotton crop, especially in India. Latest reports had shown that bollworms were developing resistance to Bt. But good news is on its way to hapless cotton growers from Australia.
Scientists from Australia?s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), University of Melbourne and Baylor College of Medicine in the US are one step closer to deciphering the cotton bollworm genome. Insights from the bollworm genome will facilitate the development of new and more sustainable ways of controlling one of the world?s worst agricultural pests.
The cotton bollworm, also known as the corn earworm or tomato grub, ranks as one of the most polyphagous and cosmopolitan pests, causing an annual damage of $5 billion globally. It is resistant to nearly every class of chemical pesticide and threatens the long-term effectivity of transgenic crops, which are reliant on Bt proteins.
The complete genome sequence will help scientists develop strategies to prevent the moth from developing resistance to Bt crops. It may also shed light on the biology of its American cousin, the cotton earworm. The team is expected to sequence the moth?s genome in about four months.
The Australian minister for innovation, industry, science and research, senator Kim Carr, said – at the recently concluded ?BIO 2008 International Convention? in San Diego, California – that the team was expected to sequence the moth?s genome in about four months.
?This will allow the collaborating scientists and a worldwide consortium of specialists to work on new ways of controlling this pest,? senator Carr said.
According to CSIRO?s group executive for agribusiness, Joanne Daly, these include: the molecular basis of resistance to chemical and Bt insecticides and population genetics related to the refuge strategies in place to help prevent helicoverpa from developing resistance to Bt transgenic cottons.
?This moth is resistant to nearly every class of chemical pesticide and threatens the long-term viability of transgenic crops, which are reliant on the biological pesticide Bt,? Daly said.