Constitutive expression of the maize genes B1 and C1 in transgenic Hi II maize results in differential tissue pigmentation and generates resistance to Helicoverpa zea.
Anthocyanin biosynthesis in maize protects tissues from biotic and abiotic stresses. Constitutive expression of the maize B1 and C1 genes, which induces anthocyanin biosynthesis, resulted in transgenic plants with varied phenotypes. Some colored leaves were substantially resistant to thrips damage, while only leaves with the highest levels of cyanidin, the predominant anthocyanidin detected in all colored transgenic tissues, were resistant to corn earworm (CEW) larvae. Colored anthers were resistant to CEW feeding, and reductions in CEW growth were significantly correlated to levels of cyanidin in the anthers. Cyanidin chloride and cyanidin-3-glucoside chloride added to insect diet slowed the growth of CEW larvae. Attempts to produce 3'5'-hydroxylated anthocyanins in colored maize with the expression of a petunia F3'5'H hydroxylase gene were unsuccessful.
Johnson
Eric T
ET
Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, 1815 N University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA. eric.t.johnson@ars.usda.gov
Berhow
Mark A
MA
Dowd
Patrick F
PF
D000818:Animals; D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D001937:Brassica / Q000469:parasitology; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D007313:Insecta / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D032306:Petunia / Q000235:genetics / Q000469:parasitology; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000235:genetics; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics* / Q000469:parasitology
D000872:Anthocyanins