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Expression of a Paralytic Neurotoxin Gene to Improve Insect Baculoviruses as Biopesticides

Bio/Technology volume 10, pages 545–549 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

Recombinant baculoviruses expressing tox34, a mite gene encoding the insect–selective neurotoxin TxP–I, paralyze insects during the infection process. In this study, we investigated several key parameters which can influence the relative efficacy of toxin–expressing recombinant baculoviruses as biological pesticides. These parameters included the nature of the promoter controlling tox34 transcription and polyhedra production in infected larvae. The amount of weight gained during infection and the time required for paralysis was promoter dependent; the most effective promoter tested was a hybrid comprising both late and very late viral promoter elements. Since TxP–I paralyzes but does not immediately kill infected insects, larvae can be used for virus pesticide production.

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Author notes

  1. Michael D. Tomalski

    Present address: Insect Biochemistry Group, Rhone-Poulenc Ag. Co., P.O. Box 12014, 2 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709

  2. Lois K. Miller: Corresponding author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Entomology and Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602

    Lois K. Miller

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  1. Michael D. Tomalski
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  2. Lois K. Miller
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Tomalski, M., Miller, L. Expression of a Paralytic Neurotoxin Gene to Improve Insect Baculoviruses as Biopesticides. Nat Biotechnol 10, 545–549 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0592-545

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