Susceptibility of Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to Five Cry Toxins

Abstract

The beetle Xylotrechus arvicola is a significant pest in vineyards (Vitis vinifera) in the wine-producing regions of the Iberian Peninsula. X. arvicola larvae bore the grapevine wood and make galleries, which cause structural damage to the plant and a decrease in the quality and quantity of its production. The susceptibility of X. arvicola larvae to five coleopteran toxic Cry proteins (Cry1B, Cry1I, Cry3A, Cry7A, and Cry23/37) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. After 30 days, Cry proteins showed larvicidal activity against X. arvicola, with mortality rates over 50%, with the proteins Cry1Ba and Cry7Ab being the most aggressive, with mortality rates over 80%. The evaluated Cry proteins can be applied in the environmentally friendly control of X. arvicola larvae since they are able to kill them. The larval stage tested is prior to drilling into the plant, which makes spray treatments feasible. The results can help in the design of combinations of Cry proteins as biopesticides to be applied by the time these larvae hatch to increase vine wood protection.