Effect of Potash Application on Gene Expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 in Bt Cotton Hybrid

Author: Karan H. Parmar, H.R. Desai, B.K. Rajkumar, N.D. Makwana and R.D. Patel

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of different levels of potash (K2O) application on the gene expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 endotoxins in Bt cotton hybrid G. Cot. Hy. 8 BG II. A field experiment was conducted at the Main Cotton Research Station, Surat, with 12 treatments, including varying potash levels (0, 40, and 80 kg ha-1), the application of potash mobilizing bacteria (KMB), and foliar sprays of potassium nitrate (KNO3). Potash application significantly influenced the incidence of pink bollworm (PBW), reducing larval populations and flower damage in Bt cotton. Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 expression levels in different plant parts remained above critical thresholds for bollworm management, with higher expressions in treatments with potash application. The study indicates that potash supplementation can enhance bollworm resistance by stabilizing Bt gene expression in cotton hybrids

Keywords

cotton, potash, bollworm, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ac

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that potash application can significantly influence the efficacy of Bt genes in controlling bollworm populations by enhancing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 expression in Bt cotton. These findings suggest that optimal K2O application can improve Bt cotton's resistance to bollworm pests and should be considered in pest management strategies.

References

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How to cite this article

Karan H. Parmar, H.R. Desai, B.K. Rajkumar, N.D. Makwana and R.D. Patel (2024). Effect of Potash Application on Gene Expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 in Bt Cotton Hybrid. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(12): 56-60