The use of biotin-binding proteins for insect control

Area of Science:

• Agricultural science
• Biotechnology
• Entomology

Background:

• Biotin-binding proteins (BBPs), such as avidin and streptavidin, are expressed in transgenic plants.
• These proteins are insecticidal to a wide range of insects, including Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and mites.
• BBPs are effective at low expression levels (approx. 100 ppm) and target biotin, a vital nutrient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of BBPs expressed in transgenic plants for insect pest control.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of BBP technology compared to existing methods like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) delta-endotoxins.
• To explore strategies for managing insect resistance to crop protection agents.

Main Methods:

• Expression of biotin-binding proteins (avidin and streptavidin) in transgenic plants.
• Testing insecticidal activity against various insect orders and mites.
• Assessing ecological impact on non-target organisms and potential for insect resistance development.

Main Results:

• BBPs demonstrate insecticidal effects on at least 40 insect species across five orders and mites.
• No adverse impacts on non-target microorganisms or invertebrates were recorded, likely due to rapid dilution.
• Insects have limited ability to develop resistance as biotin cannot be modified while remaining a functional vitamin.

Conclusions:

• BBP technology offers a stable and proteolysis-resistant insect control method for transgenic crops.
• The broad-spectrum efficacy and novel resistance mechanism make BBPs a promising alternative to Bt toxins.
• Initial focus on non-food crops (fiber, forestry, biofuel) is recommended to avoid compromising plant nutritional value.