Genetically Modified Potatoes against the Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Some physiological and biological aspects of black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon feed on genetically modified potatoes, Newleaf Superior expressing Cry3Aa and Desiree GNA were examined using bioassay experiments under laboratory conditions. The results showed that significant different in body weight has been found between N.L. Superior, Desiree GNA  and control with feeding larvae since 3rd larval instar. The larvae showed a highly significant prolongation in the larval duration in comparison with control and with N.L. Superior respectively. The leaves ingested and assimilated had a positive effect and significantly reduced in the larvae appeared the most food utilization parameters were less than those of the control larvae. The food consumed by the larvae was 37.36±2.87 and 30.80±1.31 mg for N.L. Superior and GNA respectively, and increased to 87.86±1.48 and 90.22±3.12 mg for the control of N.L. Superior and GNA respectively, while it reached to the maximum value with the larvae feed on non-transgenic potatoes leaves (94.16±2.48 mg). On the other hand the conversion of digested leaves to biomass was higher in the larvae feed on N.L. Superior concluded that  the presence of Cry3Aa in N.L. Superior leaves and Desiree GNA reduced biomass increment reducing food intake and decreased digestibility but increased the ratio of digested food (ECD) converted to biomass.