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Transgenic avidin maize is resistant to storage insect pests
K J Kramer1, T D Morgan, J E Throne
1Grain Marketing Production Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA.
Nature Biotechnology
|June 3, 2000
Summary
Avidin in maize acts as a biopesticide, preventing insect damage by sequestering biotin. This genetically modified maize is safe for mice, offering a novel pest control solution for stored grains.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Biotechnology
- Entomology
Background:
- Avidin, a biotin-binding glycoprotein from egg white, has potential applications beyond its natural function.
- Stored grain insect pests cause significant agricultural losses worldwide.
- Developing sustainable and effective biopesticides is crucial for food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of avidin as a biopesticide in maize against storage insect pests.
- To determine the toxicity of avidin maize to insects and its mechanism of action.
- To assess the safety of avidin maize for mammalian consumption.
Main Methods:
- Genetically engineered maize to express avidin at high concentrations (>100 ppm).
- Assessed insect development and survival in avidin maize.
- Supplemented insect diets with biotin to counteract avidin toxicity.
- Conducted a 21-day feeding study with mice using avidin maize.
Main Results:
- Avidin maize significantly inhibited insect development and survival.
- Insect toxicity was directly linked to biotin deficiency, reversed by biotin supplementation.
- Avidin maize showed no toxicity in mice during a 21-day dietary study.
Conclusions:
- Avidin expression in maize serves as an effective biopesticide against stored-product insects.
- The mechanism of action involves induced biotin deficiency in insects.
- Avidin maize presents a promising, safe, and targeted pest management strategy for grain crops.