Overexpression of the Cry1Ac in two poplar species can effectively inhibit Hyphantria cunea

Hyphantria cunea is a widespread forest pest causing economic losses to forestry worldwide. This study developed Cry1Ac-overexpressing transgenic lines in Populus simonii × P. nigra and P. davidiana × P. bolleana through genetic engineering. ELISA confirmed that Cry1Ac protein expression level above 180 ng/g. Feeding experiments indicated that larvae of H. cunea that ingested transgenic leaves showed a significant reduction in growth and development, characterized by notably decreased body weight and food consumption, ultimately leading to total mortality within five days. High-throughput sequencing analysis uncovered stress responses at both the RNA and metabolic levels in the larvae following consumption of leaves from Cry1Ac overexpressing poplar. This research presents innovative strategies for breeding insect-resistant poplars and provides new insights for the management of H. cunea.