First Detection of Naturally Introgressed BT Cry1Ab in Asian Corn Borer [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)] - Resistant Traditional Maize (Silangan) in the Philippines

Authors

Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, PhilippinesFollow
Eureka Teresa C. Ocampo, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4030 Laguna, Philippines
Artemio Salazar, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Jefferson Paril, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Bryan Novio, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Bernard Panabang, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Angelyn Marta Marmeto, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College 4031 Laguna, Philippines

Publication Date

12-1-2021

Abstract

Resistance against insect pests is one of the most promising and highly favored characteristics of an economically important crop. In the Philippines, the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is the most destructive insect pest of maize. The discovery of Bacillus thuringiensis and the Bt toxin, which led to the development of Bt corn, effectively controlled this pest. In this study, four traditional varieties of maize that showed resistance against ACB were tested for the presence of Bt Cry1Ab protein. Out of these four, a traditional variety from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, which was initially thought to have natural resistance against the pest, tested positive for the presence of the Cry protein. Confirmatory testing for the presence of the transgene was done through PCR, which also confirmed the locations in Pangasinan where introgressed Silangan are present. This is the first report of natural introgression of cry1Ab in a traditional maize variety in the Philippines. Results of this study can be used as basis to profile the existing CGUARD collection of traditional maize for the presence of transgenes, and in future corn germplasm conservation and utilization efforts. These can also be used to suggest improvement on the existing policy on biosafety measures to be implemented in the country.

Recommended Citation

Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T.; Ocampo, Eureka Teresa C.; Salazar, Artemio; Paril, Jefferson; Novio, Bryan; Panabang, Bernard; and Marmeto, Angelyn Marta (2021) "First Detection of Naturally Introgressed BT Cry1Ab in Asian Corn Borer [Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)] - Resistant Traditional Maize (Silangan) in the Philippines," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 104: No. 4, Article 1.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol104/iss4/1