The Proteolytic Activation, Toxic Effects, and Midgut Histopathology of the <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> Cry1Ia Protoxin in <i>Rhynchophorus ferrugineus</i> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

ABSTRACT: The red palm weevil (RPW; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a destructive pest affecting palms worldwide, capable of causing significant economic losses and ecological damage in managed palm ecosystems. Current management heavily relies on synthetic insecticides, but their overuse fosters resistance. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) offers a promising alternative, producing toxins selective against various insect orders, including Coleoptera. However, no specific Bt toxin has yet been identified for RPW. This study investigates the toxicity against RPW larvae of the Bt Cry1Ia protoxin, known for its dual activity against Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. A laboratory RPW colony was reared for two generations, ensuring a reliable insect source for bioassays. Cry1Ia was expressed as a 6xHis-tagged f

SUBMITTER: Ayra-Pardo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11861718 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature