Variability in Rice Stem Borer Population in Their Response to Bacillus thruringiensis Strains and Endotoxins and Its Implications in the Development, and Possible Release of Bt-Engineered Rice

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the existence of variability in rice stem horer populations in their response to an array of Bacillus Thuringionsis (B) strains and endotoxins. The results showed variations in response within. hetveen and among populations of the rice pests. Likewise, selection experiments revealed a wide range of response of insects from generation to generation indicating a great range of genetic diversity within population of the rice pests. Implication of the study in the development and possible release of the Bt-engineered rice are discussed.