Disruption of HaVipR1 confers Vip3Aa resistance in the moth crop pest Helicoverpa armigera

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003165
• Publication Date: 2025-05-29T17:21:44Z
• Authors: Andreas Bachler; Amanda Padovan; Craig J. Anderson; Yiyun Wei; Yidong Wu; Stephen Pearce; Sharon Downes; Bill James; Ashley E. Tessnow; Gregory A. Sword; Michelle Williams; Wee Tek Tay; Karl H. J. Gordon; Tom K. Walsh
• Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis; Cry1Ac; Bt Cotton

The global reliance on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins for controlling lepidopteran pests in cotton, corn, and soybean crops underscores the critical need to understand resistance mechanisms. Vip3Aa, one of most widely deployed currently effective Bt genetically modified crops, plays a pivotal role pest management. This study investigates molecular basis Vip3Aa Australian Helicoverpa armigera through genetic crosses, integrated genomic transcriptomic analyses. We identified previously uncharacterized gene, LOC110373801 (designated HaVipR1 ), as potentially important two field-derived resistant lines. Functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout susceptible lines confirmed gene’s conferring high-level Vip3Aa. Despite extensive laboratory selection Vip3Aa-resistant colonies Lepidoptera, biochemical mechanisms underlying have remained elusive. Our research identifies potential contributor resistance, adding our understanding how insects may develop this protein. identification contributes inform future management strategies. Future work should explore pathways influenced by assess its interactions with other approach utilized here value agricultural highlights targeted approaches manage sustainably.