ABSTRACT

Dow AgroSciences, LLC (DAS) has genetically modified cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to express two separate insecticidal crystal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for the control of key Lepidopteran pests. Cotton genotype GC510 was transformed to contain the genes that express full-length synthetic protoxins (synpro) of Cry1F or Cry1Ac. Transgenic lines were backcrossed with a non-transgenic elite variety, PSC-355. Subsequently, Cry1F(synpro) and Cry1Ac(synpro) lines were crossed to produce the stacked product, PHY 440W. Dow AgroSciences PHY 440W provided excellent control of bollworm (Helicoverpa zea [Boddie]) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens[F.]), as it was demonstrated by the percent damaged terminals, flowers, squares and bolls, Heliothine larvae incidence and seed cotton yield.