Bt rice could provide ecological resistance against nontarget planthoppers

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12911
• Publication Date: 2018-03-06T17:20:37Z
• Authors: Xingyun Wang; Qingsong Liu; Michael Meissle; Yufa Peng; Kongming Wu; Jörg Romeis; Yunhe Li
• Keywords: Planthopper; Bacillus thuringiensis; Brown planthopper; Antibiosis; Chilo suppressalis; Bt Cotton

Genetically engineered (GE) rice lines expressing Lepidoptera-active insecticidal cry genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been developed in China. Field surveys indicated that Bt harbours fewer planthoppers than non-Bt although are not sensitive to produced Cry proteins. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we show low numbers of on associated with reduced caterpillar damage. In laboratory and field-cage experiments, planthopper Nilapavata lugens had no feeding preference for undamaged or plants but exhibited a strong caterpillar-damaged whether non-Bt. Under open-field conditions, were more abundant neighbouring healthy rice. GC-MS analyses showed damage induced release plant volatiles known be attractive planthoppers, metabolome revealed increased amino acid contents sterol benefit development. That Lepidoptera-resistant is less important nontarget pest field therefore first example ecological resistance pests. Our findings suggest refuges established delaying development may also act as trap crop N. possibly other planthoppers.