Expression of Synthetic SN 19 Hybrid Delta-Endotoxin Encoding Gene in Transgenic Potato

Abstract

Expression of Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins has proven to be a successful strategy for obtaining insect resistance in transgenic plants. Drawbacks of expression of a single resistance gene are the limited target spectrum and the potential for rapid adaptation of the pest. Hybrid toxins with a wider target spectrum in combination with existing toxins may be used as tool to mitigate these problems. In this study Red Star potato plants were genetically modified to resist insect attack by Colorado potato beetle, through insertion of synthetic version of such a hybrid gene, SN19. This makes it a useful tool for resistance management strategies.