Synergism of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1, Cry2, and Vip3 Proteins in Spodoptera frugiperda Control.

The polyphagous caterpillar, Spodoptera frugiperda, has been controlled with either chemical insecticides or transgenic plants such as Bt maize that expresses the cry and/or vip genes of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium. Despite the efficiency of Bt toxins in lepidopteran control, populations resistant to Bt plants have emerged in different locations around the world. Thus, understanding how combined proteins interact against pests can assist resistance control and management.

Cry1Ac and Vip3Aa proteins from targeting Cry toxin resistance in and from sugarcane.

The biological potential of Vip and Cry proteins from is well known and widely established. Thus, it is important to look for new genes showing different modes of action, selecting those with differentiated entomotoxic activity against and , which are secondary pests of sugarcane. Therefore, Cry1 and Vip3 proteins were expressed in , and their toxicities were evaluated based on bioassays using neonate larvae.