RNAi-based knockdown of candidate gut receptor genes altered the susceptibility of and larvae to a chimeric toxin Cry1AcF.

Background: A multitude of Cry toxins (secreted by or Bt) has been deployed globally either transgenic mean or bio-pesticidal formulations in order to manage insect pests. However, Bt resistance development in insects is emerging as a major concern. To avoid this problem, multiple gene pyramiding or protein-engineered chimeric toxin-based strategy has been analyzed.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of gut receptor-like genes prohibitin and α-amylase altered the susceptibility of Galleria mellonella to Cry1AcF toxin.

Background: Due to the prolonged usage of Bt-based biopesticides and Bt-transgenic crops worldwide, insects are continually developing resistance against Cry toxins. This resistance may occur if any mechanistic step in the insecticidal process is disrupted possibly because of the alteration in Cry-receptor binding affinity due to mutation in receptor genes. Compared to other lepidopteran insects, Cry receptor-related research has made asymmetric progress in the model insect Galleria mellonella.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Cry toxin receptor-like genes from the model insect Galleria mellonella.

Crystal (Cry) toxins produced from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have gained worldwide attention for long due to their insecticidal potential. A number of receptor proteins located on the epithelial cells of the larval midgut were shown to be crucial for Cry intoxication in different insect pests belonging to order Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera. A beehive pest, Galleria mellonella, serves as an excellent insect model for biochemical research.

The induced knockdown of GmCAD receptor protein encoding gene in Galleria mellonella decreased the insect susceptibility to a Photorhabdus akhurstii oral toxin.

bacteria secrete a repertoire of protein toxins that can kill the host insect. Among them, toxin complex (Tc) proteins have gained significant attention due to their wider conservation across the different bacterial genera. In our laboratory, a C-terminal domain of TcaB protein was characterized from bacterium that conferred the potent oral insecticidal effect on .

Dynamics of industrial waste stabilization pond treatment process.

Waste stabilization pond is an artificial ecosystem; its performance is governed by the nature of the biological communities it supports. These are primarily used as secondary effluent treatment plants to polish the effluents. However, they are also used to treat the raw sewage and industrial effluents.

Combined treatment of chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industrial effluents by waste stabilization ponds.

Influent and final effluent was collected from the CMM Ltd., Bethora, Ponda, Goa and were analysed for pH, DO, BOD, enzyme activity and chlorophyll content of the waste stabilization pond for over a period of two years of which the data for one year (pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon periods) is given. The study revealed that the DO was maximum during the pre-monsoon months and least during the monsoon.