Laboratory-selected colonies of western corn rootworm with increased tolerance to maize containing event das-59122-7 and methods of use

Abstract

Laboratory-selected colonies of western corn rootworm exhibiting tolerance to maize containing event DAS-59122-7 are described. Further, methods for various uses of these resistance western corn rootworm colonies are also described, including development of negative cross-resistance strategies and improved resistance management strategies.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional applications Ser. No. 60 / 977,477 filed Oct. 4, 2007, and Ser. No. 61 / 029,958 filed Feb. 20, 2008, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to new laboratory-selected colonies of western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, LeConte) with increased tolerance to maize containing event DAS-59122-7, as well as methods of using such tolerant organisms and the information gathered from such organisms.[0003]Maize (zea mays) is often referred to as corn in the United States. One major problem faced by growers of maize in the United States is the effects of pests, such as WCR, on the yield and standability of a particular maize crop. In an effort to combat pest infestations, various methods have been employed in order to reduce or eliminate pests in a particular plot. These efforts include r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In a further aspect, the invention concerns utilizing tolerant insects, including those from either or both of the York Selected Colony or Rochelle Selected Colony, to determine potential insect control strategies utilizing negative cross-resistance.

[0017]In another aspect, the invention concerns utilizing tolerant insects, including those from either or both of the York Selected Colony or Rochelle Selected Colony, to develop new resistance management strategies.

[0018]In another aspect, the invention concerns utilizing tolerant insects, including those from either or both of the York Selected Colony or Rochelle Selected Colony, to validate assumptions used in resistance risk computer simul...

Problems solved by technology

One major problem faced by growers of maize in the United States is the effects of pests, such as WCR, on the yield and standability of a particular maize crop.

A recurring problem with these types of pest management strategies is the development of resistance in the pest population.

Once this occurs, the strategy or particular insecticidal tactic previously used is no longer effective, and efforts must be undertaken to determine a new method to reduce or eliminate the target pest.

Of course, this method has the obvious drawback of leaving 20% of a corn crop susceptible to pest attack, thereby reducing yield substantially in those plants.

This problem is complicated by the manner by which resistant or tolerant pests are typically obtained, namely by direct and potentially unrealistic exposure to the toxin of interest.

This type of exposure does not accurately reflect the conditions under which pests will encounter toxins in the field, however, such as in the case of toxins produced by transgenic pest resistant crops.

When this phenomenon is observed, there is a greater danger of resistance or tolerance development in the target pest, as development of resistance or tolerance to one toxin also increases resistance or tolerance to another toxin.

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