Entomology Commons^™

Comparing The Midgut Regenerative Responses In Bacillus Thuringiensis-Susceptible And Resistant Heliothis Virescens Larvae, Anais Severiana Castagnola

Doctoral Dissertations

The crystal (Cry) toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) display high specificity and toxicity against relevant insect pests and the use of Bt-based products continues to contribute to insect pest management. To protect this investment, further its potential, and investigate possible unintended effects, various research questions have been proposed. One issue related to Bt usage is the evolution of pest resistance to Bt toxins. The midgut epithelium is targeted by Cry toxins killing enterocytes, facilitating invasion of the hemocoel, leading to septicemia and mortality. While resistance may emerge from alterations to these steps, most research efforts have been focused on reduced …